'American Idol': manufacturing of U.S. pop culture. (Commentary).

THE other week nearly 23 million Americans were glued to their TV sets for that most critical of news announcements: Who would win the karaoke contest?

I am talking about "American Idol," a TV show that began as a half-hour of nastiness and somehow, by the end of the summer, was dubbed important enough to go two hours, lead the national newscasts and have its winner jetted overnight, first class, from the "Tonight Show" in L.A. to the "Today Show" in New York.

Wow. Who knew singing "It's Raining Men" could get you all that?

Now, I know a lot of people loved this show, but come on folks, say you were bored, say there was nothing else on, but don't buy into what the breathless, brain-dead "Entertainment Tonight" crowd is now crowing: that this was somehow a landmark. show and a landmark moment. Call it what it was. A bunch of star-hungry kids, living in a house on Mulholland Drive, trying to become famous.

In that way, "American Idol" was not. much different than "Survivor," "Fear Factor any other thinly disguised "reality" show that tells you it is about some crucial test of inner strength when it is actually a bunch of hot babes trying to get on a sitcom.

By the way, the finalists in "American Idol" are already "owned" by the creators, who will produce CDs, books and even a feature film. This after the photo shoots, wardrobe selection, cross-country promotion and national tour.

Why did so many people watch "American Idol"? You can ask sociologists, psychologists or tarot card readers. Each will have a theory. "Viewers identify with youth." "We like overcoming odds." "It's the rags-to-riches tradition."

Baloney. I'll tell you why people watched: They were told to watch. This country has become a place where there arc no natural moments anymore. They are manufactured. When something gets "hot," a domino effect of publicity falls into place. People magazine gushes over it. E! Entertainment moves it up the chart. CNN reports it and the morning shows begin tracking it, so as not to be left behind.

Soon, you can't go anywhere without some media source asking, "Who does America like, Justin or Kelly?" And being a breed of people who hates feeling left out, we jump like dogs through a hoop.

I have nothing against the young singers who are trying to make it. It doesn't even bother me that their talent level is only average, that you can hear better singing at many small clubs all over the country, by people who simply may not look as good in a halter top.

Who you should be angry with are the Svengalis who are getting rich through your devotion. When 23 million people watch a show, the dollars rain down. Simon Crowell, the British judge who specializes in insulting people just inked a major new deal. A second "Idol" will air in a few months, in a race to beat the mimics.

"What will fill the void now that 'American Idol' is over?" a USA Today editorial asked.

Here's an idea. Try a karaoke bar. At least they serve beer.

Mitch Albom is the author of the bestseller "Tuesdays With Morrie."