Addicted to the Idol Factor

Omigod, I'm about to become addicted to American Idol.  How do I know?  It don't take no genius to predict: I get addicted every year when it gets to The Final Twelve stage.  I presume it's a few weeks into that stage now on the western side of the Atlantic, but on this side the first Final Twelve show airs this weekend.

It's not just American Idol.  I'm equally addicted to the UK version X Factor.  Why do they appeal to me so much?  Well, I have to confess that I really like Simon Cowell's refreshing brand of honesty.  Plus, and I mean this sincerely, I think he's a funny guy!

But it's more than that. 

I do recognise that during the early stages of these shows, there's alot of exploitation of seriously untalented individuals in the name of mindless entertainment of the masses.  But I skip those shows, and really only tune in when we're talking about real talent, and individuals who are honouring that talent, rather than seeking a celebrity lifestyle.  Now it's about people who are truly passionate about working in the music industry, and are absoutely, 100% committed to following their dreams. 

What's not to love about that?