Shadow~ I am going to have to respectfully disagree with your assessment on shows like American Idol and Britain's Got Talent show. While there are the few that dare to try with no talent, they are there knowing they won't be selected to go onto the "main event". However, the serious singer/musician types are there to further their aspirations and use the shows as a springboard into their careers.
Our friend, David Cook, proved this to me last year on American Idol.
It isn't a sham or a circus. It is a legitimate way to make a splash onto the national music scene. (By the way~ I am very proud of him. WOOHOO!)