 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
American Idol
- Fox
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
The one that started it all; OK for tweens and up.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this hugely popular reality competition show has spawned countless other similar series. The judges' rapport and comments are as big a part of the show as the singing. Their feedback, primarily Simon Cowell's (who left the show in 2010), can be severe and hurtful ("you remind me of a wasp," "that was terrible," "that was the worst one yet"), though the new judges take a gentler approach. 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.
What's the story?
Every season, the AMERICAN IDOL judges -- Simon Cowell (2002-2010), Paula Abdul (2002-2009), Randy Jackson (briefly Kara DioGuardi, and Ellen DeGeneres), and now Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler -- and host Ryan Seacrest visit cities across the United States, judging thousands of hopeful singers. 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. The top contestants (24 or 36 total, depending on the season) move on to the semifinals, which involve 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. It all culminates when the last contestant standing is named the next American Idol.
Is it any good?
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. The judges' often over-the-top personalities have become infamous, as well as reality-show benchmarks. And while adults know that Simon's putting on a performance with his constant jabs, for kids, is this the standard of judging we want modeled? It's worth thinking about. Though beginning in 2011, judges Lopez and Tyler take a gentler approach.
Many contestants are clearly looking for their moment in the spotlight. 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.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
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 helpful to those who take the competition seriously? What's the difference between constructive and destructive criticism?
What is talent, 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?How is the show making money by having consumer
products obvious at every turn?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Teen, 15 years old
April 13, 2011
AGE
Well . . .
I like this series, especially a few years ago. Now . . . I keep up with the finalists but let's face it - the show is dragging and getting a bit boring. No issues except occasional profanity.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 17 years old
March 23, 2010
AGE
Perfect but have the remote near by to switch when commercials come on :)
Everything in the show is great...except sometimes the guest music stars are a little to sexual
(like last week ke$ha preformed in basically nothing..last year katy perry preformed an inapropiate song, lady gagas lyrics are disgusting ect///
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Parent of 3, 11, and 14 year old
March 17, 2010
AGE
Sometimes their guest musicians are not kid friendly. (Eg. Lady Gaga)
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Parent of 10 and 12 year old
March 3, 2010
AGE
This is great fare for the whole family. We went to the American Idol summer tour concert last summer. Really a great time had by all. It's rare to find something the my husband and I enjoy just as much as our girls. Plus, because we all watch together, we're able to talk about the consumerism, sexuality (think Adam Lambert) and whatever else pops up on the spot.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 10 years old
April 28, 2009
AGE
ADAM LAMBERT!
I love American Idol. I love Adam. I'll CRY when he is gone.(he won't go though!)There are alot of aewsome people on it though. It is awesome. enough said.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
April 4, 2011
AGE
Good, But It's Just Not The Same...
American Idol hasn't really been the same because i miss the old judges (mostly Simon) but the new judges are good. I watch it when i can.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 9 years old
March 26, 2010
AGE
A long paragragh
Now I can't belaeve that the common sence people think American Idol is fine. It is the best! Now when I was younger I used to watch this but, then I started watching other things and then for a couple of years I did not watch American Idol. But then when I heard about the person that sang Pants on the ground and when I got home I went strate on youtube and looked up pants on the ground. Then I puted on my website. But then I started watching American Idol again. Now before I did my review I looked at some of the other comments. and they put down sex. And I think about bikini girl so I put down sex. Now American Idol can get a little boring. But you kinow what I mean. Another thing is what happend to Paulia Abdul? I mean she was my favorite judge. But then I changed it to Randy Jakson. Then I think when Kara came she was my favorite judge. THEN I finally made up my mind. That Ellen would be my favorite judge. Now I picked Ellen because she is always because she is on the postive side. And I think when it was Didi's turn to sing she was singing a song called " your no good." Then it was Simon's turn to say something. Simon said You are no good. Then I would always hear a booing after like every single word Simon would say. That's why I never mentioned his name. But he is still a good judge. It is just sad that Simon is leaving now I might stop watching American Idol. It is going to be plain boring with only Randy, Ellen, and Kara. So at the beginning of this long paragragh I really put five stars at first but now I changed them to three stars. So I might never watch American Idol again!
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
May 7, 2011
AGE
Nice show for fans of singing!
This is a great show for tweens and up. Especially if you like singing. There is some infrequent swearing and some flirting or talk about being sexy. There is a lot of consumerism everywhere on the show. So again, watch it if you like singing.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 13 years old
November 2, 2010
AGE
It used to be better.
The show went down hill as SOON as Paula left. Kara and Ellen are ridiculous, they have no place on that show. If Simon leaves (even Randy) then they might as well just end the show all together. It's just ridiculous. I ONLY like the auditions, they're hilarious. So even though I don't like the new judges one bit and they've ruined the show, I'll still give it four stars.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 13 years old
May 22, 2011
AGE
Great for tweens and up.
I love american idol I like voting its ok for 9+.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | Fox |
| Cast: | Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest, Steven Tyler |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
