Pop Idol and Audience

Pop idol phenomena

I never watch a single episode of either American Idol or New Zealand Idol. But every year, my girlfriend would be talking about who is so cute, he/she is good so and so about the idol shows. Personally, I believe that pop idol reality shows are popular due to the fact that the show uses real people. In other words, the concept of real audiences bringing entertainment the audience wants; moreover, this is similar to recent popularity of UCC contents online. UCC is User Created Contents, this is video clip produced by the audience for the audiences.
While flicking through channels, I watched a brief clip of a talk show where the topic of the day is about Britney Spears. On the show entertainment magazine editor made a comment that the reason why Britney is still popular despite the recent scandals, such as divorce and shaved hair, is due to her back ground. Britney was a grown in an average American family, mother was a local school teacher, her father average working Joe, and her siblings where no different to any other average Americans. In addition, editor stated that due to Britney’s success from ordinary background to stardom gives hope and example for millions of average young naïve girls who dream of stardom one day. Likewise, Idol shows gives these once in a life time opportunities for ordinary people to pursue their dream life. Although only one survives the finale, audiences and fans know every contestants are showing model example of determination, effort and talent, as they shed emotional farewell with every eliminations.