by Rizqi Arifuddin

Created on: May 02, 2010   Last Updated: May 03, 2010

It's almost a decade and yet American Idol is still one of the most successful television programs ever. This phenomenon has become interesting to discuss. What is it inside American Idol that makes people still cling to it? This brief essay will try to reveal the inside of American Idol in the perspective of American Idol as a popular culture product.

American Idol is a reality show program. It is a talent show searching for the next generation of American singer. Firstly aired in 2001, American Idol is still on the spot even now. Those who joined the competition will soon enough be very famous, not only in America but also in the world as the show is relayed by countless television stations around the world. They will not only become American Idols, but they will also be the World Idol. Many scholars of popular culture argue that popular culture products reflect the beleiefs and values of the society that produces it. It is so important for a product to become popular. If a society cannot conform to a certain product, then it will likely not be popular. American Idol, is definitely popular culture product. So it must contain beliefs and values of American society. What are they? 

Firstly, American Idol promotes and affirms the existence of myth of the American dream. America is the land of the dream. Therefore, people around the world migrate to America. The land of the dream offered a better life that could not be found in the immigrant's homeland. Equality, opportunity, glory, and wealth were only small fragments offered by this New World. Thus, the American Dream became a myth. It is passed down from generations establishing a belief that America is the better land. All your dreams could come true in America. In my opinion, American Idol takes and furnishes this myth and sells it back to American people. American Idol promises you with an instant way to achieve your dreams. It is even stronger in the latest seasons as many American Idol alumni turn out to be very famous and successful celebrities. Grammys, American Music Awards, and Oscars are ever won by Idol alumni. Who were Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, and Kelly Clarkson before becoming Idol contestants? There was no way for them to win those prestigious awards before. It was just their dreams. Hence, American Idol offers American people more than just a dream. It will always appeal to many people since the myth of American dream long existed in American society. It is embedded in them.

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