Idol fans weigh in

The show is an entrepreneurial and capitalistic (not a dirty word) marvel and a lesson for all. Simon Cowell is a genius. As a record promoter he was constantly looking for new talent to sign and promote, which was a drag. So he created a show, basically another business, to feed his record business where acts run to HIM! And oh what a business he created! No more guess work about who would sell because the audience, aka the record buying public, will tell HIM which acts to sign! This creates instant demand when the first record is released. The constant exposure and adverting for an entire season invests the audience so that even if their favorite contestant loses, they will line up to buy tickets when the tour come to their town! When the judges are voting, they strategically select singers that represent a wide variety of styles. You got your soul singer, you got your country bumpkin, got your rocker…they are appealing to as wide an audience as possible. They are usually all young, the younger the better to ensure a long selling career. You never hear harsh criticism after a point in the show because that would be criticizing their product, mostly just praise…yes it’s good, buy it! Just from the show sponsors alone Simon is making a fortune and just to be sure he breaks even, he has the audience call or text their votes at a small charge - as many times as they want! He is just raking it in on every angle! Great example of entrepreneurship! For that reason only I think the show is great.