They were 24 but the list has been reduced to 14. That is the method of operation for ‘American Idol’. During the elimination we will get the chance to experience the frustration and humiliation of all the people that are involved in the program. The semifinal list had been restricted to 24 but now they have to progressively go down until there is a creamed top list which the public can vote on. The idea is to ensure that there are no poor acts that are given the opportunity to spoil the final stages of the program. It is a heartless but very effective methodology which has been the driver of the ratings war.
Who is going to get kicked out?
The luck of the draw depends on the judges. Just like many other talent contests, ‘American Idol’ is not really about talent. Rather they pick out photogenic contestants who will be able to churn out commercially lucrative records without too much artistic license. A 15th contestant will have to wait to hear what the audience thinks of them. Often we make the mistake of believing that audience participation is all about democratic principles. In fact commercial expediency is the driving force behind the voting.
If you are sufficiently worked up about ‘American Idol’ then the probability is that you will be willing to spend a few dollars voting for your favorites. Adam Brock had a few problems because his voice was breaking. Nevertheless he courageously continued on the journey towards stardom. On Thursday we will be hearing whether the contestants have made it. Ryan Seacrest refers to it as the big judgment. It must be said that many of the people that are vying for this prize are so naïve that they do not recognize the exploitative nature of reality television as it stands.
