American Idol

The problem with American Idol is they aren't looking for an absolutely fantastic singer- they are looking for a half-way decent singer who looks good and can milk an audience, and who has appeal across the board. Non-offensive, bland, generic entertainment for everybody. You can be rock and roll, but not too rock and roll (even if you are awesome at it). You can be a little country, but not too country. And, oh yeah, lose some weight.

The trouble is, they are not just looking for good musical talent- and someone who has good musical talent will lose out to someone who is so-so, but has a good body, someone with charisma. There are plenty of good singers in this world who will never have their chance because they aren't 'right' for the part.

Don't fool yourself into believing that they are searching for someone with a lot of talent. They are searching for someone mediocre that they can package.