America is once again on the lookout for fresh faces and great voices. After six cities and tens of thousands of hopeful idols, last summer’s breakout reality show, “American Idol,” began its second season Jan. 21.
Just as last year, “Idol” traveled from coast to coast to discover the country’s freshest talent and just like last time, they ran into some kinks along the way.
“Idol” is a contest that lets talented young singers perform against each other in order to win a full record contract, publicity and all the perks that come with superstardom.
Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell are the three judges who have the say on who makes it to Hollywood and who goes back home. Last year, Cowell infamously made his mark on America by serving as the ‘intimidation’ factor the contestants must reluctantly face.
The judges witnessed a mixture of performers, ranging from pretty good to unbearably terrible. From each city visited by “Idol,” many will make the grade and hear those magical words, “We’ll see you in Hollywood,” while others will have no such luck.
So, what makes this reality show so exciting to the viewers who tune in each week?
“Simon Cowell’s dry sense of humor makes me want to continue to watch the show. There is nobody else like him on T.V. today,” MSU senior finance major Nicole Emanuel said.
If the reaction of the judges on last Tuesday night’s premiere is any indication of how successful the season will be, then it should be. Over 25 million viewers tuned in for last season- will the audience be even larger this year?
“I think this season’s “American Idol” will be even more successful than the last because of all the publicity last year’s contestants have receive,” MSU senior marketing major Lyndsey Newcomb said. “I can’t wait to see who will be the winner this season because the competition is going to be tougher than the previous year.”
“Idol’s” first winner, Kelly Clarkson, won the hearts of millions of viewers. Her debut single, “A Moment Like This,” received lots of publicity from critics and continuous play from radio stations. Clarkson is also starring in a movie with “Idol” co-star, Juston Guarini. Clarkson is not the only idol with success. The other top 10 idols from last season are currently recording albums, making movies and appearing in commercials and T.V. shows as well.
With plenty of stiff competition, who will be the next “American Idol?” Only time will tell.