When a pop song goes from being forgettable to inescapable, there are usually several factors at play. Maybe a lyrical mistake, a grating riff or a beat that gets stuck in your head. But one of the most common reasons for a song to go straight to hell is that it’s boring.
This is a problem that many idols face. Idol one, which debuted on 6 May, is a reality show that follows the lives of three unsigned idols as they compete for a chance to become their country’s next big thing. The contestants are Miroku, a brash singer who dreams of becoming the most popular idol in Japan, Shiju, a sweet but shy girl who wants to bring happiness to others through her music and Yoichi, a guy with a beautiful voice who is able to captivate the audience and judges with his charm.
In each episode, the idols are shown practicing and preparing for their performances while also going through their personal struggles. During the live show, the finalists sing and perform in front of a TV audience بت یک and the viewers vote for who they think deserves to be named their nation’s idol. The winner receives a recording contract and monetary prizes. The runners-up often get to take part in a variety of events as well, like participating in a karaoke relay or having a meet and greet with their fans.
For a show that attempts to satirise how out of touch successful celebrities can be, it’s a bit ironic that Idol one never found its own voice. But it does have a handful of outstanding performances. Lily-Rose Depp’s Jocelyn, the pop star at the centre of the story, has a magnetic range that moves from fraying to wounded to composed and ruthless, while Abel Tesfaye’s Tedros, the ludicrously creepy manager who seduces Jocelyn, delivers a performance that makes him look like an actual bad guy.
Despite the show’s flaws, it’s still managed to find a huge audience. The first five episodes of Idol one have been the most-streamed shows of the summer, and it’s likely that the majority of the audience are either Abel Tesfaye fans or people who genuinely enjoyed the show. And that’s probably a good thing because it’s unlikely that Idol one would survive its current state if it didn’t have a loyal following. Hopefully, there will be a second season for this underrated but entertaining drama.
