Where's Hip-Hop on American idol?

[Mark]

It's also harder for non black artists to gain credibility in rap or hip hop. OK you have a few but most of the time, it's dismissed as "only blacks can do rap."

And this is far from unique to hip hop and rap.

Remember in 1973 when English born Olivia Newton-John won the Country Music Award and was charting all over with "Let Me Be There," "Please Mr Please," and "Let It Shine," among others? So many Americans like Tammy Wynette got upset they left and formed the American Academy of Country Music, because they thought it was wrong for a foreigner to win a country music award.

In the 80s, when pop started to turn from rock to R&B, you had a backlash when white artists started showing up on the Black Charts (now I think they changed the name to R&B). But Hall & Oats ("I Can't Go For That"), Sheena Easton ("The Lover In Me") and Taylor "I'll Always Love You," Dayne, did well in that format.

When you run a show you want to appeal to the broadest possible audience. You'll notice AI has age restrictions which brings in younger viewers, which is what advertisers want. Contrast to "Dancing With The Stars," which does well in the overall ratings but not so well in the younger demographics.

[WhoDat!]

Hip-Hop doesn't need a TV show to find the next big hit.

i actually think that's true. with the foul language violence used i think hip-hop has and IS doing everything it can to NOT be mainstream, putting it on AI would expose it to MORE people and kill it for good, AND the show that showcased it.

[landtuna]

"Rap music"? What's that?

An oxymoron.  Emphasis on the "moron".

[Darth_vader]

^^Ha!

"Putting it on 'A.I.' would expose MORE people to it and kill it for good, AS WELL AS kill the programme that showcased it."

Hmmm, never really thought of that before. In that case, bring on the hip-hop!

[visaman]

i'm no fan of hip-hop & rap, but with all the people they audition for the show, you've got to think they get some Rappers, but they are NEVER seen. i guess my question is How do they filter it out? and has anyone ever heard an explanation from the producers as to why there is no rap on the show? (MY answer would BE.."Because its a SINGING COMPETITION") maybe its theirs too, but i haven't heard anyone ask the question, or have heard an answer)

Well, one season did have Blake Lewis who was beat boxing. 

[visaman]

I am convinced that if the Lawrence Welk Show was still on, Rap and Hip Hop, would be a key element of the show; done Champagne style of course.