by Moe Zilla

Created on: February 17, 2008   Last Updated: February 08, 2009

"American Idol" is the reason they exist. But after the success of "American Idol" in 2002, many shows have tried to duplicate its success. Ironically, there's been another competition going among the music competition shows. But how good were they?

"Nashville Star" made a triumphant return to NBC in the summer of 2008. Unlike "American Idol," this show didn't limit itself to young amateurs. It started with a crop of talented performers that had already been selected by the show's producers, and some of them were even professional studio musicians. While in theory this ensured good performances, it also eliminated some of the excitement of young performers achieving their first success.

"Rock Star" always struggled to achieve the same credibility. Being a true rock star requires a mystique, so trying to manufacture that excitement is always going to be a hit-or-miss proposition. This show finally just proved how hard it was to duplicate the success of "American Idol." Other shows tried to find success by tweaking the formula in other ways...

"But Can They Sing" presented a morbidly fascinating singing competition between former celebrities (including heavyweight boxing champion Larry Holmes and TV actress Morgan Fairchild). It offered the same freak show thrills as the first episodes of any American Idol season - people who can't sing - though it never moved on to the stage of discovering great new talents.

There's now another interesting show using the same format. I'm not a huge fan of country music, but VH-1 is broadcasting a competition between a strange roundup of major and minor stars, including the lead singer for "Twisted Sister," Julio Ingelsias, an actress from "The Brady Bunch," and even Diana DeGarmo from the third season of "American Idol." The winners on "Gone Country" will record a real country song produced by musician John Rich. Though the show doesn't offer the same intensity, it's still a lot of fun. And the CMT network plans created a successful new competition for the best singing duo called "Can You Duet."

Ultimately, "American Idol" achieved its huge popularity because it delivers real excitement. It provides stories about the singer's and how they're working to prepare their songs, giving audiences a real chance to root for their favorites. The show's format creates real tension (and it's not just because Simon is so difficult to please). But the popularity of "American Idol" actually makes it a better show, adding real high stakes for each performance - the fact that millions of Americans really are watching. And the show's popularity lets it attract cameo appearances from top-notch celebrities.

In the competition among music competition shows, "American Idol" wins.

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