Because Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood set the bar so high I think the number of true success stories that come from Idol is often grossly underestimated. Maria is right about that.
And one thing I like is that, for the most part, they usually stay true to themselves. There's not many that have let success go to their heads to the point that they go off the rails like we see so many in the entertainment biz do. There are not many run-ins with the law to speak of, no big rehab stories, or stuff like that. I think that's a positive thing in an industry that can get pretty seedy and is a big reason why I love the show so much. I feel like we get a more honest picture of who they really are than we do of most other artists and they're almost all extremely likable.
AIMOD-Maria wrote:I think Idol has moved beyond being a mere talent show to something bigger. Idols seem to be in the news a lot! And Kelly Clarkson has certainly shown that she has staying power. Plus, Carrie Underwood just hosted the CMAs for the fifth time.
It's not just the winners, though. Daughtry has done well. Jennifer Hudson won an Oscar. Other winners and runners up have the opportunity to make their living with music, which is -- to me -- the definition of success, which I personally don't measure by dollar signs.
What do you think Idol's impact on music, in general, has been?
i think on some level, it always has been "something bigger".. i have always seen the competition aspect as almost secondary, because it's all about celebrating music for music's own sake, paying homage to iconic songs and artists, discovering new talent, bringing it all into our living rooms.. i think american idol is the ed sullivan show or american bandstand of our day (with a little bit of gong show thrown in for kicks) 
i do get caught up in the competition if i really feel strongly about a contestant, but i've always loved that it's a friendly competition and we are more likely to see them rooting each other on than trying to beat each other out.. i think alot of us do appreciate that, because it seems that if anyone does get too mean about it and wants to crush the competition, we don't find them very likable and they start losing our votes.. we rarely see runner ups who are not genuinely happy for the winners, and even those who leave early seem sincerely grateful just to have had the opportunity, because the exposure alone can give them a boost in their carreers, and because they just love having a stage to sing on because, again, it is all about the music
and i think overall it does remind us that dispite the hard times we do live in a land of opportunity where dreams can be pursuid and that our pursuits can be supported, whether by the encouragement of fans or ultimately by being able to find jobs in the music industry, whether humble or superstar or anything in between! and i don't underestimate the value of entertainment.. even during the depression, folks found a way to scrape up a nickel for a movie matinee or for music and dancing, because the escapism and good feelings help us put our troubles on the back burner for a couple hours.. music has tremendous contributions towards quality of life, so a show that celebrates music will always be in high demand, imo
i always hand it to ryan as well, i think mister clark had an enormous influence on him because he shares the same level of dedication to the show and above all to the music, because i don't think he sees it as a trivial thing, nor do i and i very much agree that it's not about the dollar signs, it's about making music and being able to share the love of music with those who appreciate it, whether a little or alot and i think that's why the contestants make it too, because most of them are not just in it for their fifteen minutes of fame, they are dedicated to their music and ready to do whatever it takes to stay in it for the long haul, just like ryan is and just like us addicted viewers are and it does seem that that's what the judges look for during the talent scout stage, not just whether they have the talent but whether they have the readiness and dedication to nurture their talent and invest in their own futures (as well as the future enjoyment of their fans).. i think the show has the winning formula and does crank out winners, because they're all winners in my book!
amfan1 wrote:First, I also liked what boom-shaka said about the former contestants and how they have dealt with "Success".
Personally I think the reason this is true is because the JUDGES make sure they pick "High Quality" people for the Top Spots. There are parts of "Hollywood Week" that weed out those who may not have the qualities that Idol is looking for.....that is the reason they all seem to get along so well during the season.
Sorry, I got side-tracked.....the question about Idol's "Impact" on music.......the least is the impact of creating a genre of shows that allows so many a chance at stardom with this so-called "unconventional" method......a method that NOW is NOT "Unconventional".....it is the Normal for finding singing talent!!
that's a very good point.. i do think "plays well with others" is an attribute they look for during group week! ("runs with scissors" need not apply) i think they are very particular about who represents them, and they do tend to choose finalists who take their music very seriously and aren't likely to be distracted by other things.. and also true that what once was a novelty is now becoming common practice.. but american idol is still my favorite
aartemiss wrote:
amfan1 wrote:First, I also liked what boom-shaka said about the former contestants and how they have dealt with "Success".
Personally I think the reason this is true is because the JUDGES make sure they pick "High Quality" people for the Top Spots. There are parts of "Hollywood Week" that weed out those who may not have the qualities that Idol is looking for.....that is the reason they all seem to get along so well during the season.
Sorry, I got side-tracked.....the question about Idol's "Impact" on music.......the least is the impact of creating a genre of shows that allows so many a chance at stardom with this so-called "unconventional" method......a method that NOW is NOT "Unconventional".....it is the Normal for finding singing talent!!
that's a very good point.. i do think "plays well with others" is an attribute they look for during group week! ("runs with scissors" need not apply)
Some wonderful points have been made by everyone. For the most part, American Idol has been a "comfortable" show to watch. Not every season had high talent, but someone like Sanjaya was fun to watch unless your favorite went home while he stayed. We have had an opportunity to get to know the Idol contestants, as much as TPTB will let us.
There has been a huge amount of manipulation and scripted moments, but overall there has been a huge amount of individuals who can REALLY sing without autotuning and eye-popping background. For the most part, these singers are given advantages those breaking into music cannot get. Don't you just love it when you see one, and say, "Hey that guy cutting the bush in that commercial is Justin - runner-up for season one."
I need to say Idol has had an influence on various arenas of entertainment. I love seeing them make it in the movies (Jennifer Hudson amongst others) and Broadway! I am so excited to see if Constatine will be nominated for another Tony Award. I am happy to see how "welcoming" the Country music scene is to Idol favorites - and not just the winners. Of course, Kelly and Carrie are our crown jewels - but so many young people have gotten a career by appearing on the show!
I don't thik I answered the question. LOL! 
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it is a hard question to answer, kari, i agree i think idol is a reflection of popular music, both iconic and current, but whether it has an impact on the music scene in general is hard to say.. i think they do introduce us to new talent, not only through the upcoming contestants but even the guest performers are sometimes new to me.. i had been so out of the loop with what was current that i honestly wasn't even familiar with lady gaga until she was on the show, even though i heard her name everywhere and had the vague impression that she was ruling the pop charts at the time (the same for nicki minaj), because i just don't listen much to radio or watch music video channels much like i did when i was younger.. so american idol does have, for me, very much an element of "you saw it here first, folks!" but it's hard to say whether they are showing us what is already currenty popular or if they themselves are the trend setters which are influencing the market.. but it definitely is true that alot of the artists which were first seen on idol have indeed gone on to become quite successful on many levels.. i think maybe it's "both".. i mean i think the guest performers and mentors and judges have already made a name for themselves and set their own trends, but it is very possible that the contestants may go on to become trend setters or trailblazers in their own right.. and like you say, they are definitely recognizable after their exposure on the show, and it's fun to see them woven into the fabric of pop culture, whether thru cameo appearances on popular tv shows or commercials, or bigger acting jobs, or hearing their songs on dance shows, not to mention their singles and albums.. so i don't know if i can guesstimate how much of an impact they have on the bigger picture, but they are most definitely a noticable part of it
and i think i understand what you mean by it is "comfortable" to watch.. for me, it is "feel good" tv.. no violence to challenge my sensibilities, not even much hostility bc what little there is is weeded out in the early rounds.. it's almost utopian in the way they only choose contestants who get along well and are likely to forge a brotherhood/sisterhood among themselves.. utopian is probably too strong of a word, but i can't think of a better one at the moment.. ("love fest" maybe?) for me it's almost reminiscent of the flower power creed of "can't we all just get along and stop all the fussing and fighting", and to me that is something worth maintaining and/or getting back to, even if it is just an illusion (which it may or may not be, i don't know).. but i like seeing that people can fight for the same prize without fighting each other in the process.. where other shows seem to have a larger share of contestants who are in it for themselves at all costs, american idol contestants are in it for the music first and foremost.. that's how it seems to me anyway, and that's what sets it aside from (or ahead of) the other shows, in my opinion