It takes a certain sort of talent to speak to the mass market. What used to be called "the great unwashed"--and figuring out what they'll like is an even rarer talent.

Those of you that think the music they listen to, watch, and buy is "crap" show that you can't hear what they hear, and don't understand what they like. Those of you who think that the American Idol folks don't do their homework are very wrong. They follow what the market likes very carefully.

If "the market" liked what Frank likes, I can promise you "American Idol" would be his favorite show. In fact, they'd have Frank sitting there instead of Simon.

In spite of what they'd have you think, the entertainment industry follows, rather than dictates, taste.