There are many reality television shows that have the goal to find the next big singing star. There are thousands of people who audition for shows such as “American Idol” with the hope to make it big. However, with success for few comes rejection for many. Many amateurs try out for these shows and are criticized harshly by people such as Simon Cowell. Cowell has been known to tell people they are awful at singing and even that they don’t have the right looks to be a successful singer. If you watch the try outs you can watch Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul chuckling at the applicant behind a thin piece of paper.
Some go to audition at these television events with confidence that singing is something they can do well. Then they get rejected and admit that it did not help their self-esteem at all.
Others go to the audition knowing they are good and get accepted. To get on to these television shows you have to have the talent. Not everyone does. However, I don’t think it is justified to put the individuals who have the misconception that they are talented on public television and then condone viewers to make fun of them.
Adrienne said,
November 15, 2007 at 11:53 pm
Here’s where I disagree with you. While making people feel bad isn’t a good thing at all, understand the auditioning people should know what they’re getting into. First of all, they’ve most likely watched the show before and have seen how people are treated. Secondly, they sign waivers…perhaps they should read the fine print. Thirdly, many actually do know they’re bad and just wanted their chance to be on TV, sometimes you can tell who those people are.
Also, it seems that maybe they should have thought to get some neutral opinions on their talent before auditioning instead of just assuming they’re good. Friends and family aren’t always the best to ask because they don’t want to hurt feelings.
In Simon’s defense, he says the truth. He’s honest, and why sugarcoat? When sugarcoated, contestants are more likely to try to argue their way in. Not to mention, he listens to thousands upon thousands of contestants. Wouldn’t your patience wear thin? I’m sure he feels that the ones that don’t sound so well have wasted his time and he gets agitated.
afair121 said,
November 16, 2007 at 10:37 am
I have to some what agree with some of your points. There are some people who just want to be on TV, the others pretty much know what they are getting into. I agree. However, it not only justifies laughing at people on the show, but also people in real life.
I even like Simon’s honesty, but is it right for him to say that the producers will need to get a bigger stage because someone is obese?
I’m sorry, it is public television and I do think that a good example needs to be set for the public. I know it is for entertainment purposes. However, do you think some of the behaviour that is portrayed on television potentially creates bullies who pick on people and bring others down.
I watch American Idol and enjoy it. However, I think at times they work harder at finding the worst singer rather than the best.
Adrienne said,
November 16, 2007 at 8:24 pm
He is unnecessarily harsh when it comes to looks. I don’t think American Idol is really influencing people on how to treat people though. Finding the worst singer rather than the best has to do with the producers, not the judges, I’m sure. But besides that, the show has gone way down hill in the first place and I’m almost surprised it hasn’t been canceled yet…