Is American Idol too mean?

[Kim&Chris]

That's the big buzz today here in work. Simon is too mean, Randy is a little mean, and Paula can be an idiot. They laugh at the contestants, make ignorant remarks, belittle them, etc.

Maybe, but the way I look at it....there's almost no one on the planet who has not seen this show. Everyone knows Simon's reputation, unless you live under a rock. If you go and audition by singing in a tone that only dogs can hear, or believe that adding the 'snort' from the Cowardly Lion to your songs is a GOOD idea, then you're kinda asking for it.

 

[noseybuddy]

Anyone who goes on that show should know what to expect from the judges, it's no secret the way they behave. Doesn't make it right though. But that seems to be what the public wants to see. I kinda got bored with the show. Didn't watch it the past two nights. If I watch it at all it will be when they get to the final 12.

 

[JunieJay]

Its a talent competion, talent should be judged and critiqued, I have no problem with any of the three judges remarks as it pertains to talent.

When it becomes a beauty contest, I have to hit the mute button. Not fair, and not enjoyable for me at all.

 

[lovemygoofy]

I personally had thought that Randy is getting bit ballsier and Simon has been quieter. People know that they are going to get heckled or whatever and have their stuff splashed across America. Why do you think they go on the show? Sometimes they are mean, I guess but honestly alot of it is for ratings and people eat it up.

 

[SwedishMeatball]

I personally had thought that Randy is getting bit ballsier and Simon has been quieter. People know that they are going to get heckled or whatever and have their stuff splashed across America. Why do you think they go on the show? Sometimes they are mean, I guess but honestly alot of it is for ratings and people eat it up.

Exactly. I also think that Simon seems more laid back this season. I really like it when Randy and him get the giggles and try to hide it.

 

[Sandy V.]

To me, the "mean" ones are the family and friends of contestants who encourage these tone-deaf folks to audition for the show. Deep down, they have to KNOW just how bad they really sing. A little honesty up front might save some of these contestants from heartache and embarassment.

I personally think that some people are SO desparate for attention that they deliberately go on the show knowing full well they're going to be ridiculed.

I have no problem with what Simon, Randy, and Paula comment on in regards to singing. I don't like Simon's comments about people's weight, though.

 

[CharmCityGirl]

I think it seems as though Randy and Paula are getting more mean this season whereas it was mostly Simon in the last reasons. Also, there have been a couple people the past two nights who obviously have some sort of mental problems. Yet the producers allow them to sing in front of the judges and set them up for mean and rude comments from the judges. I don't find that funny.

 

[OhMari]

I was surprised they spent so much time on the bad talent, did you see where 6 contestants were given the "golden ticket" and we didn't even see their audition.
We have to remember that they sit all day screening contestants and maybe that is what the producer wants, Simon being really harsh, Paula loosing it and Randy-he's like a switch, you never know which way he flips.

 

[princessesrule4]

I t really bothers me when Simon makes fun of people's appearance and I actually turned it off last night after he made fun of the one guy ( I think his name was Kenny?) by saying he had huge eyes right to his face.

 

[disney junky]

Honestly, I think this is a direct result of people only being told what they want to hear...we do it in schools....if you just try hard enough or want something bad enough.....sorry, that's not reality and it's not life.

 

[Minnie824]

To me, the "mean" ones are the family and friends of contestants who encourage these tone-deaf folks to audition for the show. Deep down, they have to KNOW just how bad they really sing. A little honesty up front might save some of these contestants from heartache and embarassment.

I personally think that some people are SO desparate for attention that they deliberately go on the show knowing full well they're going to be ridiculed.

I totally agree with this. You can just tell some of them go on the show to get tv time, and they're acting w/their singing, and with their fake hurt reactions just cuz they know thats what makes tv. AND, for anyone trying out, there are millions of people...they need to go in with the expectation that they will not win, and be happily surprised if they make it.

I also agree with the supportive family members. If my daughters were older and wanted to try out and couldn't sing, there is no way I would encourage them to go get ridiculed.

I think Simon is hilarious...Paula and Randy add little value to the show.

 

[Kim&Chris]

To me, the "mean" ones are the family and friends of contestants who encourage these tone-deaf folks to audition for the show. Deep down, they have to KNOW just how bad they really sing. A little honesty up front might save some of these contestants from heartache and embarassment.

I personally think that some people are SO desparate for attention that they deliberately go on the show knowing full well they're going to be ridiculed.

I have no problem with what Simon, Randy, and Paula comment on in regards to singing. I don't like Simon's comments about people's weight, though.

I totally agree.

 

[olena]

I'm one of those few that have never watched it. I know of Simon's reputation naturally.

Too mean? Too cruel? It's voluntary. Nobody sings on that show with a gun to his/her head. Some people will completely degrade themselves just to get on TV.

 

[cardaway]

Have they aired the part where they compare a mentally handicapped contestant to Gollum? I heard a blurb about that on the radio.

Way too far.

 

[swanmom]

I'm fine with critiques of their singing voices, vocal style and song choice, etc......after all, it's a singing contest. I'm even fine with them giving criticism of fashion, 'costume' - whatever you want to call their attire....after all, the auditioners chose what they wore. But when you criticize a person's physical attributes over which they have no control, then I think that crosses the line.

 

[dcgrumpy]

Have they aired the part where they compare a mentally handicapped contestant to Gollum? I heard a blurb about that on the radio.

Way too far.

there was a guy who looked liked Gollum that Simon compared to a bush baby. I didn't think he was mentally handicapped though just a bit odd.

 

[Robinrs]

I'm fine with critiques of their singing voices, vocal style and song choice, etc......after all, it's a singing contest. I'm even fine with them giving criticism of fashion, 'costume' - whatever you want to call their attire....after all, the auditioners chose what they wore. But when you criticize a person's physical attributes over which they have no control, then I think that crosses the line.

Especially since MOST of the winners were not "perfect" Hollywood types anyway. Simon loves to insult heavy people, if not with words with his facial expressions.

 

[Kirby]

I wonder how they decide which ones to be nice to and which ones to tear apart?

 

[cardaway]

there was a guy who looked liked Gollum that Simon compared to a bush baby. I didn't think he was mentally handicapped though just a bit odd.

What I heard about was them comparing a person to Gollum, complete wtih an extreme closeup face shot to emphasize the point. According to the people on the radio the person was clearly mentally handicapped and actually met with another mentally handicapped person after getting ripped to shreds by the team.

It's possible they were wrong.

 

[mickeyboat]

I have not watched either show this season, so I don't know how bad the critiques have been.

That being said, I do think it is appropriate to judge someone's likelihood of success based on how they look. It isn't only a singing competition, it's an idol competition. And whether we like it or not, most people want to see thin, beautiful people on album covers. There have been some exceptions, but those people have had personalities or singing voices which overcame the fact that they were not thin and beautiful.

And that being said, the critique does not need to be an incredibly hurtful insult, either.

Denae