American Idol is one of TV’s top rated shows, with millions of viewers per week. My family and I often watch it together and enjoy voting for our favorite contestants; and we are not alone. Parents Television Council routinely lauds it for its family friendly tone. This week I am disappointed to say that Fox really forgot who was sitting in the audience. They were so excited to have Lady Gaga as their celebrity coach that they allowed their programming to be hijacked.
Lady Gaga, who by the way is no lady, consistently spewed foul language and instructed the contestants with helpful hints like “pretend the microphone is your girlfriend and see how far you can stick your tongue down her throat,” or something very similar. Okay, she could have been much raunchier — and routinely has been — but most of her comments weren’t helpful when viewing with my ten-year-old. The problem here is a bait and switch. Just when you think a show’s producers have your back as a mom, bam! Lady Gaga.
Thank you for cleaning up the Viagra commercials Fox, but PLEASE what’s with the new tolerance for homosexuals campaign disguised as anti-bullying? Bullying is wrong. It is wrong for any reason. Apparently, American Idol, with the help of Woody from Disney’s Toy Story, thinks that my 4th grader needs to be fully aware of the plight of teens who view themselves as “gay.” I am sorry, but he doesn’t even know about heterosexual sex yet. Can you give me some room here?
I am ticked because I feel tricked. Fox blew it last night. I love my Idol and Steven Tyler is the best judge ever, but I digress. The point is parents felt secure in allowing our entire families watch this show. They lured us into a false sense of security and broke trust with us last night. We will probably give it another try, but trick parents again and you will find my poker face switching the channel.