‘Idol’ worship of the worst sort

And the winner is ... bad taste.

There was plenty of innovative and inspired music released in 2002, but none got the attention that “American Idol” did, and that makes the Fox network’s glorified karaoke contest our pick for the year’s ignominious achievement.

It was bad enough that millions watched it, but then the winner, a pleasant young woman named Kelly something, ended up with a record deal and a No. 1 single. And then the contestants staged an arena tour. And they put out a DVD.

And people say Eminem is dangerous to American youth?

-- Geoff Boucher