Mike,

> a show that is watched by 30 to 40 million viewers per episode.... Out of a claimed 50 million votes

40 million person hours to watch the show, and maybe 100 million person minutes spent voting.. what a waste of human potential.

>Thoughts? Predictions?

Who of any of these people involved will be respected musicians 50 years from now? I doubt that any of these "manufactured by the industry" performers will be around in even 10 years. The whole concept of this show has really irked me from the inception. .. trying to decide which of my CDs originally recorded in the 60's I'll pop in the player... or what band I might go downtown to see play at a club or festival this weekend. hmmm Ruthie Foster is playing a free show tonight at Unplugged at the Grove might just have to start the weekend early.