When I was young, I took ballet for several years even though I couldn't dance. My blissful ignorance was crushed after a recital when my instructor told me my florescent pink tutu was unfit for the grace of ballet and I was merely jumping in awkward circles.
Recently, the judges of ""American Idol"" have fallen under criticism for making comments similar to those of my ballet teacher. Critics claim Paula, Randy and Simon have taken the verbal abuse too far—criticizing some contestants not only on their lack of talent but also their appearance.
While the comments may be an attempt to boost ratings and entertain audiences, the contestants should not be upset with the ""American Idol"" judges but rather their seemingly loyal ""support system"" of family and friends who encouraged them to audition. They should have known better—and the statistics say so.
""American Idol"" receives its highest viewer ratings during the beginning of the season every year. According to Reality TV Online, 35.5 million viewers tuned in to watch the preliminary auditions of Season Five, where harsh critiques of both vocals and appearance were commonplace. Nielsen Total Audience figures suggest the actual number of viewers was more than 55 million.
These numbers mean that roughly one of every five people in America tuned in to watch the judges tear apart Season Five contenders.
Figures such as these are why it's hard for me to have any sympathy for someone who auditions for ""American Idol"" without the faintest idea that they may be humiliated on national television.
One unfortunate soul at the Season Six auditions in Minneapolis raved that she was a huge fan of the show before singing her audition piece. To say it went badly would be an understatement. To say she had an odd appearance is being overly generous.
Given this, and her dedication to the show, I was surprised when she seemed incredibly offended by Simon's comment that he ""couldn't decide which was worse—[her] singing or [her] clown shirt.""
The girl stormed out and protested the judges' decision, saying, ""I have had professional singing lessons for years, and they have no right to criticize my wardrobe.""
Actually, clown girl, they do. The release form all contestants have to sign before auditioning states, ""I understand that I, or other parties, may reveal information about me that is of a personal, private, embarrassing or unfavorable nature, which information may be factual or fictional."" The release form also gives the producers the right to broadcast any of this information.
Parents, friends, co-choir members—what are you thinking? A white lie is always easier when the feelings of someone you care about are involved. However, when they plan to showcase their lack of talent on a show reputed for an angry Brit's rude remarks—its time to be honest.
Take it from someone who found out the truth the hard way. If only my dad had said something like, ""Sweetie, I'm not sure Van Halen's ‘Jump' is an appropriate song for your ballet recital. And point your toes—you look like a ridiculous tribal dancer.""
Don't wait for a ballet instructor, or Simon Cowell, to destroy the dream of your loved one. It may hurt, but at least one of every five people in America won't laugh at your comments.
