It became such a phenomenon. It made all the other networks jealous. It locked up the number 1 ratings spot for so long. It re-launched the careers of some has-beens, and started brand-new careers for some that might never-have-been otherwise. Eventually, it all had to go to hell…right? This year’s season of American Idol is leaving a lot of fans wanting. Bad singing makes for exciting reality TV watching but painful reality listening, and many fans are left confused at the end of each Idol results show. Last night’s elimination of Gina Glockson seems to prove that singing isn’t what makes an American Idol. The only thing more painful than Gina’s teary good-bye (as she sadly sang her song of hope, encouraging all to smile though her heart was breaking) was the quick filler performance used to cover Tony Bennett’s absence from the stage. So many ears were bleeding, many were unable to hear Gina’s later singing. America gets to vote for who they like – but it’s the judges that decide who’s going to be around when voting commences. With so many poor singers now filling the stage, some fans are calling season 6 the worst ever in Idol history. As these less-talented singers stick in season 6 longer than those with more powerful pipes, one question keeps coming up: WHY? Maybe the truth is, America doesn’t want good singing. They want good TV. And watching performers fall flat…well, that’s better than a high-speed chase.

(You can find all the American Idol 6 posts here.)