Let the "Idol" Auditions Begin!

16. I enjoy the reality shows and look forward to them each year. YES I have a life, and sometimes too much of one. There are so many depressing things going on the world, (like the war in Iraq and now Israel/Lebanon) that I find my escape with frivolities like AI. There's a simple solution for those of you who don't like the realities shows - don't watch them!

Posted at 5:56PM on Aug 9th 2006 by Lori

17. In My HuMbLe Opinion: American Idol is fun and entertaining. It will fail the day it becomes too serious ..it's so much fun to see the good singers and the "um...noooo's".....it has been proven time and time again on national television that people really do think they sound *that good*, so that when rejection comes and they face simon they cry, cuss, stomp and flip the proverbial bird. personally i love simon, he's needed on that show, he has a natural ear and talent for hearing the unhearable ..and showing them the exit. there's no sense for production companys to fiddle faddle around with someone who sounds like a sick 'culture fool', to borrow a phrase from Mr. T.
Simon: may your days be horrible headache producing nightmares and our nights worse, we love you! Paula, have another drink ; randy, have another cheesburger and fries. American Idol will be around for a little while.

Posted at 6:52PM on Aug 9th 2006 by Donna in Texas

18. I like the show. It takes guts for those kids to get up there and try. I don't always agree with Simon's comments but that is part of the show and it keeps it interesting. and after all he has free speech also. America needs more young people that are willing to try to do something with thier lives. Hey, where else could William Hung have ever gottent Famous??

Posted at 6:53PM on Aug 9th 2006 by Betty

19. Yes....the show is silly, but endearing and my 10 year old likes it and makes me and her Dad watch it with her. AND guess what? We got hooked on it, too!! If nothing else, watching the show brings the family together to share thoughts, discuss, ridicule and critique; spend a little extra quality time together when we might otherwise be doing seperate things. During the course of last years Idol, many discussions came up in our family regarding the nature of the music business for "real" musicians, and how much work and training goes into being a professional singer and just how difficult it is to chose a career path in music for most people, not to mention how long it takes to "make it" in the business. The truly talented usually shine through, even Taylor Hicks, and there are many professional musicians out there I am sure who know Idol is not the "real way" it's done, but still watch and envy those who have the guts to audition and go through a very grueling, tedious process of re-auditioning and judging. The fast track to getting a major label record deal, access to the best writers and producers in the business, and the press and publicity is a dream come true for a young singer! Yes, and it does seem the producers have a knack for picking contestants that cover the extreme variety of American tastes. But be honest, how many of us, even professionals, could have cut it on American Idol when we were 16 years old?! The show is for that demographic (10 to 20 year olds)! Taylor Hicks at 29 just made the cut (a contestant must be between 16 and 29 years old), and he proved that it's still "hip to be square". These contestants are reflections of American society! The soap opera personalities of judges makes Idol all the more hilarious! Silly stuff! Much better than some shows on TV! It's more entertaining than watching Spongebob and safer (for 10 year olds) than watching The Simpsons!! Long may the Idol banner wave!

Posted at 8:52PM on Aug 9th 2006 by JoJo

20. I just love to watch American Idol. I look forward to watching the show each nite it is on, when I get home form work. (I teach school) My students think it is great that I watch. Actually the whole staff watches and it is always the talk in the lunch room. Love it, and thank you for having a show on TV that familys can watch.

Posted at 9:08PM on Aug 9th 2006 by Nancy

21. Taylor Hicks is simply embarassing.......who picked him? Hmmmmm. Seems like I've asked that before......reminds me of some recent Presidential elections.....

Posted at 12:42AM on Aug 10th 2006 by jacquie

22. I so love them all, I laugh, I cry, what a dream for these young people a chance for a dream to come true, I am not much of a Tv watcher with all the trash on anymore . They come from all walks a life, they all have the same dream I would not miss this show EVER!! I am marking my calender so i do not miss one show!

Posted at 2:02AM on Aug 10th 2006 by jeri Hardcastle

23. I would like AI better if most of the contestants hadn't "graduated" from the Whitney Houston/mariah carey school of "singing." They rarely sing songs straight, as they were intended to be sung (especially the classics), and their style is overly theatrical. However, there are some nonwinners who look like they belong on a stage, and once winners dump the AI style, they look like they have a future (eg Clarkson). I rarely watch the show but definitely appreciate the opportunity it gives to people with genuine talent. And, yes, I think Simon is worth 3 of Paula and 3 of Randy, neither of whom seem to know how to give quality ciriticism which is what these contestants desperately need.

lin

Posted at 2:35PM on Aug 26th 2006 by lin collette

24. I vote, so I can say:
I watch American Idol every season, but I do have to say that I've been very disappointed with the winners. Last season Elliott Yamin should have won (even Kathrine maybe), and the season before last, Vonzell should have won. I don't think that people are necessarily voting for vocal quality, but are voting more for looks. Taylor Hicks was a good entertainer, but I would never buy an actually buy a cd because he didn't have the voice. We already have a zillion Ray Charles songs.

Posted at 2:41PM on Aug 10th 2006 by Evonna

25. I love American Idol....and Carrie Underwood is the BEST Idol that has come from this show!

Posted at 4:26PM on Aug 10th 2006 by Ashlee

26. My daughter Devon will be trying out as soon as she is old enough. She is 11 now but will be one to contend with on that stage. I sang to her since the night of her conception, throughout justation and daily until she was 3 1/2. My baby girl is comming. Prepare for battle :-)

Posted at 6:04PM on Sep 18th 2006 by Len Ginn

27. What are the dates and places to Audition for American Idol

Posted at 8:04AM on Sep 25th 2006 by Faye Warner Jones