Tonight, I’m flipping through the channels and landed on the infamous American Idol for the first time since… probably high school. I’ve always loved watching the initial auditions but get pretty bored after they pick the first 24 finalists.

All I have to say is… seriously? From when I started watching this show in maybe middle school or high school (yes, the Kelly Clarkson years) there was a LOT of talent showcased in a half hour. Now? I’m sad, but not surprised, to say that American Idol has turned into our favorite genre of ‘reality show.’ It seems the judges and producers are going for more of the story instead of the actual talent.

I could be entirely off base since I haven’t been following the season, but let’s think about it. How many people are in this world? How many of the ACTUALLY make it? The percentage to become a star is pretty much close to none, and the few performers I just watched didn’t really impress. I fell for their stories more than their voice and while, yes, that is a way to sell, it’s not going to carry them through. It’ll make me listen, but it won’t bring me to the concert. Most say Simon is too harsh and while I usually agree, maybe in this season, he’s just telling it how it is.