Re: Thanks For The Memories
Simon Cowell has announced that this season will be his last on American Idol. He is leaving the show to spearhead the US production of The X-Factor, a UK show that is basically American Idol minus the age restrictions and stylists. Since the news, commentators and bloggers have hotly debated the impact his departure will have on the popularity of the show. While some rejoice, others declare the end is nigh. Whatever the outcome on next season’s ratings, Cowell has made some significant contributions to both the show and popular culture. His brash, outspoken and honest assessment of the Idol contestants is a refreshing contrast to former judge Paula Abdul’s crazy mommy role and Randy Jackson’s weekly celebration of catchphrases. New judge Kara DioGuardi’s attempts at caustic critique are just a pale imitation. Audiences know the real thing, even if they hate it.
Like Idol itself, Cowell became a brand and in doing so he revealed to American audiences that British men are not all hapless fops (Are you listening Hugh Grant?) or characters out of a Guy Ritchie film . More than that, Cowell’s unsympathetic approach to critique reflects the harsh realities of the record business and prepares Idol hopefuls for a future removed from the safety of Ryan Seacrest’s hand-holding. In the real world, even Seacrest knows that trying your best won’t land you a spot on his radio show. Cowell is more than a stern father. He is a stern, wise one. He takes audiences behind the curtain of the manufactured world of popular music, even as he helps to create it. In an age of ’scripted reality’, he provides a welcome glimpse of the real.
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