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Make Me a Star:
American Idol...
No one knew what kind of impact American Idol would have when it first aired. A British import much like "The Weakest Link," it was primarily used by FOX as a summer filler. Another reality show. About kids that want to sing. Like we haven't heard that before ("Popstars" and "Making the Band," we're talking to you). It didn't help much that no one from those shows actually did anything or went anywhere. Sure, it was fun to make fun of people who didn't have a snowball's chance in hell of getting a record deal. But there's only so much the public can endure.
DID YOU KNOW?
Word spread quickly, and "American Idol" became an overnight success. Much of it had to do with rickety judge Simon Cowell, who helped create the British "Pop Idol." (Coincidentally, the Idol show has also been brought to South America and Poland). It was just a matter of time before Idols would infiltrate the fickle American culture. Simon, known for his harsh judgment and blunt comments, became the Hot Topic for Americans everywhere (and also leant credence to the stereotype that British People Are Mean). Soon, contestants became household names. Last night's American Idol was discussed at the water cooler and the hair salon. The finalists graced the covers of Entertainment Weekly and US Weekly, to name a few. Everyone wanted a piece of it.
Michelle introduced me to "American Idol," and we became hooked faster than it takes to say "Vietnamese food." Every week we have phone conferences about the show. If that sounds obsessed, that's because it is an obsession. Some of the contestants were born for stardom, while others were not. It's the thrill of the competition and the performances that keep us coming back for more (not to mention Simon's mean comments). Unlike "Popstars" or "Making the Band" some of these finalists actually have talent.
"American Idol" works like this: after a country-wide search, the judges narrow it down to 30 finalists. Following this, the contestants compete in groups of ten. After the show, viewers are invited to call an 800 number to vote for their favourite. From each group, only the top three move on. The rest are considered a "wildcard" (the last slot to fill the final ten), which is hand-picked by the judges. The finalists are eliminated one by one (although the first elimination consisted of two people) until there is one person left. Each week, the finalists must sing a themed song. And believe us, it's no easy feat, as each genre has its own unique style. Viewers call in their votes, and the lowest scoring contestant gets the boot.
The remaining three will have a chance to record their own version of the first single (rumour has it that it's a "power ballad" type of song), but only the winner and the runner-up will have it released. The winner will also receive a $1 million recording contract from Simon's record company, BMG. The full album is slated for a November 26 release, while another disc featuring the ten finalists will hit stores in October. The contestants are also contractually forbidden to sign with another label for at least three months following the competition. "American Idol 2" is already in plans for early next year, probably airing sometime in January or February. You can catch the final show on September 4, where the American Idol will be revealed. ¤ C.Ho. and Michelle
[ Why Paula is so nice, why Simon is so mean, why Randy has limited vocabulary. ]