They’re Mean… You’re Watching

This afternoon, MSNBC spent ten minutes discussing American Idol. The conversation included analysis of this season’s tone and a theory that several of the horrid may not be amateurs. Ultimately, both the anchor and media analyst concurred this season is “very mean.”

No one cares. Simon is mean. Are Paula and Randy attempting to mimic his vitriol? They cannot. They would have to be coherent first. Paula is a marshmallow, who practically delivers her opinion through tears. Randy has a three word vocabulary. Simon, Paula, and Randy held these traits in season one. Their personalities remain unchanged.

People are watching. People will watch. Despite never producing a “pop idol” (sans Kelly Clarkson, who only prospered after splitting with Nineteen Management), the show has become an institution. Eventually, their unaltered formula will stagnate viewership. However, their next five seasons are secure.

Personally, I believe the judges are irrelevant. Following the Hollywood stage, America is the decider. Unfortunately, America heeds their mindless prattle. If the judges were removed, I believe we would also dismiss the concept of Idol as a singing competition. In America, being a pop idol has nothing to do with singing.