There has not been a television show since the late 1950's, when I would run home from school to watch Dick Clark and the American Bandstand kids that has captured my attention like American Idol.

I didn't watch the first season of American Idol. There was water-cooler buzz all summer of the first season. The contestants, a nasty British judge named Simon Cowell, music producer, Randy Jackson, who I never head of and Paula Abdul the eighties singer and dancer.

The finale of the summer was hyped between two singers, Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarrini I decided to tune in and see what the hoopla was about. I couldn't recall the last time a television show caused such frenzy. Maybe, when Bobby Ewing was shot on Dallas was the last season finale that I remember being buzz worthy.

At the end of the show two talented kids stood holding hands and the then unknown emcee, Ryan Seacrest, after many hold your breath moments announced the winner of American Idol is Kelly Clarkson.Fox Network picked up American Idol for a second season, and I decided to watch from the beginning. I was hooked after the first horrendous audition took place and the first nasty critique from the British judge. I watched kids cry when they didn't make it, and they couldn't understand why.

I fell in love with singers that didn't have the look of a pop star, but at voices that were pure and beautiful.

I started setting my schedule around American Idol.

There are many factors that make American Idol so popular. Knowing that by dialing that phone number under your favorite's name you can change their life forever. You do you part when their first CD drops and you buy it to help your Idol become a star. The judges' banter along with Ryan Seacrest is a major part of the show. Love them or hate them I can't picture American Idol without the four of them.

American Idol brought a form of a variety show back to television, which was long gone for many years. It is a show that you can watch with a six year old or sixty year old. It is for everyone.

Families are gathering around the television to watch a show together. When was the last time that happened? Unfortunately, that will end when American Idol ends.

We are now at the Finale of Season Eight, and when you see a sixteen year old girl standing on the American Idol stage dreaming of that moment since she was eight years old when Idol first started how you can not love that show.

Learn more about this author, Shelley Mendias.
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