The Morning After

I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted on this blog. Life has been somewhat of a whirlwind and I’ve just sort of been hanging on. So, Idol is over and many of us in Kansas City are pretty happy (and have that hometown pride) about the David Cook win — I was very surprised. We shared the finale with some family members and made fun of the cheese factor throughout the entire show, but I’m going to fight the urge and not comment on that.

I find the entire American Idol phenomenon so fascinating. We’ve been watching for 5.5 months (which is sort of sad when you think about it) and then last night I look across the room and both of my twenty-something daughters were on the edge of their seats as they announced the winner. Both of them told me how nervous they were and confessed to having butterflies in their stomachs. I reminded them that the outcome of the show had absolutely nothing to do with them personally, but that didn’t get rid of the butterflies. When all was said and done they were both slightly disappointed in the result, but that was short lived. I’m sure they’ll get up today, go to work and have a very normal day. It’s just another morning, after a fun night of entertainment.

On the other hand, David Cook will wake up this morning to anything BUT a normal day. It’s a very significant morning after for him. The power of the American Idol brand has become a huge force with enormous impact and value (more value for a select few than for the masses). It’s a brand you interact with and become truly engaged with as you get to know your favorite contestant and cast your vote week after week. I’ve seen even the casual watcher become engaged quickly, developing a strong tie to their favorite contestant. So much can be learned from the way this brand has woven itself into the fabric of society. 

So, now that it’s over what’s life like for you the morning after? Have you already forgotten about it? Are you mourning David’s loss, or celebrating David’s victory? I can tell you this: They just added a second American Idol concert in Kansas City, and I’m not going to either show.

Morning Song

I noticed something several days ago; every morning when I wake up I’m singing a song. I honestly don’t know if I’ve always done this, if it’s only been in my adult life or just something that has started as I approach fifty (lots of stuff is changing). Some mornings I can explain why I’m singing a certain song. Maybe I heard it the day before while I had Pandora playing at work, or I heard it on my way home. Easier still is when I wake up singing something I heard the night before on American Idol. And, right now at this time in the show’s season that is usually the case for Wednesday and Thursday mornings. 

American Idol has managed to capture the attention of a large segment of the American society. I’m sure there a number of theories out there but I would maintain it’s largely because the brand is so experiential. Sure you can just observe, but even if you’re the coolest of heads watching the show you’ve got your favorite contestant. Go ahead, admit it. You’re engaged! You know right now who you’re hoping goes home the winner, and who you just hope goes home. 

Some of you keep your computer on your lap while you watch the show so you have the the contestants bios at your fingertips. Some go to the website to look at the behind the scenes info and others have purchased your favorite performance on iTunes. Then there are millions of us who have actually cast votes for specific contestants. Regardless of where you are on the American Idol continuum you can’t deny the significance of the experience. Another thing you can’t deny is the intentionality of all things Idol. A brand experience this strong doesn’t happen by accident. 

Perhaps you’re wondering how big of an Idol geek I am, so here are the facts. I try and watch the show every week — I enjoy living vicariously through Simon because I’ve judged several talent shows in my lifetime and was never allowed to speak my mind like he does. I also have my favorite one or two contestants and have cast my votes along the way. I watch the show with my computer nearby, and I’ve watched some of the behind the scenes videos, but I’ve never watched the Ford commercials online. So now you know all of my Idol secrets. What are yours?

 

Now, if I could just figure out why I woke up this morning singing Sunshine On My Shoulder.