What Is An American Idol?

by 

May 22, 2003

Since the creation of the television show, American Idol, I have begun to ask myself, what exactly is an "American Idol."  This year, Ruben Studdard, an obese teddy bear with huge dimples, and seemingly a wholesome young man, was voted American Idol, by narrowly beating Clay Aiken in a national telephone poll.  While watching Studdard be named winner I wondered how many young American "wannabe singers," would like to be him.  Would like to  experience the adoring admiration from thousands of screaming fans.

 Studdard and Aiken now have become two of the precious few that have received such recognition. Still and all, the cold reality of their success is their luck of being in the right place, at the right time, for a commercial television venture. The Fox network captured the public’s attention, with an old formula, and exploited it to the max. I applaud them for that, because in my opinion, that is the corner stone of a strong democracy: the freedom to make use of times, and places, without damaging society.

Through this era of reality television, and search for young talent, the public has seen many artistic young Americans. And, I suspect many of these hopeful stars spend hours in front of their mirror, with their karaoke,  practicing for that special moment.

There are incredibly talented people in this country that has never had, and in most cases never will have the luck of perfect timing.   Most of these artist hear from friends, and family, year-after-year, how gifted they are, and how "their day" is coming. A few, with their financial and emotional lives balanced, get to sing in public venues. And, regardless of how big, or small the event is these potential stars won't give up their dreams. Lack of luck in their timing will not silence the spirit within these performers. Thus, I believe  these wannabe idols demonstrate an aspect in America, showing it to be the greatest, most sovereign, free country on earth. 

I hope the many young  performers in America, with their dreams of stardom, realize the winner of the American Idol  television show is only participating in a network numbers’ game.  And, "hype" is the real performance, which generates revenue.  It is not the ultimate reflection of showcasing the best of the best. As talented as last year's winner, Kelly Clarkson, and this year's winner, Ruben Studdard are, it was still timing, being in the right place, at the right time that brought them there personal success.  Simply put, these American Idols' parents are the Neilson Rating System.

I congratulate Ruben Studdard for winning the American Idol  contest, but I also thank the thousands of other American Idols out there. And, I believe that the true American Idols in this country are not chosen in a precise moment in time, but they are chosen by the gift of strength of mind that will not quit. That's the American way.

(c) 2003 by Mopam Publishing

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