by Stephen D. Wilson

Created on: June 20, 2008

Until this year, I never have watched the very popular dance program, and have been a fan of Idol since Ms. Underwood. For some reason, watching Idol has become very, what's the word? Predictable, yes, that's it. On Dance, you get a better idea of someone's talent for entertaining more than by simply standing under a spot light and sing. Here's an example, you have tickets to two great concerts, let's say the Eagles and then "the gloved one" Michael Jackson. Both have a great catalog of songs, and have different styles of music. If you want to go listen to The Eagles sing "Hotel California" you'll see them in their places, and except for Joe Walsh's guitar solo's, they don't move a lot. Where as when you go see Michael, he dances, and well at least pretends to sing. They both fill stadiums and large venues, but they are vastly different.

The primary reason I believe "So you think I can dance" is a better show is, in the context of entertainment, I can always put on headphones and listen to someone sing, often times it's better than their live performance. But if I want to be entertained, I would prefer someone to "put on a show" I want to see dance, I want the performer to convey a message through their expressive movements and their interpretation of the music. There is little else a singer can do except sing. The message is built in; there isn't any room for interpretation. The songs may move you, and they do, but they leave little to imagine.

Idol has done more for the recording artists and singers in the last seven years, than radio or video was ever able to accomplish. So please don't think I dislike the show, I do like it and will continue watching it. I do hope they change some things, give it a tweak here and there, but overall it is a good show. One of the things I like most about "Dance" is the results show. They don't torture their singers and frustrate their viewers with endless commercials and pointless blather. They get right to it, but the suspense on who is leaving, is carried on until the last five minutes of the show like idol. Also, the judges have more of a role. Callers vote for their favorites and the bottom three are singled out by their low votes. You then get to see the dancers try, on last time to try to not go home, in the dance off, they get 30 seconds to dance their best. Then the judges go off stage and deliberate their fate, the judges, who are professionals in their own right in the business, explain why they feel the people are

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