by Nick Somoski

Created on: May 25, 2009

Both American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance are very similar shows. They are executed almost entirely the same way. Yet, something about dancing just seems so boring. And, with 8 years under its belt, I have to give the edge to American Idol.

Hands down, American Idol is the better show. It was the original of the two shows. I think part of its success is it's wide appeal. Finding the next singing superstar is very appealing to many different people. Watching contestants sing their hearts out week after week will never stop entertaining its viewers.

Audiences watching American Idol are also able to become involved each week. It's always fun to watch a winner emerge from early on in the competition, while early favorites fall from their throne and underdogs come out on top. Viewers are allowed to vote for their favorites, and the show is truly about letting America decide.

Clearly, audiences agree. American Idol has been the number one rated weekly series since 2003. While its ratings may have fallen since the early seasons, it's still showing no signs of slowing down, even after 8 seasons on the air. The media is constantly covering American Idol, and it remains one of those shows where you can talk about even if you don't watch it.

So You Think You Can Dance has always been a modest ratings hit, but nothing more. It remains a summer staple on FOX and has been one of the highest rated summer series since its first season. It has averaged 8-10 million viewers each season, while American Idol has doubled, even tripled, those ratings throughout its run. It really hasn't had much buzz since it premiered, but its fan-base is definitely there.

Maybe it's just me, but I don't see the appeal of watching people dance. I would much rather watch people sing. A good voice to me is always better than a good dance routine. Of course, this is just my opinion talking, but to me it's why American Idol is the better show. I just find it more entertaining and more worth my time. American Idol is clearly the ratings winner of the two, but FOX seems to have confidence behind both shows. This fall, Dance will be airing another season, its first fall edition, so maybe it will become the next American Idol sooner than we thought.

Overall, if you're looking for the best entertainment and the most fun of the two, American Idol would be the way to go. But, both shows are so similar that it's hard to pick either one apart. American Idol is a staple of FOX mid-season, while Dance remains a summer hit. If you're like most people reading this, you probably enjoy watching both shows anyways!

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