I watch a lot of things on TV that my husband does not approve of.
I think it must be something in the female genes that we are drawn to programs very different than our male counterparts.
Take for example, American Idol.
I’m not a teen, and yet, I find myself drawn to this program.
Of course, he’s more disapproving of shows like The Bachelor and The Apprentice, but hey, I enjoy them, and that’s all that matters, right?
I’m not watching some of the other shows on TV this season – all the wife swap, weight loss, plastic surgery shows out there.
So hey, my TV habits could be worse.
Anyway, American Idol started its new season this week – and like the seasons before it – it showed the highlights of auditions throughout the nation.
This year, Washington D.C. was among the places to try out.
And I’m sorry, ya’ll, but like always, there were a lot of people that auditioned that could not sing to save their lives.
There was one young man from Harrisonburg that may have put the Friendly City on the map – but for all the wrong reasons.
I’m the first to admit – I can’t sing.
I can’t dance.
There are lots of things I’m talented at … but those two are not on my list.
I have been taking an exercise class this month – part of my New Year’s resolution.
And at the end of the class, we’re all supposed to sing a song the instructor selected because it should serve as an inspiration to us.
And I’m OK with that.
But you can bet that I stand in the back, and I’m not belting out the tune like I’m the world’s greatest singer.
I sing in the shower, in the car, and maybe, once or twice, in front of my husband.
What I can’t figure out is how people who can’t sing a note to save their lives actually think they have a shot at becoming a pop star.
I mean, give me a break.
They have to know whether they have talent or not … they have to know if their voice breaks on a crescendo, they don’t have a shot at superstardom.
They just … have to know.
Virginia was in the spotlight for sure.
But I think there were more bad than good auditions on the highlight reel.
And some were really, really bad.
And I know there are some great performers in the state.
A couple of years ago, I covered the Major Solo Vocalist Search in Waynesboro. It was an American Idol-like competition with mostly local singers.
And I have to tell you, every one of those participants were better than what I heard on television this week.
I can’t figure out why those contestants didn’t audition for American Idol.
And there are so many talented young people involved with ShenanArts and other local productions.
All I can say is that it must be great to make the American Idol competition.
But I don’t think it’s the best singers that the state has to offer that made it to the competition.
I hope I’m wrong.
Anyway, I think there are a couple more of these shows with auditions and then it’s on to the main event.
And whether my husband likes it or not, I’ll be watching for a star to be born.
And hopefully, not another William Hung.