Why do people like to watch shows about SINGING?

For example, American Idol. I don't understand why these shows are so popular.

The general public likes reality television and pop music. Why not combine both and make a ton of money off advertising?

People like drama?
And also music is about the easiest thing to sell, just ask disney.

And also music is about the easiest thing to sell, just ask disney.

Yeah, make sure to ask the RIAA/MPAA as well.

Singing is easy. Many people can do it, and it allows for a reproduction of talent. Although American Idol is a talent show per se, the ones that have gone on to win it all have all (or mostly) been singers. A singer can come back to do different songs time and time again. It's much harder for people with more esoteric abilities to come back with something fresh every time.

That doesn't explain why these shows are appealing.

I just enjoy listening to the people giving it their best shot. I don't care about their stories or all the lights or the judges etc.

My theory is that people are drawn toward the thought that people are winning money for skills as basic as singing and thinking, "that could be me."

I watch America's Got Talent because it's the same appeal to me as watching someone singing on the streets, someone performing illusions and magic on the street, a group doing acrobatics on the street.

I wouldn't just walk past something like that, and these shows know the same.
I don't watch American Idol unless they have a Beatles episode which a lot of the time for some reason, they do. The appeal to me is just that I like hearing people sing, and sing good, and a lot of the time that happens on American Idol.

To watch people less talented than them and mock / laugh at them.

To watch people less talented than them and mock / laugh at them.

I'm confused on how you think the people on American Idol are less talented than mocking viewers at home. Seeing as how people like Kelly Clarkson and.. William Hung have probably made more money than they ever will.