American Idol (Fox)

common sense media says

The one that started it all; OK for tweens and up.


parents & educators say

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.

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.
Violence: Not applicable.
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.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on American Idol

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • 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?

What's the story?

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?

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.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: Fox
Cast: Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest, Steven Tyler
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: Fox

This review was written by Pam Gelman
 
 

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What parents & educators say

9

Most useful reviews by all members

 
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///

ClearastheSea
teen, 16 years old
 
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.

mich3g
parent of and 4 , 12 , 15 year old
 
Sometimes their guest musicians are not kid friendly. (Eg. Lady Gaga)

gir8
kid, 12 years old
 
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.

katehenry
parent of 11 and 13 year old
 
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.

icarlyloverforever
kid, 11 years old
 
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!

Swit Swat
kid, 12 years old
 
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.

feirycupcake
kid, 13 years old
 
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.

WriterGirl1233
teen, 14 years old
 
Great for tweens and up.
I love american idol I like voting its ok for 9+.

dancing girl
kid, 12 years old
 
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.

im_awsome
kid, 13 years old
 
good message and i luv steven and jalo now on!
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

Bananas are ...
kid, 11 years old
 
Its ok, but there are better things to watch.

ThreeDaysGrace ...
teen, 15 years old
 
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.

Miranda ...
kid, 11 years old
 
Cool Show!
Good show! I love watching people sing on stage live on TV!

BellaWolf
kid, 13 years old
 
?
It's not worth watching now that Simon and Paula left.

squishy finger123
kid, 10 years old
 
h###############################################
i hate it it is the worst show ive ever seen out of 123 shows thats right 123 SHOWS!!! I HATE THAT STUPID DRAMA

fezzihair100
kid, 9 years old
 
hate it
I hate this show its terribble!!

Weeklybob
parent of 13 year old
 
Used to be good....BUT SIMON's GONE!
Simon IS GONE! I believe that this will be the final season.

Squirmbob
teen, 17 years old
 
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.

 
Love it
Great Show.I like how simon acts

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