American Idol . . Do You Love It or Hate It? Too Much Hype?

Hi everyone,
Anyone here watch American Idol? I have been watching since the first season. I think it's just hilarious to watch 'wannabe' people want to be famous for 15 seconds and then just utterly fail miserably. It seems that those who are not 'into' themselves are usually decent and make it through the auditions. Also, why is Ellen DeGeneres a judge?!@#$%^& She has no music background whatsoever. Some of my friends don't even watch the show at all and think that it's a waste of time. What's your opinion of the show?

I have always watched shows like American Idol and also X Factor just to see the auditions as I find it hilarious to see how many people are self deluded and think they have major talent when they obviously do not!! Still, anything to get on T.V. eh?