Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
American Idol = Crack for the Mind
()
The producers behind Fox’s American Idol 5 must use subliminal messaging or the Vulcan mind meld behind the scenes. How else can you explain the popularity of this high school-esque talent show?
It’s certainly not the hi-larious hijinks of its too perfectly coiffed host, Ryan Seacrest (but we admit that we did laugh when the height-challenged Seacrest stood on a box to talk to a taller female contestant). Nor is it the witty repartee between Paula Abdul, Randy “Yo Dawg” Jackson or Simon Cowell. For reasons unknown, the AI juggernaut seems to cut a wide swath, assailing even the most innocent of bystanders, to capture about 20 to 30 million viewers each night. The Hollywood life is the new American dream. It's just as well because no one can afford houses here anyway.
This LAist poster, in particular, would like to admit – confess – an addiction to the show that sucks hours from the lives of its viewers, which we will never, ever get back. Take last night’s show, for example. AI narrowed its search to 24 finalists. (Which by the way, you’d think after trying out thousands and thousands of folks in football stadiums, you’d find 24 that could keep on pitch…but that’s another post.)
Support for LAist comes from
The Thursday show’s task was simple: Announce the four contestants with the lowest votes. Easy, right? Wrong. After all the finalists sang one song together – “Take It Easy” by the Eagles – the show stretched the booting to a full hour and then some. The kids who got kicked off were asked to sing one last time.
Now does this make sense? "Sorry contestant, but America thought you sucked. Can you sing again to confirm..." And the four who went home last night - Big Boy Bobby Bennett, Stevie the opera girl, Patrick the boring guy, and model girl Becky (pictured above, with Seacrest) pretty much deserved it.
Do you see what this show has reduced us to? We desperately need to get off this gravy train, but we can't. AI is like that wreck on the freeway; no matter how hard you try you can't look away. The only consolation we can take is that at least LAist never got into Dancing with the Stars.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs. -
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
Best of LAist