Monday, September 7, 2009

Why I Watch American Idol (And a WINNER!)

Wow, I can't believe we're on the tail-end of Labor Day weekend. Before I can blink, it will be Halloween, Thanksgiving, and then Christmas. Crazy how fast time flies! I hope all of the TNG readers had a most excellent holiday weekend filled with whatever you wanted it filled with.

Before I write on Maureen's topic for the week, I want to announce the winner (chosen via random.org) from week one of our Blogoversary Bash!

The winner of two books of her choosing from Dorchester Publishing is LEXIE! Yay! Huge congrats, Lexie! Please e-mail me at Tracy@TracyMadison.com with your full name, mailing address, and the two books (titles and authors, please) you'd like from Dorchester Publishing. I'll get them ordered and sent out to you this week!

And...you're still eligible for the Grand Prize of a $100 Amazon Gift Certificate that we'll be giving away at the end of the month.

This week we're also giving away a prize, but I don't know what that is. Maureen will tell everyone tomorrow. It will be cool. Really, really cool. I'm sure of it, so stay tuned!

Okay, and I'm going to use THIS blog to reach another one of our readers, because I saw she commented. Tonya Kappes! You won a prize over on my blog last week, but I can't find your email address anywhere....so, shoot me an email, please!

On to this week's topic, brought to us by Maureen: Reality Shows!

I'm totally addicted to reality shows, but not all of them. In fact, there are far more reality shows on the air at any given time that I've never watched than there are those that I watch faithfully. My favorite, by far, is American Idol.

I started watching Idol in its second season, and have watched every episode that has aired since. Yes, even the auditions, which are the episodes I tend to like the least each and every season. Mostly because I want to hear who can sing well, those who actually have a shot, and as anyone who has ever watched AI knows, the audtions are mostly about the funny. Which, by the way, I don't normally find funny, but that's neither here nor there.

So I find myself this year, for the first year since I began watching AI, oddly apprehensive. I'll admit it...the shakeup in the judging has me not too happy. For one, I liked the THREE judge format, before they added judge number 4 last year. And two, this year, Paula is said to not be involved in American Idol any longer.

I like Paula. Yes, I do. I like her attitude, I like how she pumps the contestants up, and yes, I even like how she often says very silly things. Besides which, in my mind, Paula and Simon are a pair. I'm not sure I'll enjoy his "wit" nearly as much without Paula's wit added in.

But I'll give the show a chance. Because when push comes to shove, I don't watch because of the judges...not at all. I watch because of the contestants. It has to be so nerve-wracking to step up on that stage and sing for all America to watch, but they do it week after week, in hopes of reaching their dreams.

And to me, that's exactly what most (if not all) reality shows are about, and it is what makes them so darn appealing to the public. Well, that and the human drama that is bound to come through whenever there's a camera on a bunch of virtual strangers. It's cool. It's fun. And I love seeing dreams come true.

What about you? Do you watch reality shows? If so, which are your favorite? If not, why not?

And remember...our Blogoversary Celebration continues all month, so leave your comments and check out the rules on the sidebar to learn about how you can earn more chances to win!

11 comments:

Lexie said...

Firstly--thank you!! I sent off my e-mail :D

As far as reality shows go...

My dad and I are just a wee bit addicted. It started with season 1 of Survivor--Rudy is still our favorite contestant (though I loved Tom the NYC fireman that won). Then it moved onto a show called 'The Joe Schmo Show', then a show called 'Mad Mad Mad House', Top Chef, and we watch those VH1 shows when we want to feel better about ourselves (I know its horrible..but seriously...those shows...)

Dad watches a bunch that have nothing to do with me as well (like Solitary, Murder X, The Mole) and I watch one or two he doesn't (My Bare Lady, The Apprentice). Our great hope is to one day get Dad on Solitary (his preference) or Survivor.

Anonymous said...

First I have to say I do not like the new judge lady on American Idol,I don't know why,I just don't...maybe because she isn't paula and because she knocked out the three musketeers.lol.

Second,I loooooove to watch certain reality shows.My favorites in order are:

*Hells Kitchen--{Love me some chef Ramsey!lol}
*Wipe Out--{Seriously who doesn't like watching people hurt themselves for $50,000?}
*Survivor
*Amazing Race
*America's Next Top Model
*America's Got Talent
*American Idol.

Carol Murdock said...

The only reality shows I watch are Ghost Hunters and Paranormal. I don't watch much TV at all except for paranormal shows like Ghost Whisperer and Medium and of couse now that fall is here, NFL Football and the Tennessee Vols!
I'm a reader and just ordered your 2 magic books!I'm anxious to read and review them and I've already added a link on my blog to them! :)
Oh and I found this blog through your blog and am following both!

Unknown said...

Morning, All!

D. D. Scott here...a for-real reality show enthusiast! I know...I know...yes, I'm a bit embarrassed about my fascination, but so be it...I like 'em...some...quite a bit! LOL!

So here's the scoop:

Yes to AI, and I'll be missing Paula too!

But here's my real loves -- Keeping Up With The Kardashians (oh and now Khloe and Kourtney Take Miami too), Giuliana & Bill and Tori & Dean. These are all staples on my DVR! Woot!

Sexy, Sassy, Smart Reality Show Wishes --- D. D. Scott
http://www.DDScott.com
http://twitter.com/ddscottromcom

Tracy Madison said...

Hi, Lexie! I got your email and will be ordering your awesome choices this week!

I have never actually watched more than one episode of Survivor. I want to like it...I really do, but it just didn't do anything for me.

But, I do like Top Chef, and I'm strangely compelled to watch The Next Food Network Star and HGTV's Design Star every year.

Thanks for commenting!

Tracy Madison said...

Hey, Jess!

It's not that I dislike the new judge...it's more that she changes the flow of the show I've grown to love, so I'm not all that enthusiastic about her. But I'd say that about anyone that isn't Paula, Randy, or Simon!

Tracy Madison said...

Hi, Carol! Welcome to TNG and to my personal blog! :)

I'm thrilled to hear you've ordered the first two magic books, and I so hope you enjoy them. Thank you for posting a link on your site!!!!

Please let me know your thoughts, and if you do review them, when it goes live.

And I am a huge Ghost Whisperer and Medium fan!

Tracy Madison said...

Hi, D.D!

You know, I haven't watched any of the other reality shows you've listed, but I'm pretty sure I'd like Tori & Dean. :)

My TV watching schedule is sooo full though, that it's probably beter if I keep the status quo.

Thanks for stopping in and commenting!

Anonymous said...

If you are fond of music and u really want to watch a real singing sensation then u should watch American Idol otherwise u can leave it.

Anonymous said...

American Idol is a good musical show to watch online. I used to watch every episode of this show online and enjoy it. Its my favorite show.

Anonymous said...

American Idol top 24 contetents has been selected. Try to watch it by using the link here.