American Idol
To me, American Idol is about far more than amazing talent, funny auditions, and backstage drama. It’s the only show that I watched consistently throughout my youth, and it has taught me more life lessons than I could ever hope to gain from a television program. Back when my iTunes library mainly consisted of Hannah Montana songs, American Idol introduced me to genres like Motown, disco, and rock and roll, turning me into the music lover I am today. In addition, it showed me that ambition and dedication pay off—that you can truly make your dreams a reality by seizing opportunities. Above all else, though, American Idol taught me about people. The contestants came from drastically different backgrounds and had a myriad of personalities. By watching them all interact with each other and perform onstage, I learned that each of them—and everyone in the world, by extension—was a multifaceted individual with a special set of strengths and insights. On top of that, the show was a lighthearted respite from the various tensions that plagued the 2000s. Certainly, Idol will be remembered fondly for its many contributions to American culture, from Kelly Clarkson to “Pants on the Ground.” – Brittany Menjivar
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