'American Idol' still the top singing competition
L-R: Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest answer questions from the press on the set of "American Idol" in Galveston, TX. (Aug. 30, 2011) Credit: Fox
"American Idol," despite declining ratings, is still the Big Daddy of the music competition shows and deserves to be.
1. Ryan Seacrest. Seriously, Ryan. Glib and glam though he may be, Seacrest is an essential ingredient in the alchemy of "Idol" -- and an ingredient no one else has. (Wait! What about Carson Daly? Now you see my point.)
2. This is a journey -- not just a destination. One of the pleasures of "Idol" is seeing some kid onstage in the early rounds, then following his or her progress through the later rounds.
3. "Idol" is democratic. A winner that the most viewers have deemed best is crowned. In the best years, or when the process isn't completely askew, it's an exhilarating process.
4. "Idol" judges are terrific. Steven Tyler is a superstar -- a great rocker who has done it all, seen it all, said it all. You could say the same of Jennifer Lopez, who is thoughtful and nurturing and (yes) even empathetic. Randy Jackson is the rock (and, with Seacrest, the surviving link to the show's glory days).
5. A real star can be born on this stage. The key to "Idol's" success is simple: It represents that deep aspirational streak in American life and culture. If you work hard enough and get some breaks, your dreams can come true. "The Voice's" contestants, in a sense, already have had their dreams dashed, and the show is their second chance -- last year's winner, Javier Colon, even said as much.
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