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.
Positive messages:The audition phase of the show can sometimes be mean-spirited, as judges criticize contestants. But later episodes are enthusiastic and exciting.
Positive role models:This is a mixed bag. At the judges' table, some can be very positive and encouraging, while others can be negative and belittling. In the contestant pool, some are clearly dedicated, hardworking performers who just want their chance to succeed -- while others just want their 15 minutes (or even seconds) of fame.
Sex:Sexy clothes (one woman memorably appeared in just a bikini), talk of appearing sexy, flirtations with judges.
Language:Audible swearing/negative language used by both judges and contestants includes words/phrases like "you are an ass," "that sucked," and "crap!"
Consumerism:Product placement and sponsorship is everywhere, and there are lots of branded tie-in products on the market, too.
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///
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
I wouldn't say this is the best show ever like Dancing with the Stars is. The problem is that they talk a lot of your favorite singers and then all of a sudden you aren't that interested anymore. Still you're always curious who will get out and who will win. Overall a pretty good show, bad words are said but they are covered up so your children don't know what it actually is.
i love jalo and steven being on now! there may swearing but who cares! sends a very good message that u can set ur dreams to something, u can accomplish it. steven is soooo funny! i love u steven
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.
Remember, never idolize the Idols; they're not exactly good people.
There is no need to tell you why American Idol is a wonderful show: it's entertaining to watch millions of people try out for the same spot, and watching it get narrowed down to the one final person. My issues with the show are since this is the 'Idol' how some of them aren't exactly people I would want my non-existent children to look up to. (E.G.: Adam Lambert posted pictures all over the internet with him acting sexually with men, multiple crotch grabs/David Hernandez was a prostitute/etc) As for the consumerism, you can't go an entire show without watching something about Coca-Cola, Ford, or some artist.