Is American Idol rigged?
@morgandrake (2136)
United States
February 15, 2008 2:41pm CST
Ok, we all know that American Idol is supposed to help find and create new talent. Be a showcase for them to help jumpstart their careers, or so it is claimed.
Now it looks like their definition of "new talent" and the American public's might not be the same. Turns out that one of the top 24 this year, Carly Smithson, is a failed singer already under her maiden name--Carly Hennessy.
http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/realityrocks/13980/irish-idol-smithsons-secret-past
And several other contestants have experience in show business already. So does this mean that the show is rigged?
I am not sure. With the guidelines that they are looking for someone who might survive in the business, experienced hands who have not became famous yet might be their choice. But does this mean that it is just an advertising scam.
D'oh, of course; American Idol is nothing more than a giant advertising campaign for the talent that they let though. So far they have had mixed results.
But does this mean that the game is rigged, and that someone like this is sure to win just so that their career can be restarted? I don't know. I am not sure that I would want to be in her shoes at this point--this is a black mark that I would not want on my record, but there it is.
Yet the rules did not prevent her or any of the other "seasoned professionals" from entering the contest. Which reminds me of the writing contests that many writers enter--being border line professional does not bar you from most contests.
So just because she had a failed record, does this mean that the whole game is rigged? I think not, she still has to get our votes.
Ironically, she was one of the ones that I liked. Does that mean that American Idol has brainwashed me already?!
1 person likes this
5 responses
@Reesers (1387)
• United States
15 Feb 08
I don't think it's rigged. Like you said, she still has to get our votes.
Taylor Hicks had a couple of albums before AI, somehow still managed to win, and yet still bombed afterwards. So even if she gets our votes and wins, it doesn't mean she'll be a bigger success than she was before.
2 people like this
@morgandrake (2136)
• United States
15 Feb 08
I wasn't aware that Taylor Hicks had a couple of albums before Idol. There is probably a clause that says that you could not have an album that sold over a certain number of copies. That is the way that the contests for "New Writers" do it.
@starr4all (2863)
•
15 Feb 08
I think I remember hearing that it was fine as long as they don't have a contract at the time of the show.
1 person likes this
@cynicalandoutspoken (4725)
• United States
15 Feb 08
I watch American Idol in the beginning of the season to see the people who really really suck! Then I watch again when they get down to the final 6. After having to put up with Sanjaiah (sp) and his mohawk last season I think I am an American Idol burn out.
If Taylor Hicks hadn't won last year I would swear the show was rigged but since I hated Katerine I am glad he won but no I don't think the show is rigged.
2 people like this
@starr4all (2863)
•
15 Feb 08
The only reason he stayed as long (which he shouldn't have) was that website that told people to vote for the worst. They f*ed up the game.
1 person likes this
@lightningd (1039)
• United States
16 Feb 08
The year Carrie Underwear beat Bo Bice, I decided it was rigged. They will manipulate the votes, they have to. I don't care how many awards Miss Underwear has won, it don't matter. In my opinion Taylor Swift, (the girl that sings the song about Tim McGraw) is ten times the performer than Carrie is. And she's more personable.
But the straw that broke the camel's back for me on AI is when Chris Daughtry was booted out well before his time. Fortunately, his career has taken off and he is doing great. I have to wonder if he hadn't already gotten a contract signed and it was all for show.
I watched the two shows this week, and honnestly, Them keeping the dork around as long as they did just puzzled me. It's like they always have to have someone in there for comic relief. (Think Kellie Pickler)... While I did like Taylor Hicks, I hated Katherine McPhee, and I was surprised he won.
I watch it now, intermittently, only if there's nothing better to do.
1 person likes this
@morgandrake (2136)
• United States
16 Feb 08
My wife was rooting for Chris; she wasn't happy when he got the boot. Yet in many ways, I think that he got lucky to get the boot. Based on the performance (record sales) of their past winners, I am not sure that winning Idol is in the best interests of one musical career.
@lightningd (1039)
• United States
17 Feb 08
Yea, I think Chris' getting out when he did only helped his career. He is doing far better than everyone else. He has proven to be a true musician and performer. I was so happy when his CD came out, and I was impressed.
@jmusc10 (23)
• Philippines
16 Feb 08
maybe, we can also say that american idol is a rigged.. but for my own opinion, if you dont want to receive bad comments and being "not voted" by the people then dont join american idol.. american idol is for the people who has a humility and do not get upset faster.. so i can say that american idol is a rigged and not rigged...:D
1 person likes this
