American Idol is the #1 rated TV show in America. Some 40 million viewers tune in each week. Idol is broadcast to over 100 countries and has spawned many similar TV shows around the world, including Nashville Star.
American Idol, as well as its British model Pop Idol, was the brain-child of English TV and record producer Simon Fuller who is also well-known as the manager of the singing group, Spice Girls.
Simon Fuller is not to be confused with Simon Cowell, a BMG record executive and the famously caustic judge on American Idol (and its predecessor Pop Idol).
The "contestant humiliation element," introduced in the 1970s by the raunchy Gong Show is the perfect vehicle for Cowell's biting sarcasm.
Despite the humiliation factor which seems to be the attraction in the early rounds, real and noteworthy talent does ultimately emerge from the contest. My favs are Kelly Clarkson (2002 winner) and Carrie Underwood (2005). Who's yours?
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