Deeanne Gist - www.deeannegist.com - Inspirational Romance Author

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

American Idol Season Finale

What is it about American Idol that is so appealing? I watched it faithfully when one of our local boys (Will Makar) was in the running. And it was the first time I ever participated in the voting. After that, my attendance was inconsistent ... until it narrowed to the top five.

It's a show that appeals to all walks of life and all ages. It's one of the few shows my teenagers and I both enjoy and can watch together. My hair dresser talks about these kids as if she knows them personally. The Starbucks cashier asked who I voted for last night. I saw an interview this weekend with Princes William & Harry. And guess what their favorite TV show is? Yep. American Idol. (Though they admit their favorite part is the auditions.)

For me, some of the appeal is the rags-to-riches scenario. Some of the appeal is that the viewer is an active participant. Some of the appeal is spending a season with these kids and watching them grow and achieve success. Some of the appeal is the wholesome factor in the show (no eatting maggots, no overtly sensual scenes, no going at each others' throats, etc.). Some of the appeal is sitting in the living room with my own teenagers twice a week for no other reason then because we want to.

It was amazing how much more invested in the outcome I was once I voted. I was so disappointed when Chris was not promoted. And excited when Taylor was.

I'd heard that more people vote for American Idol than the presidency. I don't know if that's true. And it's not really a fair comparision because you don't have to be registered to vote for AI, nor do you have to go to a voting booth to cast your opinion. Still, it's disconcerting.

Nevertheless, I (along with my teens) will be gathered around the tube this evening for the two hour season finale (Fox--8/7c). I tried to vote for Taylor last night, but the lines were busy for over an hour and then I got distracted and forgot.

What about you? Did you vote? Do you watch? Why?

posted by Deeanne at 9:33 AM

8 Comments:

Meg said...: I've been rooting for Taylor from the beginning, partly because I know somebody who knows somebody who knows him, but mostly because I enjoy his attitude and his voice. I liked Chris, too--he would have been my second choice--but I think Taylor's more entertaining.

Simon was right about Taylor's jacket, though. Ick!
Barb said...: We just started watching Idol halfway thru this year's season, for the very first time in our lives. Friends are ga-ga over it. It's so interesting to me how much confidence--or at least the appearance of confidence--makes a star as much as talent does. I think that's gonna be a huge factor in tonite's results. And I kinda liked the color of Taylor's jacket, but not to wear out in public. Obviously people noticed it tho!
Deeanne said...: You're right about the confidence factor, Barb. Talent without confidence does not equal American Idol.

And I got a kick out of the purple jacket. It was just sooooo Taylor.
Deeanne said...: Well, he won. I'm so pleased for him. I must confess, though, I thought Kathryn owned the show last night. She came across strong and had that confidence-factor we were talking about. I think the both of them will do really well.
Barb said...: I think Taylor's joyful personality was what won it for him ultimately, tho he definitely has talent. That and his apparent no-fear attitude about doing things a little differently or even oddly occasionally. It's hard not to admire a person like that, hard not to root for a person like that!
Tiff/Amber Miller said...: The guy I wanted was booted out 2 weeks ago, so I gave up. I thought he was the best. Taylor and Kathryn just don't compare.

But it's true. A show the entire family can watch without concern over covering ears or eyes because of suggestive content. Just wish show producers/writers would create quality drama and sitcoms like these.
Deeanne said...: Who were you rooting for, Tiff?
Tiff/Amber Miller said...: Well, with the ones left, I was rooting for Kathryn. But all along, I was rooting for Chris Daughtry. He made it to the 10th at least. :)