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Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this hugely popular reality show has spawned countless other talent-competition series. The judges' rapport and comments are as big a part of the show as the singing. Their feedback, primarily Simon Cowell's, can be severe and hurtful ("you remind me of a wasp," "that was terrible," "that was the worst one yet"), but these comments have become the show's signature and are expected by competitors and anticipated by viewers. The program showcases performers at both ends of the spectrum: The very good is saved for the competition, while the very bad (packaged as clips from the contestant search) airs in the weeks prior to the "official" season. People of all backgrounds and body types try out for the show, if only to get a few minutes to meet the judges and/or get their 10 seconds of fame. Contestants have been mocked for cross-dressing, lack of talent, strange attire, dressing/acting sexy, and general physical appearance. The camera lingers on contestants who respond to the judges with joy or bleeped obscenities, hand gestures, and tears. Parents should also know that the show is a walking advertisement, with commercial products embedded throughout.

Families can talk about the audition process. Are the contestants who clearly have no singing ability auditioning for real or for fame? How can critiques be constructive and helpful to those who take the competition seriously? What's the difference between constructive and destructive criticism? Other good topics of discussion include talent -- what is it, and what talents do your kids feel they have? Does this series inspire them? If so, in what way? What do kids think of the way the judges speak to the contestants? Also, how is the show making money by not-so-subtly having consumer products obvious at every turn?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Pam Gelman

As influential reality shows go, AMERICAN IDOL is right up there with The Real World and Survivor. Originally inspired by the British series Pop Idol, the reality competition juggernaut has gone on to inspire multitudes of other similarly structured series, from Nashville Star to America's Got Talent.

Every season, judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson and host Ryan Seacrest visit cities across the United States, judging thousands of hopefuls. Though the occasional compliment is paid to those who can sing, most of the early episodes focus on the odd and extremely untalented contestants. Viewers watch as young women and men screech Aretha Franklin tunes, dance awkwardly, and just plain embarrass themselves in front of the judges and the public.

The 24 contestants who most stand out from the crowd move on to the next screening process, which involves weekly singing competitions and call-in votes from viewers (this phase of the show is usually much less mean-spirited than the early episodes). As viewers find favorites among the contestants, the show inevitably gains ground, buzz, and headlines.

The contestants' emotional, sometimes-astounding performances grab those watching at home, who also feel involved in the process, since their votes determine the show's outcome. (Need proof? Votes counted for American Idol have far exceeded those tallied during presidential elections. Of course, Idol viewers can vote as many times as they want. ....)

Simon, Paula, and Randy's often over-the-top judging personalities have become infamous, as well as reality-show benchmarks. Given the opportunity, Simon can't resist poking jabs even at his fellow judges -- particularly Paula. It's as if he thinks the whole process is a waste of his time. But in realty, he's the show's creator and has made an astounding hit (and pile of money) out of it. As adults, we know he's putting on a performance, but for kids, is this the standard of judging that we want modeled?

Many contestants are clearly looking for their moment in the spotlight -- inspired, no doubt, by famously rejected Season 4 contestant William Hung. Hung, originally from Hong Kong and (at the time) a UC Berkeley student, won the nation over with his horrible rendition of Ricky Martin's "She Bangs" and went on to put out an album and make special appearances around the country.

But plenty of the Idol wannabes are in it because they're truly talented singers who are dreaming of a big break. Many winners and runners-up have gone on to become true pop stars, proving that the show's formula -- as unforgiving as it can be -- really does work. Notable artists to come from the series include Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Taylor Hicks, Katharine McPhee, Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls), and Carrie Underwood.

Kids who are interested in reality TV with "star" quality might also want to check out Dancing with the Stars and Skating with Celebrities.

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Content
		CS	adults	kids
Sexual Content Sexy clothes, talk of appearing sexy, flirtations with judges.
Violence
Language "You are an ass." "That sucked." "Crap!" spoken by judges and contestants.
Message
	Social Behavior The audition phase of the show can sometimes be mean-spirited, as judges criticize contestants. But later episodes are enthusiastic and exciting.
	Commercialism Product placement everywhere, and lots of branded tie-in products on the market, too.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco

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