Springfield Welcomes "American Idol"

America watched as this weeks season finale of The Simpsons welcomed the judges and host of American Idol, offering a parody of the popular talent show. Simon, Randy, Ellen, Kara, and Ryan are all transformed into caricature, invading the town of Springfield, all guest-voicing as themselves. Each caricature portraying an accurate, yet hysterical impression of the crew. The episode was amusing, and offered a short relief and comedic approach to the American Idol competition, with the actual finale airing this Tuesday. Assuming this was no coincidence, The Simpsons did a great job in recreating our favorite talent show. It not only advertised another show that is apart of the Fox Network as well, but also getting the audience hyped up for this Tuesday night.

The show has always been known for its hilarious and precise parodies of the media, from television shows, movies, and music. Examples from this season and previous ones include the "Mapple" store selling MiPods, a spin off of what we know as the Apple store and iPods, and also incorporating hit songs such as Ke$ha's "Tik Tok" into the opening credits. Whatever topic that seems to be leading in the media, seems to somehow find its way to be number one in Springfield too. Parodies work. Whether people enjoy them or are offended, they still seem to bring in the audience. It widens the audience to those who may not even be Simpsons fans, but fans and followers of the show being made fun of.

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Overall I'd say the finale was a hit, conveying accurate portrayals of personality, appearances, and behaviors, and did a fantastic job in mocking the entire Idol crew, no harm intended. It even got me pumped for the Idol finale.