TV is the New Reading

‘American Idol’: It’s

all downhill from here

This was the last week for me to tune into “American Idol.”

Some people dislike the audition rounds. No less a person than a TVGUIDE columnist recently complained that the audition rounds are pointless and annoying because they give people with no talent a national stage.

That was written with no apparent sense of irony, given that the show has had the same three knuckle-headed judges and insipid host for nearly a decade.

Clearly the naysayers don’t understand the nature of reality television. That’s what the cameras are there for – for the uncertainly talented to leap out in front of and potentially make total fools of themselves.

It’s actually so much fun to watch when, after a lifetime of being told by everyone in one’s personal universe that one is a sparkling talent, people come face to face with the objective reality that honestly, no, they cannot sing.

And some contestants clearly think that stage presence and performance will make up for a lack of singing ability, but again, “American Idol” is primarily a singing competition. The scales are almost never going to be tipped by the wearing of interesting hats.

Nasty streak

Naturally, these are moments of sheer revelry for those of us out here with a nasty streak of schadenfreude.

Am I ashamed to admit that I take immense pleasure in these terrible disappointments of others? Not at all. First off, I had to listen to them, same as everyone. They’ve earned whatever they get. You want to feel bad for someone, pity the judges. They had entire days of these people.

Secondly, I’m not the only one. A few years ago, “American Idol” presented an installment featuring the absolute worst auditions the judges encountered leading up to that season. That was a staggeringly popular episode. People love to see the contestants try and fail. The audition rounds are easily as entertaining as the regular show.

Thirdly, the regular show is boring. I’m honestly done with it at this point. While some viewers truly invest themselves in one singer or another, it doesn’t matter even a little bit who actually wins. Someone will win a contract. It’s guaranteed by the very structure and nature of the show. And at this point, everyone involved is a tolerably capable singer, so frankly I don’t care who it is.

For me, the fun part’s over – at least for another year.

Features Editor Terry J. Aman compiles the Best Bets for The Minot Daily News.

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