I watch it mostly because the 'hype machine' and process of creating the show on through the finished product fascinates and amuses me, as does the often vast difference between the reality of the process and what is shown to viewers.

Let's be honest, the actually truly top-notch singers who make the live shows, or are even interested in being on the show in the first place, are few and far between, but there are some good and interesting acts all the same, and I find it interesting to watch how they are presented to the public/marketed.

I also enjoy watching the performances, as some really are memorable and quite good. (This goes for idol as well as X Factor).The 'good' acts often manage moments of brilliance when guided in the right direction.Those 'few and far between' acts that really have a gift are enjoyable to follow as they progress, and regardless of the scripti-ness of parts of the show, it is still cool to see the genuine joy of someone succeeding. (Leona/David Cooke/etc)

He is also different on AI, more himself it seems.

I also like following AI because of the American fan forums, Vote For the Worst, Dial Idol, the studio versions, and the finalists songs available on US itunes!

I agree with everything you said. The best year for me was with Fantasia. Every week she sang gave me gosebumps and I couldnt wait for the next week to hear her again.

Plus I love Simon

I mainly watch for Ryan and Simon. They're my two favourite people on TV.

I just love it. I can't describe why.

Better talent I suppose and you know that who ever wins WILL be a star.

Ditto, plus all my favourite artists ATM have come from there:
Kelly Clarkson
Carrie Underwood
Syesha Mercado
Kristy Lee Cook (oh, I like on song haha)
Brooke White *loves*
David Cook
David Archuleta
Jordin Sparks

I watch it because it's entertaining, the talent is generally high with only one or two jokers in the pack, and people tend to be put through on talent rather than X Factor sob story.

But to be perfectly frank, and this may indeed be a peculiarity unique to me, I also watch it because I find this rare insight into the innate good of America's cosmopolitan youth, and the bonds they have with their families, to be quite refreshing.

I feel reassured that the most powerful country in the world isn't overrun with the kind that only ever make it onto the TV news, or will in future by typified by those we've tended to see speaking from the White House until only recently. In its own way Idol is America's best ambassador.

We enjoy it in our household mainly because the talent is much better than our home grown shows. We have bought quite a few of the albums in the past....Fantasia, Bo Bice, Elliott, Carrie Underwood, Dawtry, David Cook, Jordin Sparks, Kelly Clarkson....etc. Whereas say with X-Factor, only Leona Lewis stands up to the mark.

I love the interaction between the judges too, Randy and Paula bounce well off Simon and Ryan's a great compare too.

I'm not an avid fan but I'm more likely to watch it than X Factor as it has better singers and a better format.

I love it - I think the slow build to the last 12 works really well but also enjoy it from a cultural perspective iyswim