American meanies? Some viewers say Idol judges have gone too far.

It's most people's worst nightmare to be embarrassed on national TV, but Mandisa Hundley knows exactly how that feels. After making it through this season's American Idol audition process, Hundley was ecstatic to advance to the next round in Hollywood. But her feelings of elation didn't last long. After she exited the audition room, notably nasty judge Simon Cowell said that she might need a "bigger stage." The comment aired, and the plus-size Hundley was hurt. At the next audition, she told Cowell, "You hurt me, and it was painful ... but I want you to know that I've forgiven you." The controversy doesn't seem to have hurt Hundley's chances--she's among the top 20 contestants.

That was not the first time Cowell insulted an aspiring Idol. He told one contestant he looked like "the Incredible Hulk's wife" and said another singer had "the worst voice I've ever heard." Cowell and fellow judge Randy Jackson are known for their caustic commentary; however, some critics of the show say that this year the judges' behavior is worse than ever and that they aren't modeling good values. Other Idol fans say that honesty is necessary and judgmental opinions are all in good fun.

Hardly Mr. Nice Guy

Some American Idol critics were so upset by Cowell's recent comments that they wanted him removed as a judge. They say the show has become nothing but televised bullying. "The insults have nothing to do with [the contestants'] singing talent and detract from what American Idol is all about. [The judges] are just mean," Brittany Boniface, 19, of Allen, Texas, told The Dallas Morning News.

Critics don't understand why the judges can't express their opinions in a more positive way. Some viewers say that ridiculing the less talented Idol participants on air sets a bad example. "I understand that people don't have talent, but you can say it in a nice kind of way," says Boniface.

Irresistible Idol

Some fans defend the judges' tough talk and say Cowell should be able to speak his mind. "I live in an America where people can say whatever they want, no matter who likes their opinion" wrote Idol fan Phebes on the show's official message board. "Isn't that what free speech is? Shouldn't Simon ... state his opinions?"

Some fans say Cowell's bluntness is one reason people watch. "He's just honest, and he makes the truth seem funny. What's wrong with that?" wrote LuvSimon on the Idol board.

Cowell certainly doesn't think there's anything wrong with his comments; he attributes the show's strong ratings to his rude rants. "If we censored the show and took out everything that's controversial, it would be quite a dull show, I think," Cowell told The Associated Press.

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Get Talking

Ask students if they have ever watched the popular television show American Idol. Do they like the show? If so, why? If not, how come?

Background

* American Idol is a takeoff of Pop Idol, a popular show in the United Kingdom. Canada, South Africa, Germany, Australia, and Netherlands have their own versions of the show. In order to be eligible for American Idol 15-03-06, contestants may not have any current recording or talent management agreements. In the first round, contestants are required to sing for the judges acappela. Those who impress the majority of the judges move on to second-round auditions in Hollywood. Typically, only several dozen out of the thousands in each city move on.

* American Idol contestants must be U.S. citizens. For the show's first three seasons, contestants had to be between 16 and 24 years of age. The age limit was raised to 28 for the fourth and fifth seasons.

* During the duration of their competition, contestants may not use cell phones (unless it's an emergency), the Internet, watch television, listen to the radio, read newspapers, or leave their apartments or the Hollywood jurisdiction without consent.

* Viewers have two hours following the broadcast of the show to vote, via text message or phone, for their favorite contestants. Fans can vote as many times as they like for any number of contestants. On the following episode, the results of the nationwide vote are announced, and bottom vote-getters are eliminated.

Doing More

Have students watch an episode of American Idol. Ask them to "judge" the competition and write down how they would critique the contestants. Ask: What tone would you use to deliver your message? Why?