Tony Bennett – the Original American Idol?

Considering the average age of American Idol’s target audience, it’s fair to say that some may not have even heard of this week’s guest, Tony Bennett. Why is he important? The 80 year-old legend summed it up when he said of himself and Rosemary Clooney (famed singer and aunt of George Clooney) – “We were the first American Idols, in the ’50s. That’s when television was just black and white, there wasn’t even colour yet. We got a break on an amateur show, and as a result it started us off.”

Considering his great success and longevity, it is an incredible honor to have Tony Bennett appear on American Idol. Hopefully, the contestants will learn a lot. Who knows? Maybe he was right – there may not have been an American Idol without him!

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