Is American Idol Worth It?

Reality Check: Is "American Idol" really worth it for contestants?
Michael McManus
October 28, 2005

There's one television show that holds a special place in a many reality fans' hearts. Schedules are adjusted, phones get unplugged, and meals are skipped, solely to watch the one show that dominates in reality television: "American Idol."

The concept seems too good to be true. Audition, sing, and if you're good enough, win a million dollar contract and the love of thousands of fans.

Former "Idol" contestants such as Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia Barrino, Clay Aiken, and Carrie Underwood did just that.

Unfortunately, with any show that exploits and/or uses real people in a game setting, there will always be controversy and speculation close behind. Whether it be racial prejudice, voting fraud, or gender bias, "American Idol" has seen its fair share. But what happens to the artists who don't win the show? They sing, boost ratings, and are then voted off. Does their singing career end? The answer is rather complex.

According to Sammy Burns, a music executive for RCA Records, "The phrase 'American Idol' is great for the television viewers it doesn't, however, cross over to the music world easily."

Many radio stations around the United States often disregard any CDs or singles with an "American Idol" connection. Kelly Clarkson and Fantasia have seen their share of radio play, but unfortunately you have to win to see this success.

"American Idol" isn't the only reality show that has this effect on a contestant's life. Jenna Lewis, a contestant on "Survivor" and recent cast member of the reality show "Kill Reality," said that, "Nobody takes me seriously any more, they hear the word 'survivor' and move onto the next person in line."

Although it doesn't seem fair that a talented singer or actress should be denied a role in television or music, it definitely makes sense.

"American Idol" has one goal. To find the best undiscovered talent in the United States? Along the way, the show encounters the "wannabes" but they are quickly put in the shadows by the true star, the winner of the show. All the viewers who watch "American Idol" have their favorites, but after they are sent home they find someone else to favor, leaving the recent castoff as only a distant memory. It's unfortunate, but holds true in nearly every case.

Justin Guarini placed second on the first season and released his self-titled debut two months after Kelly Clarkson was crowned American Idol. The results? He was dropped from his label. Tamyra Gray, another successful Idol from that season was also dropped from her label. Diana Degarmo? Dropped. There is no doubt that these performers were extremely talented, so what happened?

"American Idol" happened. These contestants will never rid themselves of the television show that made them a star and took it away the next. Kelly Clarkson once said, "I have yet to sit through an interview where I am not asked about my 'Idol' experience." Does she regret it? Or course not. Clarkson has seen tremendous success on the charts and has dominated in nearly every aspect of her musical career.

Reality television is a ticket to instant fame. The contestants don't have to work to get to where they are, their fame is created as soon as the show premieres. Like anything that happens too quickly, their fame usually fades. The phrase "15 minutes of fame" is clearly the way the shows run, and it's something that any contestant should expect.

"American Idol" is obviously a strong force, and one that doesn't seem to be weakening as the year's progress. With the fifth season quickly approaching the madness is only going to get stronger.

Although the celebrity status of the contestants quickly fades, the viewers will continue watching. Fifteen minutes of fame is better then none.