Ok, so it is season 9 (yes, NINE) of American Idol. I admit I watch very little T.V., but this happens to be one show I generally do watch. My family enjoys it, and we watch it together. Any patient that comes in the day after a show is likely to get involved in one of our discussions.
Well, this year I swore it would be different. I adamantly promised I would not watch it until they get to Hollywood. I was tired of seeing the same old lousy circus acts for 3 + hours per week. You know what? I can’t help it! It was on in my family room, and just like passing a train wreck, I get sucked into the Idol vortex. It is mesmerizing, so as it turned out, I watched it.
They have their usual freaks, bad singers, and their share of truly talented people. The stories are often heart-warming, and sometimes it puts our own life situations in perspective. They have a guy that had cancer, another that cares for her ailing grandmother, and one last night really touched me. It was a girl from Volmer( I think). She is so poor, seemingly uneducated, and feels this is her only opportunity to change her life. For many, this is their way out. I felt so bad for her. She shopped for her dress for the audition at a dollar store. Does that not put into perspective the generally wonderful lives and opportunities we have here in Northern Virginia?
The show, as it progresses, does have performers that are talented. Look at the history of the winners and contestants that have gone on to the final five. They are successful, and for many, their lives have changed forever. Isn’t that how it’s supposed to be? Shouldn’t lives improve for the better?
So if you happen to be around a tv and hear that sucking sound, it is the vortex trying to suck you in to the American Idol mania.