Abstract
The entertainment show Idols has been without doubt one of the most popular TV programmes internationally in recent years. In the wake of this talent quest, local ‘Idols parties’ were organized throughout the Netherlands in 2003 and 2004. At schools, cafes, camping sites and clubrooms, parties were staged with names such as ‘Idols Night’ or ‘Gay Idols’. This article examines the meaning of these shows and what the phenomenon ultimately tells us about the relationship between television culture and popular culture. To this end, we attended eight Idols parties, conducting ethnographic fieldwork. We can conclude that the Idols parties are inspired to a great extent by the popular TV format, but at the same time the ritual character of the TV model is diluted to make room for a process of appropriation. The objective of each Idols party is to celebrate the group identity of their association, school or club.
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