Faith vs. Talent?

Katherine Meizel’s article ‘Idolized’ essentially discusses the idea that an overemphasis on personal faith is an asset when competing in American Idol. She points out that many of the ‘favorites’ in the show over the past 11 years have clearly stated their catholic faith, and praised god openly on the show. Is it simply a coincidence that the most talented and likable contestants are of good faith, or are viewers voting for a contestant with good, catholic values? Meizel eludes to this idea at the end of her article when she suggests that the word ‘Idol’ in the shows title is of very significant importance (108).

While some audience member and voters of the show deny that, in fact, christianess in contestants influenced their votes, they did, however, admit that if a contestant had bad morals and practices than this would effect their voting choices. Then again what is meant by ‘bad’ morals and practices comes down to the viewers individual opinion of what is ‘good’ and ‘bad’.

There seems to be, according to Meizel, a lot of supporting evidence to suggest that the catholic faith of a contestant influences the voting audience of American Idol. Therefore it could be asked whether this is PR tactic on behalf of the program in order to remain a popular program, or whether this is in fact coincidental? This leads us to the notion of packing and selling religion and faith as a commodity. While this may not be the intention of the program itself, there is no doubt that religion can be deciding factor in many areas of current consumer society, and therefore religion, faith and spirituality is marketed and sold for some gain.

Something else that interested me in this article were the numerous quotes that Meizel gave as evidence of the contestants and viewers connection to their faith. Statements such as, “my voice is a gift from God”, “I am apart of a divine plan” or “Let the God’s decide” are all clear examples (109-110). However, do we actually believe in these statements? Do they hold truth? Or have they become cliché pop culture expressions that lack depth? When we see these comments splashed all over popular reality television programs, and their corresponding online feeds it seems unlikely that they are being articulated with any great consideration.

This brings us to one final point that Meizel brings up that I find very fascinating. She explains that modern notions of the ‘church’ are no longer bound to a physical location (129). Through the power of the Internet followers of any faith are now able to communicate in an instantaneous manner that can reach across the world. Is this changing religion, as we know it? Or just the way practice religion?

 Meizel K. 2011. Idolized. Music, Media and Identity in American Idol. Bloomington: Indiana University Press. Ch. 4, Idol Worship: Civil and Sacral Religion in American Idol. (RL)