Worshipping Idols: Surviving American Reality TV
In today's television marketplace, reality TV runs rampant. There are many shows that come and go, but one has stuck around and keeps captivating audiences: "American Idol." Now in its sixth season, "Idol" still holds high ratings, but other reality shows such as "Survivor" and "The Real World" have lost their charm. So we asked Juniata, why does "American Idol" still rock?
Lisa Castagna '09
Greenville, Pa.
I think it still remains popular because people like watching other people making fools of themselves. The humor in the show is entertaining and always new.
Heather Fisher '07
Huntingdon, Pa.
Maybe because all people like music and like to sing, even if they shouldn't. So...perhaps they get to hear music and also have the pleasure of hearing people worse than them. I also think it's fun because you get to vote and you don't get to do that on "The Bachelor" or "Survivor." I also think that people have a sick twisted pleasure in watching people completely mess up. So when they have people on that really should be on there...it's that whole cognitive dissonance.
Justine Kobeski '08
Factoryville, Pa.
I think that people like "American Idol" because it is a happier show than say "Survivor" - I think we all realize to a point that "Survivor" is set up to make drama on the island so it isn't as fun to watch. With shows like "Survivor" all we hear after the end of the show is that they won $1 million, but nothing after that. With shows like "American Idol" we get to see the process of them growing as a start and eventually getting a record label to sign, then we get to watch them be stars! Like Carrie Underwood - she is not only a great musician but also very down to earth- so we can all relate to her.
Sara Beth Stoltzfus '09
Elizabethtown, Pa.
I think perhaps it is because it seems more real than say, "The Bachelor" (although I love "The Bachelor")-the winners of "American Idol" (or second-place finishers) actually make it somewhere unlike the couples in "The Bachelor." Perhaps people like listening to music, it's a bit more family friendly than shows like "The Bachelor," it seems to be advertised very well, it is audience interactive, and you get to root for your favorite and help them win and gain stardom.
Nicholas Wilson '10
Milroy, Pa.
"American Idol" is still on top because people like Simon's antics. For me, I know people have a tendency to gravitate to a person's voice so the fundamental music aspect of the process is a big factor in its celebrity. But I think it's definitely Simon.
- Courtney Hruska '09, Student Reporter