After launching Kelly Clarkson's career into the stratosphere nearly five years ago, American Idol still captivates millions.
The audition process, in particular, brings in the big numbers. Tuesday night's two-hour season premiere reeled in 35.5 million viewers, according to Nielsen ratings, and 33.6 stuck around for another hour of auditions on Wednesday night.
The reality show continues to provide the American public with snide remarks from judge Simon Cowell, plenty of "Yo dawg" comments from Randy Jackson, and the always-entertaining Paula Abdul covers. A majority of these contestants seem helpless from the start as they suffer through an off-key performance of Abdul's "Rush Rush."
The mass appeal of "American Idol" may be difficult to define.
Is it the excitement of rooting for the underdog?
Is it the blank and puzzled stares gracing the faces of the judges?
Is it simply a guilty pleasure?
"The show is more of something just to laugh at," said Cynthia Runions, a communications teacher at The University of Memphis.
A majority of the audience, at least during the audition process, tunes in for the humorous contenders.
"I like to laugh at the people - that's pretty much why I like to watch it," said Kelly Lord, a graduate student in accounting.
The ability of the average American to relate to these music hopefuls is another draw, according to Runions.
"So many people think they're more talented then they actually are. We can relate because they're nobodies just like us," Runions said.
These 'nobodies' have become sensations within the music industry after achieving "Idol" status. Kelly Clarkson was named "Woman of the Year" by Blender magazine in 2005. Her album was one of the highest selling of the year thanks to such hit singles as "Break Away" and "Since You've Been Gone."
The success of "American Idol" hasn't stopped within the music industry - the formula for the show has trickled down to other reality shows.
"It has effected the way people design shows," Runions said.
The excitement of calling in and voting for the most worthy competitor has helped recent shows like "Rock Star: INXS" and "Dancing with the Stars" gain ratings.
This same enthusiasm about rooting for the future "Idol" has also spread to the excitement behind the scandals of the show.
The most recent salacious tale arrived courtesy of twin brothers from Memphis, Terrell and Derrell Brittenum.
The brothers were featured on Tuesday's premiere, and both were given tickets to Hollywood. After Terrell was arrested last week in Georgia after illegally purchasing a car, according to pinkisthenewblog.com., it is unlikely that this crooning-twosome will make it far in the competition.
The "American Idol" phenomenon is also unlikely to last forever, according to Runions.
"Every show jumps the shark eventually. "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" was the show for a while as well.
At some point people will tire of it," Runions said.
Some viewers tired of the show after the first season.
"I've watched it before, but it just got old," said Johnathan Foster, junior communications major.
"I hope it goes away soon. It's just become so pointless to me," Foster said.
Considering the ratings and loyal following, however, it is uncertain when the bubble will burst.
"American Idol" returns with a new episode Tuesday Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. on Fox.
