You have to be pretty much a deaf-blind hermit to have never heard of American Idol.  It’s become one of those TV phenomena that defies criticism because it really doesn’t matter what I or anyone else says about it, the public will still tune in and watch as pop star wannabees warble in front of crazed family, friends, and fans-a-million.  Further down the dial is another competition show that pits pairs of people who know each other in a race around the world.  The Amazing Race is every bit as engaging and fun, but while the stage-bound Idol is predictable and trite, the Race is unpredictable and fluid as the audience goes along on a fun and furious trek to exotic locales while discovering a little about the world and human nature.  

For all its plastic veneer, Idol isn’t just a talent show but a reflection upon the essence of what makes us American.  Oh, of course the show’s roots are British and the concept franchised in numerous countries around the globe, but that’s exactly why it is quintessentially American — Idol is the McDonald’s of television — full of idealism, hope, and the idea that with diligence and hard work, you can become successful.

It also represents the less attractive aspects of American culture — arrogance (see Simon), celebrity, obsession, and a disdain for those who may not fit our idea or image of success.  It’s also glitzy, processed, easily digested, and only satisfying to a point — much like a certain food product that sits on a sesame seed bun.  

What makes Idol popular is its adherence to classic theater, almost attune to the Roman arena. The intrigue isn’t just in the trenches but in the stands as the audience participates in the outcome of these singing gladiators who dodge the barbs of sometimes-harsh judges.   I must admit that I enjoy patronizing McIdol, but I’m also glad that it only lasts a few months because you can only take so much Ryan Seacrest in one season.

The Amazing Race is a different story.  At least for me, it is one of those shows that I can’t wait to watch each week and curse the TV when Phil Keoghan (the host) finally gives the bad news (most of the time) to the last players to arrive at the pit stop because it means it’s the end of the episode.  Race’s premise of not only pitting couples against other racers but against each other has helped the show win Emmy after Emmy, but it’s also the only show of its kind that ordinary Joes like you and me could realistically compete in and have fun at the same time — it is this empathetic probability of success that I believe is the reason people like watching Race.  There are physical and mental challenges along the way that can be quite scary, but they’re never over the top and many not-so-physically-fit racers over the years have proven that, when the adrenaline is pumping, you can do things you normally would never do, like bungee jumping or begging for money in a foreign land.

Like Idol, Amazing Race is theater but more like an off-Broadway play in a small Greenwich Village basement that holds twenty chairs.  You’re up close and personal as witness to the story of two individuals and how they keep from driving each other crazy. You have couples whom are married, dating, cohabitating, sisters, college buddies, father/daughter, etc.  They each bring baggage with them, and I don’t mean luggage, which, of course, makes the drama more interesting.  Though the reality of all these shows is somewhat tainted because the players are aware of the cameras and can’t help but play to them, the chaos and franticness of Race probably makes it the only show where it’s conceivable that the players actually forget that they’re being taped to be broadcast to millions of people.  You get a great sense that these folks are acting pretty much like they do during their everyday lives, and that’s refreshing.  My only advice to the producers is to put the Travelocity gnome to rest and find a less irritating tie-in sponsor, just not McDonald’s.  

Both American Idol and The Amazing Race are in the middle of their seasons, but it’s not too late to try them on for size.  You may feel guilty liking Idol, and the Race will find you pining for the overseas trip you’ve always dreamed of taking.  Oh, on the battle of the hosts, Phil Keoghan wins hands-down because anyone who can stand for hours next to some bizarre local representative waiting for racers to make it to the pit stop deserves praise and the paycheck that goes with it.

Rich Burlingham