My Generation: In reality, athletes resemble 'American Idol' stars
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What does a reality show like "American Idol" have to do with football?
Most kids have seen the show, but for those who haven't, here's what happens:
"American Idol" starts with lots of folks who think they can sing and want to become pop music stars. The contestants are like sports teams that start the season with great hopes of winning the championship.
Of course, the "Idol" contestants don't play hoops or football; instead, they sing for a panel of judges. Those performances are their big games. The judges pick the performers who are good enough to move on to another set of performances in Hollywood. The competitions in Hollywood are the show's playoffs. Some singers, like some teams, are not very good. They are eliminated before going to Hollywood.
The performers keep singing, and the judges (and the people watching at home who vote) keep picking winners and losers until there's one big winner: the American Idol. The shows are like the college basketball tournaments -- teams keep getting eliminated, and everyone tunes in to see who will be the winner.
These days, there are lots of shows where contestants compete for some big prize: "Survivor," "America's Got Talent," "The Amazing Race" and "Dancing With the Stars."
Athletes do very well on "Dancing With the Stars." Winners have included Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith, and Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward as well as three Olympians. That makes sense. Dance is like a sport. The athletes are good because they know about practice and working to get better.
It also makes sense that people like these shows. Just as in sports, people like competitions with clear winners and losers. They love to root for their favorites, whether it's a football team or a young pop singer. We also are curious to see how people will stand up to the pressure of a big moment: a last-second field goal attempt, a 10-foot putt or singing a song in front of millions of people.
So enjoy the games, including "American Idol."
First Published February 13, 2012 12:00 am
