Idol-making machine or money-making machine?

While reading the article, the word "institution" used to describe the popular show American Idol strikes me as the most appropriate in capturing the gist of this article. After 8 seasons, it is no surprise that the producers have streamlined their production methods to keep the show still relevant and appealing to its television audience.

I think that the author has succeeded to a large extent in expressing his view about the efficiency of the show. The article covers most parts: the sideline entertainment of the judge's squabbling, the amazing talent that helps attract huge fans, the fact that the show is a good ground for other companies to advertise their brands and how each show is so well-produced that even the live ones look taped. These parts collectively form the "institution" of American Idol that can continue to do so well despite the country going through an economic recession.

However, he does make several assumptions. One being how America chose the most recent winner. Having followed the season and watched the finale as well, i think that America voted not purely based on the voters' personal taste in music. I think that at the finale night, Kris Allen performed slightly better than Adam Lambert and that was what allowed him to win.

He also assumes that roles were assigned to the participants to take on certain personalities. I do not believe this to be completely true. One can only fake a persona for a certain period of time. Even months after the show, the participants still stay true to their character. So is their public character pre-assigned or self-created?

But, I must say, he does construct a solid write-up to show how this show has led the way for many other talent competitions and transformed itself from more than a yearly production to something that is its own "television series".

Thoughts anyone?

A Reality Show where Islam is the Biggest Star

If one were to start a discussion on Islam and Muslim, the word "conservative" will always usually pop in one's mind. Hence it was really interesting to see what Malaysia was actually doing to pique the interests of younger Muslims to become religious leaders. Reality shows and religion often do not see eye to eye and at times become a source of conflict in more conservative and traditional societies. Seeing the success of such a successful mix does indeed raise several questions. Look at some of last semester's post on the topic, I am most curious as to why Afghan Star received so much backlash from society and this did not. Is it the nature of each society?