American/Australian/UK Idol

I think it is much like Big Brother a popularity contest, some may strike it lucky but then they may have done that anyway without being on the show, I think sometimes the judges are much too critical on a persons looks, talent will always show through no matter what a person looks like, I think in is only embarrassing to the poor kids in front of thousands of viewers...if there was an issues then maybe being pulled aside backstage would be kinder....

I think it's a little of both. It has alot to do with popularity and the public perception of the person, but that would be true in the business whether they were on and Idol contest or not. I have also thought the winners, and most of the 15 or so behind them, were all greatly talented.