Lessons to be learned from American Idol

Has 'American Idol' jumped the shark? - CNN.com

When American Idol first launched in 2002, Rebecca and I caught the tail end of the first season's show. We enjoyed watching Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini battle to the end for the show's first $1 Million record contract, singing the show's anthem "A Moment Like This." We were taken aback by Simon's sharp and sometimes crude criticism of the show's contestants. We marveled at how the contestants reacted to Simon. And, we were re-introduced to Paula Abdul, the pop-singer who caught the hearts of many in the 80's, returned from the celebrity has-been's and totally re-invented herself for a generation who probably never knew she was a singer, much less one of her songs. And who cannot like Randy Jackson? We loved the show and loved the story-line about this down-to-earth waitress from Texas coming out of nowhere to immediate stardom from the show.

With eager anticipation we tuned in from the get-go in 2003. And, on one of the rehearsals I noticed a large African-American young man named Ruben Studdard, or "Big Stud," as his teamates used to call him. He sang and made it through. I played against Ruben in high school, as Ruben started at tackle for Huffman High School. Being a member of Huffman Baptist Church, I had met him and knew many of his friends. So, Rebecca and I watched with eager anticipation as Ruben, wearing his famous '205' jerseys, united the state of Alabama like nothing since the 1925 Alabama football team won the Rose Bowl. We found out we were expecting our first-born during the course of Idol Season 2, and tuned regularly. We loved Ruben, voted many times, especially after his duel with Clay Aiken. And when they announced the winner, Ruben was not the only one flying without wings!

Of course, Idol's popularity could not last forever. Until season eight, it seemed as if the show would go on forever. But with the addition of Kara Dioguardi last year, and now, Paula Abdul's absence, along with the knowledge that Simon Cowell is leaving after this season, the show has taken a hit. Furthermore, Simon surprises no one. We know how to take him. Paula is no longer there to soften the blows Simon deals. Randy is still Randy, and I like that. And Ellen, well, I have really not watched the show enough this year to form an opinion. In the course of two years, what was once America's top show has taken a nose-dive. And, I don't think that any one will miss it once it's gone. However, what happened?

Drama. Yep, that's right. Some people wanted more money. Others wanted more of the spotlight. And, it got old and predictable.

Is there a lesson to be learned?

From reading the Bible and studying in college and graduate school, kingdoms come and kingdoms go. The vast Roman Empire that thrived for hundreds of years looked as if it would last forever to those of Jesus' day. Ten generations after Jesus, St. Augustine lamented the sacking of Rome.

Before that it was the Greeks, the Persians, the Babylonians, the Assyrians, the Philistines and the Egyptians. All dominated their known worlds, enjoyed prosperity and seemed to be destined to rule forever. Yet, things change. Values are questioned. People want a piece of the pie. Some believe that they are owed a living and are entitled to have it all without sacrifice. And, whether overnight or over the course of centuries, empires crumble, kingdoms fall, and democracies splinter.

Is there a lesson for the church? Is there a lesson for the United States? Is there a lesson in the demise of American Idol?