Confessions of an American Idol addict (Does the show indicate a red/blue state divide ?)

National Review Online ^ | 05/25/2006 | Bridget Johnson

[trubluolyguy]

That’s right: I, an L.A. native

---

That explains a lot.

[lormand]

New Rule!

Mention Katherine McPhee, and you must post pictures of her...just like the Ann Coulter rules :)

[VoiceOfBruck]

I just don't get the popularity of that show.

[Grendel9]

Get a life! There's more
to living besides watching
soaps during the daytime
and tv offerings like
American Idol and CSI:
at night. Join me at
the Poker tables!

[P-40]

Is this show on every night or something? I've never seen it but I am sick of it.

[Carl LaFong]

Never watched it.
Saw the same lame premise years ago-It was called Ted Mack's Amateur Hour, Arthur Godfrey's talent scouts and of course, The Gong show.
Same thing, re-packaged for 21st century couch potatoes.

[Gay State Conservative]

I just don't get the popularity of that show.

Ditto,mainly because in the short period of time that I watched,I couldn't (for the life of me) see one iota of talent on display.

[CertainInalienableRights]

about five times as many votes were cast during Season 4 of American Idol than were cast in the 2000 presidential election

I've seen this stat bantered around in the media and, while interesting, its pretty much meaningless.

For one, under 18 aren't allowed to vote in the Presidential election, while everyone is allowed to vote in AI.

For another, other than in Democrat-controlled cities, you only get one vote in the presidential election, not 20 per week for several weeks as the author admits making.

Actually, I take it back, the statistic isn't even interesting, its just meaningless.

[Rennes Templar]

Who has time for TV?

[NeilGus]

She writes:
"I have a post-Idol prediction: Season 5 will have garnered significantly more interest among American voters than November mid-term elections will. Hey, about five times as many votes were cast during Season 4 of American Idol than were cast in the 2000 presidential election. Before anointing Hicks the new American Idol Wednesday night, host Ryan Seacrest announced that 63.4 million votes had been cast in the finale—“more than any president in the history of our country has received. “

This is meaningless. Many American Idol voters vote multiple times and only Democrats vote multiple times in political elections.

[trubluolyguy]

I just don't get the popularity of that show.

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You have to eb able to stomache pop "music." Bad pop "music."

[roses of sharon]

A good family show to get thru long winters, there are so few, its great to see!

[Obadiah]

Has escaped me as well, but those who are hooked do seem obsessed.

[RetiredArmy]

Does Alabama have a good GOP presidential candidate to offer?

Guess she has never heard of Senator Jeff Sessions.

[Dansong]

OK, I'll admit it. I like the show. I liked following the finalists week to week. Why? They had to fight for it. It wasn't always fair, i.e., talent often lost to charisma. The strong adapted and changed. Lots of good life and business lessons to be found therein.

[stuartcr]

I think the show really indicates an awful lot of people with not much to do...

[Mr. Jeeves]

California state Treasurer Phil Angelides—probably the grumpiest, blandest, most un-hip hopeful to grace a gubernatorial primary...

She overrates him. He makes Gray Davis look like Captain Suave. ;)

[shuckmaster]

bought pricey air time during the Idol finale for an attack ad on state Controller Steve Westly

Getting off subject but, local cable jocks will override a million dollar national ad for a $5 spot if it's the only way to get the advertiser to sign a random 100 for $500 late night contract. When you start seeing local carpet, hairstylist, and lawyer ads during the super bowl or American Idol, that's what's happening.

[HauntedSoul]

If you like a good comedy, watch the first couple weeks of a new season! You won't believe how many people are willing to make a complete ass of themselves just to be on TV...