Feb 25, 2010
My family has adopted a new, night time routine on Tuesdays and
Wednesdays. It's one that is an obsession in this country. We watch
American Idol. You have probably heard about it. It is a reality
television show which is based around a competition to find the
next, big singing star. It was created by Simon Cowell, a British
music executive producer, who started a similar reality series in
England called Pop Idol. The American version has now become one of
the most viewed series ever in this country. It is quite addicting
to watch because, as a viewer, you become a judge, and even have
some say in who eventually wins. In the first few weeks, a panel of
judges travels to several major(our) cities and views large numbers
of people who have signed up for the competition. There is a vote
taken after each performance, which drastically reduces the number
of singers that can go into the next round. This continues until
there are about 25 people left. Then, after each performance, the
public votes, either by phone or text. The program(me) is
quite funny in the beginning weeks, as lots of people who actually
can't sing do try out. The responses of judges add to the
humor(our). However, the last few weeks become quite emotional as
the pressure increases and more and more people get voted off. The
series gives the viewers a look into the lives of the contestants,
their hopes and their struggles, so we become emotionally involved
with them as individuals. Opinions fly around the house as to who
should win and who shouldn't. You can guarantee that we will be
glued to the television a couple of times a week for the
next few weeks, until a winner is chosen.
Grammar notes.
Related vocabulary: reality tv, viewer, a panel of judges, a round.
1. One of the trends in television is reality tv.
2. Apparently, this program has millions of daily viewers.
3. The panel of judges gave the ice skater a low mark.
4. Let's play another round of golf. OR Buy us a round of beers, would you? OR The boxer was knocked out in the third round.
Grammar notes.
Related vocabulary: reality tv, viewer, a panel of judges, a round.
1. One of the trends in television is reality tv.
2. Apparently, this program has millions of daily viewers.
3. The panel of judges gave the ice skater a low mark.
4. Let's play another round of golf. OR Buy us a round of beers, would you? OR The boxer was knocked out in the third round.