Ah, I have succumbed to writing about the superficial, the mania of that little show that draws millions, American Idol. Someone help me; I cannot resist. I think it’s because, as Shakespeare said (I think), “the world is too much with us”.

The Los Angeles Times had an article this morning about the demise of Carly Smithson, one of the idols that was predicted (early in the game) to be a winner. She has a great voice but somehow, in my mind, did not connect with the audience. If you read the piece in the Times on this, you would think the world has come to an end. It’s all about voting and choices; ah, sound familiar?

Why do we become so entrenched in this vote in show to become a mega star? If you have followed the show at all, you know that not all show winners are winners in the entertainment field. There is much discussion about the influence of age of viewers on the outcome.

The younger group: 11-13, seem to be the most committed to dialing in at the end of the show and have been known to push the “popular” idols into the finals. Popular does not necessary mean “best” or most talented. The over 14-40 crowd is a little more critical and discerning, especially with age. And the 50 and over crowd are even more discerning.

Personally, I think we all look to help the underdog; at least I hope so. But emotional voting does not necessarily mean the most equipped or talented person wins. And that has been proven, time and again, in the failure of some winners to succeed and the success of those who did not win. Do you see a metaphor here? or is it only me? Do you vote? for Idols, entertainment or political? Thoughts? Roars from the crowd?

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