Last night America began its rampant love affair with a little talent television show called American Idol. As predicted the ratings were high, as strike-weary viewers returned to their sets in droves to watch derelicts, clowns, and the occasional old guy sing their hearts out for reasons only known to them. Now in its seventh incarnation, American Idol is stronger than ever and not showing any signs of slowing down. While its clear the herd of talent is slimmer every year, the ratings for the show only skyrocket upwards, it seems, and what's even more astonishing is that it seems that the ratings actually climb as the weeks progress. The show has truly become a cultural event, changing the zeitgeist evidenced by discussions the day after it airs.
