There was a moment during tonight's episode of America's Got Talent when I had faith in the system.  A rather ordinary magician with a generic sob story did a traditional and dull trick.  The judges recognized that they liked him and his story, but there was nothing special about the act.  The Hoff said no.  I thought for a moment that, for once, the show would rise above being a stupid personality contest and actually reward talent.

That dream died, because the other two judges said yes.  Despite saying that his act was boring and they've seen the same thing by many other people who they didn't put through, they put him through because they liked him.  This is not a talent show, it's a damn popularity contest.

It's time to start week two of the dumbest show on Earth, America's Got Talent.  I say dumbest not because it isn't entertaining, but because there's no point.  The judges are allegedly looking to give someone one million dollars and an act in Las Vegas.  If that's the case, why would a 62-year-old woman dancing make the cut?  It's amusing, but I can pay two dollars at any state fair to see that kind of generic bland entertainment.

When David Hasselhoff expresses amazement when the old woman can dance without being out of breath, we' as a country have lowered the standard by which we judge talent.  In the old days, you had to have a demonstrable skill to become famous and acclaimed.  Now all you need is a big butt, a sex tape, or a catchphrase like "That's hot."