Lomilomi

The whole advent of reality TV has changed the way people do TV viewing. It has come across a lot of aspects- from beauty, face, body, room, house make-overs, to big brother fame, to match-making type, psychological therapy kind, adventure/race-to-win sort, to talent searches. Talent searches include singing competitions where they look for top caliber singers that could be the next sensations in the not-so-distant future. Music-based reality TV shows have their share on the entire reality TV fad-there's Dream Academy, RockStar:INXS and the follow-up RockStar, and American Idol, to name a few.

We see the actuality from all the hopefuls who have achieved their hopes. Take American Idol as the best example, since it has been the most-watched television show ever since it sprouted seven years ago. In American Idol, even if you're only one of the finalists, it still grants you full access towards the fulfilment of your musical dreams. Without a doubt, you're life is changed if America (and the rest of the world) voted you as the American Idol. Even the hopelessly pathetic (as Simon Cowell describes them) gets their fifteen minutes of fame, and further celebrity status (who would not forget William Hung?). We see the mediocre, those with too much attitude, and of course those with pure talent flood the audition sites to get the golden ticket, or just to see their faces on TV. The reality of it also seems to get more and more scripted each season, adding more amusingly annoying ones for the sake of entertainment, and even letting some get to Hollywood. Remember the crazy barefooted guy in Season Five? Well, it shows that it's not only about the three judges' decisions, the producers have a say on who would be in to Hollywood or who would be out, depending on who can provide higher ratings.

American Idol indeed brought a big wave in the face of television, and the music industry. Kelly Clarkson became the first American Idol, and since then she has graced her way towards top hits, number one chart spots, multiple album certifications, and the most coveted Grammys. Reuben Studdard was capped the second American Idol, which also led to his own musical career. Runner-up Clay Aiken also became successful as an artist, even becoming the first American Idol contestant to have a U.S. Hot 100 number one single. Season three gave way for even more flourishing careers, the most flourishing so far. Fantasia Barrino was professionally identified as "Fantasia" and finalist Jennifer Hudson has reached the utmost achievements for not only excelling in singing, but also in acting. She received a Golden Globe award, and a "Best Supporting Actress" trophy from the most superior award-giving body in American cinema, the Academy Awards.

Season four brought to fame Carrie Underwood, with singles reaching #1 spots on the Billboard charts, achieving towering record sales and platinum certifications, and like Clarkson, garnering a Grammy of her own. Bo Vice also has his share of success, with RIAA platinum certification for his album. Season five yielded Taylor Hicks as the next American Idol, who has his own number one spot at Billboard Hot 100 and a certified gold album. Runner-up Katharine MacPhee has continually spreading MacPheever in the music business. Chris Daughtry also has an album on his own, which has been doing well in the charts and record sales.

And who would have forgotten the last seasons talent war between Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis. Reigning as the current American Idol, Jordin Sparks has achieved her dreams at a very young age of 17.

Now Season Seven is set to find talented-dreamers that would be the next Americas favorite. Many hopes that they could snatch a glimpse of success while other dreamers are determined and want even more. A new bunch of visionaries are on their way to fame to take the spot of the next America Idol. Who would it be?

Bienvenido David is an active contributor of the Music Blog. He is also an online retailer of Magic Mic and Magazine Subscription