I always wondered why some of these obviously bad contestants don't have at least someone, anyone, listen to them first...?
-------
The first episodes of the show are for pure entertainment. No one can fault the fiscal results of this show and how it is aired. Simon alone takes home $35 MILLION a season for his work and share in the show. It is all about money, and if putting on the unbelievable misfits that they do works for the audience, so be it :-) ----
The show is so successful, that dozens are copying it. That is a credential in itself. What is really scary, is that some of those auditionees can actually vote. I always joke with my wife that I can easily spot the Hillary voters....
God help us --- :-)
Aren't being a little overly dramatic asking for G_d's help. I think the situation is Dafur is a little more in need of G_d's help than American Idol et al.
The thing is, the bad contestants _do_ have people listen to them. The only folks who get in to see the judges have been hand picked through a screening process from the thousands who show up. The screeners pick some people who are really bad along with the really good just to make these early shows.