my thoughts on american idol

i havent posted in awhile because i didnt have a good enough topic to talk about. so while i was in the shower i was thinking why did adam lambert lose to kris allen on american idol? then that got me thinking about how american idol was similar to a corporate business. then that got me thinking about how i should write a blog about it.

i am not avid idol watcher. if i do watch idol its probably because im in between two other shows that are worth watching on commercial breaks. the scary thing about idol is that a person like me who never watches the show could still know what is going on. the first season of american idol, was my favorite one (even though i really didnt watch it) because of kelly clarkson. by the end of the season everyone knew who she was. today,because of the internet and social networking everyone knows the first and maybe last names of the top ten. i knew who adam lambert was because of adrianne curry's blog. she never watched american idol before this guy, so i knew he must be worth checking out. i admit it i saw some of his idol performances on youtube thought he was really talented and should win. the night before the idol results finale, im not kidding you my facebook and twitter blew up with status updates saying "vote for adam lambert!!!!!!!" a lot of people wanted him to win. and maybe a selected few wanted kris to win. the moment after it was announced that kris won, you could feel the disappointment through my computer.

i knew exactly what happened. something thats been happening since at least season two. i am suggesting what you are probably thinking. ladies and gentlemen that are avid idol watchers, american idol is.......wait for it........RIGGED!!!!! *GASP* "really?" "no way!" yes it is rigged. adam lambert and clay aiken's loss have proven it is rigged. how is it rigged you ask? let me explain

lets think of american idol as a corporate business. the executive producer, simon cowell, is the CEO. now simon must choose very carefully who does he want to represent the american idol brand. a lot of people apply for the job but only few will make it by house vote. lets talk about the house vote, which represents the american vote, now since simon is CEO he can control who the house votes, he can belittle a applicant, while his other three directors (judges) have their opinion. the other producers, that are behind the scenes give a limited choice of topics (songs) to talk about. if they win over house vote anyways, they can always "direct the calls another way". like they did with the big at&t scandal back in'04.

now lets talk about how they chose winners. well lets look at season one winner kelly clarkson, now since she managed to have a fruitful career, which i think she owes it to idol producers, lets look at how she was chosen a winner. kelly had the usual "small town girl" background. she had girl next door looks and a beautiful voice....she was in other words completely marketable. what about justin guarini? other having a nice voice and hair, he didnt have a lot going on. so the clear winner was kelly. now lets fast forward to the most recent winner, kris allen. boyish, or as adrianne curry put it "disney good looks" incredible voice, able to sing in front of audiences of all ages. very marketable. lets look at adam lambert. very controversial, great voice, edgy and original, but also has a slew of fans of all ages. so why did kris win? i hate to pull the gay card out, but i honestly think that was it. CEO simon, doesnt want middle america to see a eyeliner wearing american idol. but what i dont get is if the company is about making money (which it is) then why not choose a winner they will profit the most off of? adam lambert is currently getting more radio plays and downloads than kris allen.

very strange from a business standpoint. so to all of you idol watchers that are voting consistently, just know that there is a good percentage that your house vote will not count.