Paul Abdul of American Idol

    I have to admit I am a big fan of the hit TV show, American Idol. But then, who isn’t? Maybe I don’t fit the ideal profile of an Idol-izer (Get it? Idol-izer!), but let’s not forget that musical competitions are not all that new to television. You can go as far back as the 1950s to see such shows as the “Original Amateur Hour,” which showcased America’s young musical talent.

     Idol reminds me, too, of some of the variety shows that used to be a staple of early television (much like reality shows are today) such as “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “The Carol Burnett Show.” Those shows presented some of the hit acts of the day (Idol does, too, with their guest celebrities) and sketch comedy (don’t tell me that you aren’t amused by the antics of some of the so-called Idol wannabes.) Read the rest of this entry »