Does Slumping Record Sales from Previous American Idol Winners Hurt the Television Show?

Just what is this American Idol television show about anyway? Is it purely television entertainment, or is it about cultivating the next generation of record selling superstars? If you have paid attention over the last several years, you will know that American Idol is the number one television show on the airwaves when in season, and is anxiously awaited as soon as the season ends.

To be sure, American Idol contestants have seen huge successes in the music industry. Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, and of course the famous American Idol castoff Chris Daughtry has all gone on to superstar status and record-breaking sales. But then there are Taylor Hicks, Ruben Studdard, Blake Lewis, and others who have had some success but have not entered the arena of stardom at the same level. Is it an indication that the talent level is different?

Many think that the slumping record sales are hurting American Idol's image as a show that puts out superstars. Last season, Sanjaya Malakar went on an improbable run throughout the American Idol season that had many people thinking he might win American Idol. He did eventually get voted off, but the real possibility is there that another Sanjaya could cripple American Idol. Many people lost respect for the talent level of American Idol, deserved or otherwise.

Popularity and television go hand in hand. Certainly this holds true in the music industry, but not to the same extent. The music industry demands talent that evolves and changes with the times. Popularity alone cannot propel you to long term stardom. American Idol is a launching pad for the music industry, but the shows talent must then deliver the goods. If they put out a lackluster CD, it does reflect on American Idol negatively.