American Idol

American Idol is an American Icon

American Idol is a reality show that premiered in 2002. As most people know it is a show that searches for an individual with outstanding vocal talent. Thousands of people try out for the show, and only an elite group make it on to the show. As each week passes people are eliminated. Viewers call in or text message in to American idol after each episode in order to vote for who they think had the best performance. The three judges are diverse and give the show a unique personality. A few of the most successful winners of American idol are Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks, and Kelly Clarkson.

In Joshua Gamson’s article he points out that greatness meant that a famous person had actual talent, they “held distinctive inner qualities”, and their fame wasn’t created or manufactured. Years ago most fame was due to greatness, but with changes in our culture such as technology advancements, and reality television, much of today’s fame is created and manufactured. American Idol is a combination of the both. The contestant’s who make it onto the show, and those who win, are all extremely talented. The winners most definitely have “greatness.” But if the reality show American Idol didn’t exist, would any of these talented artists have been discovered? Their fame is manufactured and created by the popularity of this television show, but there is also no doubt that they actually do have talent as well. The fact that viewers vote on who they think has the most talent has a significant impact on the outcome. As Janet Staiger discussed in her piece Perverse Spectators, when people discuss a cultural text they have just seen, a persons views can be altered. When a family sits around the television to watch American Idol, they are not going to sit in silence without voicing their opinions about who they liked and didn’t like, and who they are going to vote for. Discussion after each contestant’s performance is extremely influential in the overall number of votes for each contestant. Many people feel that the voting system for this show is unfair, and the contestant’s should be judged by a larger panel of judges who have extensive experience in the music industry. The winner of American Idol each season gets a guaranteed record deal. Which continues to leave me wondering how successful and famous would each winner be independently without American Idol. Would their talent have been enough for them to climb to the top without American Idol? American Idol is a symbol of our countries popular culture, and the way that reality television has the power to create fame.