The outcry over last week’s season premiere of “American Idol” certainly had an impact on the ratings.
With all the buzz about how shocked and dismayed and disappointed people are in the harsh criticisms and exploitation of the audition contestants, with people claiming that this time Simon Cowell and Friends have really gone too far, the numbers suffered.
They went from 37.4 million on Tuesday to 37 million on Wednesday.
The point here is not to mock or gloat or be in awe of the power of this television juggernaut over those who would criticize it. And it isn’t to make the clear point that American audiences clearly love watching people be humiliated on TV while we laugh at them.
It’s to remind you that we do this every year.
The first time around, no one really knew what “Idol” was or what to make of it.
But in the five years since then, this has been our annual parade.
By now, we should know the drill.
For several weeks, we watch the William Hungs of the world get their shot at a few moments on TV. They sound and usually look terrible, we laugh, the judges laugh, too. Then Cowell and Co. rail on them and ask them why they’re really there and whether they think they’re actually good singers.
The contestants always say they’re there “to be the next ‘American Idol,’ ” and they tell the judges that they believe they’re good singers and that all their friends tell them they’re good singers. And we all get a good laugh out of that, too.
And then the rejects slump their shoulders and walk out of the audition room, often trying to push open the one double door that’s locked – which gives us one more little chuckle.
Sure, Cowell probably could have gone without calling the one guy a “bush baby” (I think he actually meant a lemur, but it’s an odd-looking primate, nonetheless). In a rare moment of apology, Cowell reportedly admitted as much at the TV Critics Association winter press tour.
“I take your point that it’s a singing competition. Why should I tell someone I thought he looks like a bush baby?” Cowell said. “We never try to censor this show, and there are times when I watch it and I think, ‘God, I wish I hadn’t said that.’ “
Good enough, but despite all the whining and crying, most of these folks are probably watching at home with a crowd of friends and family encouraging them and yelling at the images of Cowell and Randy Jackson on the TV. Paula Abdul is typically spared such criticism, because she usually tells them they look great and that they’re great people. And we’re all laughing at her, too.
“American Idol” has plenty of heart. We see it when those nasty judges’ eyes widen as they hear the sweet, soothing vocals of the next Carrie Underwood, Fantasia Barrino or Kelly Clarkson. And we definitely see it when each season ends, and the winner sings a song about dreams coming true and heaven and angels and puppies – all while confetti and sparklers fall from above.
By the time that glorious moment of triumph hits our screens, when we watch a Ruben Studdard’s or Taylor Hicks’ dream come true and feel like we had a part in it by voting, all of the mockery and bitterness and hostility of these early rounds will have been forgotten.
Forgotten until next year, that is, when it starts all over again. And then the critics will contend that 2008 was the year “American Idol” went too far.
Victor Balta’s TV column runs Mondays and Thursdays on the A&E page. Reach him at 425-339-3455 or vbalta@heraldnet.com.
For more TV scoop, check out Victor’s blog at heraldnet.com/blogpopculture.
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