2008 Woodie Awards
Even in its seventh season, American Idol still a success
Television
Alivia Wildey
Issue date: 2/13/08 Section: Entertainment
The seventh season of one of the world's most popular reality TV shows has taken off with tremendous success in recent weeks.
American Idol, created by Simon Fuller in 2002, apparently never gets old for its fans.
Eric Wernke, member of local band Younger Brother, has kept up with American Idol throughout the last few seasons.
"The show is good exposure for people who have good talent," said Wernke. "For example, Chris Daughtry didn't win but the experience changed his life because the show has so many viewers."
The show scored the highest rating of all entertainment telecasts on all networks from 2007-2008.
Nielson Media Research has statistics that show that there were 33.2 million viewers the night of the season seven debut.
Despite the huge numbers, they were down approximately 10 percent from season six. However, producers still consider it to be a great success.
"I don't know if the show will grow, but I believe it will maintain its current status," said Wernke.
Paula Adbul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell are once again judging the ever-so-popular televised singing competition. The host of the show, Ryan Seacrest, remains the same as well.
Wernke describes Jackson as being easily influenced, Abdul as always optimistic and Cowell as the most truthful, but sometimes a little too harsh.
So far this season, Idol has traveled to Miami, Omaha, Neb., Philadelphia, San Diego, Charleston, N.C., Dallas and Atlanta.
There have been several shining stars, amazing talent and gifted performers found for this season.
Each contestant only hopes they will hear the judges' infamous line, "Welcome to Hollywood!" and take the yellow ticket on their way out of the judging room to celebrate.
Only a tiny percent are able to feel the glory though. Out of the thousands and thousands of men and women who show up at the auditions, only a handful makes it through.
After approximately a month of touring the nation to find America's most talented singers, the final 24 males and females began performing in Hollywood Feb. 12.
Judy Ellis, 19, and a student at Ball State University, will be auditioning for season eight in Tampa, Fla., in August 2008. She has the same dreams and goals as all the others, and she believes she has what it takes.
"I've heard they turn down some good singers for the bad ones who entertain," said Ellis, "But I think I will make it because I have confidence in myself and my talent."
Ellis also commented that she is not afraid of Cowell and his criticism, because she respects that he is so honest.
Clearly there is a broad range of talent on the show.
Some contestants are completely serious and attempting to fulfill their lifetime ambitions. On the other hand, it seems others take it as a big joke and only want a few seconds of fame.
"The terrible ones are entertaining, but they have to know up front, even if they are decent, they are not American Idol-worthy," said Wernke, "Any criticism they get is their own fault."
American Idol, created by Simon Fuller in 2002, apparently never gets old for its fans.
Eric Wernke, member of local band Younger Brother, has kept up with American Idol throughout the last few seasons.
"The show is good exposure for people who have good talent," said Wernke. "For example, Chris Daughtry didn't win but the experience changed his life because the show has so many viewers."
The show scored the highest rating of all entertainment telecasts on all networks from 2007-2008.
Nielson Media Research has statistics that show that there were 33.2 million viewers the night of the season seven debut.
Despite the huge numbers, they were down approximately 10 percent from season six. However, producers still consider it to be a great success.
"I don't know if the show will grow, but I believe it will maintain its current status," said Wernke.
Paula Adbul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell are once again judging the ever-so-popular televised singing competition. The host of the show, Ryan Seacrest, remains the same as well.
Wernke describes Jackson as being easily influenced, Abdul as always optimistic and Cowell as the most truthful, but sometimes a little too harsh.
So far this season, Idol has traveled to Miami, Omaha, Neb., Philadelphia, San Diego, Charleston, N.C., Dallas and Atlanta.
There have been several shining stars, amazing talent and gifted performers found for this season.
Each contestant only hopes they will hear the judges' infamous line, "Welcome to Hollywood!" and take the yellow ticket on their way out of the judging room to celebrate.
Only a tiny percent are able to feel the glory though. Out of the thousands and thousands of men and women who show up at the auditions, only a handful makes it through.
After approximately a month of touring the nation to find America's most talented singers, the final 24 males and females began performing in Hollywood Feb. 12.
Judy Ellis, 19, and a student at Ball State University, will be auditioning for season eight in Tampa, Fla., in August 2008. She has the same dreams and goals as all the others, and she believes she has what it takes.
"I've heard they turn down some good singers for the bad ones who entertain," said Ellis, "But I think I will make it because I have confidence in myself and my talent."
Ellis also commented that she is not afraid of Cowell and his criticism, because she respects that he is so honest.
Clearly there is a broad range of talent on the show.
Some contestants are completely serious and attempting to fulfill their lifetime ambitions. On the other hand, it seems others take it as a big joke and only want a few seconds of fame.
"The terrible ones are entertaining, but they have to know up front, even if they are decent, they are not American Idol-worthy," said Wernke, "Any criticism they get is their own fault."
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