Musings of a chick: Has it really come to this?

I try to rise above the typical pop culture fodder, but from time to time I have to express my annoyance. Why do people like "American Idol" so damn much?

Is it the fact that viewers vicariously live through other people experiencing a taste of stardom?

Is it the fact that Simon Cowell is such a JERK?

Is it because Paula Abdul doesn't have anything better to do?

I'm thinkin' a big yes. And I've been willing to "live and let live" for the most part because I can truly say in my heart that I do not contribute to their ratings.

BUT WHEN THEY MESS WITH STEVIE, THEY CROSS THE LINE!

WHAT IS UP WITH THE "STEVIE WONDER NIGHT" GIMMICK? AREN'T THERE OTHER COMPOSERS FOR THEM TO PICK ON - LIKE, SAY, PAUL MCCARTNEY?

I am so saddened by this, and it's not just because I'm technically "too old" to participate. It's because nothing is sacred to these people. I've read little articles about it in the Washington Post, and three of the contestants were not even familiar with him or his music?! WHAT??

I realize he's not in the forefront as he once was, but let's face it - if he weren't around, then Beyonce, Babyface, and many other RnB artists wouldn't be either. Chances are, many of these people were in fact conceived to one of these songs and didn't even know it.

I weep for the future. Read the "Yahoo" buzz column for yourself...if you agree or disagree, I don't mind. But I may have to drink shots tonight to relieve the pain, and they won't be green.

Idol Singers Wonder-ful
Friday March 17, 2006 3:00AM PT

Even before Stevie Wonder week challenged the 12 finalists on American Idol, his songs had proven popular among the show's early contestants. After Wednesday's broadcast, searches on the Motown hitmaker were flying like a ribbon in the sky, soaring 32% and propelling the
legend into our top 600 searches. Searches for his lyrics, songs, and biography were also humming.

Towering above the rest of Stevie's songs in Search was the appropos "Higher Ground," which climbed 45% after Chris Daughtry brought down the house with a rockin' Chili Peppers flavored version of the tune. Other Wonder-ful songs hitting a high note in Buzz included "Until You Come Back to Me" (performed by Katharine McPhee), "Superstition" (performed by Bucky Covington), "Blame It on the Sun" (performed by Kellie Pickler), and "Knocks Me off My
Feet" (performed by Elliott Yamin). The night's most confusing performance -- 16-year-old Kevin Covais singing "Part-Time Lover" -- didn't impassion searchers. We can't wait to see how the young man who's been labeled "Chicken Little" fares during the upcoming '50s week.