This article does not necessarily show the stand of the site itself. All things said are all based on the writer's opinions, beliefs and observations.

      If one would search on Yahoo and type the keyword "American Idol," the link to the official site of the show describes the site as the website of a "Reality show searching for a pop superstar." Oh, so American Idol is a reality show? Wow, that is funny. If a "normal" person would watch the show without knowing any history or background about about the show, the best description of the show will either be a "musical" or a "talent show."

      The current success of American Idol really raises a lot of questions about what exactly is a reality show. Being the apparent mastermind of the said TV genre, Survivor should be the 'perfect model.' Therefore, in examining American Idol, it is the best option to take Survivor and compare the two shows.

     Survivor Involves Voting - Tribal Council has easily become part of the national TV dictionary upon Survivor's popularity. If the main criterion is whether a reality show involves voting, American Idol is a reality show because the voters vote. The only difference is that in Survivor, the contestants themselves are the one who vote somebody out.

     Survivor involves Isolation- In Survivor, 16 people are put on an island, wherein there is no communication with anyone outside (unless the reward gives the opportunity to do so). This is not the case for American Idol , wherein the contestants ARE exposed to the media through conferences, interviews or award shows.

     "Game"- In Survivor, the word "game" is used perhaps more than enough of how much it is supposed to be used. In American Idol, no one has heard this word used so far. American Idol is a "competition", not a "game."

     Alliances- In almost All 'reality shows,' alliance is a must. This is not true in Amercian Idol wherein the results are completely out of the contestants hands.

     Elimination Every week- Both Survivor and Idol eliminates at least one person per week (unless it is a recap week).

     Challenges Here and There- Immunity Challenges and Reward Challenges are certainly what makes Survivor very exciting. In Idol, the singing part can be considered as the challenge of the contestants every week, although who 'wins' at each challenge depends on what the audience thinks (i.e. there is not clear winner every after 'challenge').

     It is difficult to prove whether Idol is a reality show or not. In the 6 points given, 3 favors Idol as a reality show and 3 does not. Ironically, the aspect which made it a Summer hit is the one that makes it turn away from what is perceived to be "reality television." The show is interactive; alliances are useless, the show is not a game and the contestants are not isolated at the time of the competition.

     Idol can probably of any genre. It's one of those shows that does not really go under a specific classification. Whatever it is, though, the fact remains that is is one good TV show!

Calvin is the "editor-in-chief" of this site. He is a student from Canada.