Why I'm banning American Idol

Did any of you catch the first couple of American Idol shows? I did and I have decided to boycott it completely!

I just could not believe how rude Simon Cowell was to some of the contestants. Yes, I know they couldn’t sing and quite a few were downright terrible. That is not the point!

Simon could have simply told them that they had terrible voices or were not suitable for American Idol. However, he went several steps beyond any form of civil behavior by getting very personal. For instance, one young fellow showed up who actually sang better than some of them. What does Simon do? Because the fellow looked a little strange, with very large eyes, Simon compared him to something he’d seen in a jungle. (ie. monkey) I cannot tell you how disgusted I was at this point.

There were a few people who showed up to audition who were obviously mentally or physically challenged in some way. And NO, they couldn’t sing. But what do Simon, Randy and Paula do? They laugh their asses off. Their behavior was childish - like bullies in a schoolyard!

There was a discussion about this on our local news last night with Mark and Donna, who make it a habit of taking opposing views. Mark took the side that people who are “challenged” should know better than to show up. Donna, on the other hand, sided with the contestants and felt Simon was way out of line. I have to agree with her on this one. The stuff that comes out of Simon's mouth amounted to nothing short of outright personal insult and were totally uncalled for.

For the life of me, I can't imagine how he doesn't get sued. If he treated my son or daughter that he treated like that on national television, I sure would!

And did you happen to notice that Paula was drinking a lot? The glass said cola, but when she started slurring her words, I began to wonder what she was really drinking.

I have been a little upset with Simon’s treatment of contestants during previous editions of America Idol. However, he has gone well past any form of civility and shows absolutely no respect for anyone. As far as I’m concerned, I will not be watching the show this time around.

Comments: 17

Terry S. Jan 19, 2007, 3:07pm EST

yeah it is over the top for a contest reality show. I felt bad for the boy that he called a bushbaby. that ws uncalled for. but it gets ratings

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jill w. Jan 19, 2007, 3:10pm EST

i dont watch it but jaci my partner do she watches some crazy shit..but yes I do agree I have seen snippets and heard bad offensive comments by these so called mentors...what with that and big brother any wonder why the world is like it is

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Janet Somewhere Up On The Mount Jan 19, 2007, 3:12pm EST

Martha I never got into that show because of Simon. I cannot stand that guy. I feel sorry for those poor people that they humiliate. I think they went to far and I am with you. it is NOT funny anymore. I heard about Paula from Rosie on the View. Then it was on Fox news also. What are these people doing?? Danny Divito was just drunk on the View. Then there was Mel and so on and so on. I guess it just goes to show ya these people have problems that money cannot fix.
Good article. I gave you a ten. : )

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John S. (arizona) Jan 19, 2007, 3:19pm EST

To tell you the truth, I think when they pre-screen people to audition, they purposely put people with less talent in harms way for him to beat up on.
I don't like those sort of shows anyway, so I'll boycott with you.

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Robin"Buffy's Stunt Double" D. Jan 19, 2007, 3:45pm EST

I saw a part that was particlularly disturbing, when the three of them broke into non-stop laughter and "couldn't" stop, while the one kid was continuing to sing. All of them were blatantly laughing in the kid's face.
I also like Kelly Clarkson & Carrie Underwood but they generally had Simon's favor from the beginning.

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Bill M. Tracer Jan 19, 2007, 3:51pm EST

I'm with you, Martha. I don't watch that show. In fact the only time I've ever seen any of it is when I'm visiting a friend who has it on their television. It is a show that will never be viewed from my own television, that's for sure. I have no tolerance for that kind of rude bully behavior, and I wouldn't care if it were the most popular show in all existence, I'll never be afraid to say that it is not worthy for me to waste my time with.

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Susan *. Jan 19, 2007, 5:05pm EST

I have no respect for Simon at all, I'm afraid. He is rude and nasty to people who come on the show, thinking they are in the running when actually they are there to be the butt of Simon's jokes. Sarcasm on TV has gone far enough...I'll boycott with you Martha..it would be a pleasure!

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Carol Roach Jan 19, 2007, 5:28pm EST

Martha I agree with you but I am not banning the show, you beat me to the punch I was going to write an article just today about it.

Please post to american and canadian idol lovers,

thanks hon

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Martha Jette, Author/Editor Jan 19, 2007, 5:35pm EST

I appreciate very much all the comments here. If enough people are turned off by this, maybe the show's producers will get the point. Humiliating people is NEVER acceptable!

Carol: I need a link to that group. I don't think I'm a member.

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Chryse W. Jan 19, 2007, 5:52pm EST

I hate American Idol for a completely different reason: lack of real talent. Almost nobody who has shown up to audition is a musician. I bet if you took a show of hands for how many could actually read music, it would be about 2%. American Idol produces mediocre talent that I'm not spending my hard-earned $ on. Why on earth should we have respect for someone who can carry a tune? I can. That doesn' t make me a musician. I think we should boycott the crappy music that comes out of American Idol as well.

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Jimmie (Hey! Let's Gather!) Harris Jan 19, 2007, 7:54pm EST

Hey ya'll... try this: There's an ONLINE contest to determine a singer to perform wth Justin Timberlake at the Super Bowl. It is wildly popular, and maybe, just maybe, it will undo American Idol. Here's the link: http://music.yahoo.com/mygrammymoment/

Also: I published an article about American Idol on January 16 (FYI), here's the link to that as well: http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474976887296

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Marsha F. Jan 19, 2007, 7:58pm EST

I watched a small portion of only one episode. That was all it took for me to decide doing anything would be better than watching the program! I thought the judges were horribly rude, and wondered about people who would go on TV KNOWING they were going to be "raked over the coals" unless they were excellent!
What, maybe two have actually became well known? Not worth it, in my opinion. I'm aware that I'm in a minority here, but thanks anyway, it's cozy here with just me!LOL

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Martha Jette, Author/Editor Jan 19, 2007, 11:47pm EST

Chryse: They call it the American Dream, but it seems more like an American Nightmare! lol

James: Going to check out those links. Thanks!

Marsha: It think you're actually in the majority here.

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Mary McCartt Jan 20, 2007, 4:37pm EST

I never watch that drivel, nor did I ever watch any of the other reality shows. I am not being righteous, just easily bored.

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Why I'm banning American Idol

Comments: 17

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