Fox's American Idol is More Than Just a Talent Contest

American Idolwww.idolonfox.com in it's fifth season on the FOX Network has captured the country's television audience and the ratings apon which advertising rates are set by the broadcast networks. 24,999,999 other viewers and myself were captivated by Kellie Pickler singing Walking After Midnight and Katharine McPhee's interprertation of Come Rain or Come Shine. Two songs with evocative emotional lyrics that take a lot of heart and technique  to perform successfully.

American Idol is produced by www.freemantlemedia.com which is owned by Bertelsmann, the European owner of half of the joint venture with www.sony.com and www.bmg.com/. The familiar record labels www.aristanashville.com   and www.rcalablegroup.com  are owned and operated by BMG. 

Carrie Underwood who won American Idol on May 25, 2005 signed a recording contract with Arista. Her CD Inside Your Heaven was released June 14, 2005;  recording what would become the Billboard Music Award winner as the best selling country single of the year was not accomplished by running on pure innate talent and the lessons learned in Mrs. Coopers music class for the 5th grade musical back in Checotah Oklahoma. Freemantle Media takes the finalists and provides vocal coaches, lessons in singing and performing for the cameras. Freemantle adds value to the American Idols; whether they win or not they will take that professional training with them as they continue their careers.