So ... Why All the Fuss Over American Idol?

Say what you will about reality television, "American Idol" has actually given us the chance to "pick" a role model for generations of children. The question is, "will it be a good one or a bad one?"

The sign says it all ... "CoCoMcCain.com Loves Lauren Alaina" because we are "all in" for "Good Stuff Girls"...

(CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.) - Millions and Millions of Americans and citizens of the world watch the American Idol television program. To the faithful Idol watchers, voting and being a part of "picking" the winner is a very big deal. One voter submitted over a thousand text votes one week and then received a $1600 cell phone bill. Now that's dedication!

While there are certainly millions of Idol devotees, there are just as many folks out there that have no interest in or knowledge of the program whatsoever.

I found myself in the "what's the big deal" camp for many years until my kids "drew me in" a few seasons ago. Now, I admit that I really do love watching "the show" and I have been an "Idol fan" for the last few years.

The past few seasons we would enjoy watching the show as a family (albeit some parts are definitely NOT family friendly ... which is a very annoying) but this season is the first time we really feel vested in the stake of the outcome.

We spent the majority of the last work week supporting Lauren Alaina because this season is the first time we've really felt a compelling reason to help "get out the vote" for a contestant. We are definitely "all in" for Lauren, and we are "all in" for Lauren Alaina because of what she stands for and the opportunity we have to "elect" a positive role model for girls today.

In today's culture, Hollywood gets to "vote in" and "select" the vast majority of our children's role models. It is sad to say, but I am having a hard time thinking of a female "role model" for our kids today that aspires to live a life full of goodness and love and mercy. Our kids today are in the most media-driven environment that has ever existed and yet we have a hard time finding just a few good role models.

Say what you will about reality television, "American Idol" has actually given us the chance to "pick" a role model for generations of children. The question is, "will it be a good one or a bad one?"

I have three sons, but if I had a daughter I would want them to have a role model like Lauren Alaina. Lauren is grounded and she's a hard worker. She is caring, compassionate, and talented. But most of all she has a strong faith and she cares about doing the right thing. So this is why "all the fuss" and why we are "all in" for American Idol's Lauren Alaina!

Saturday, The Good Stuff had the distinct honor and privilege of showing our love and support for Lauren in her American Idol "hometown parade" and we invited some fellow "Good Stuff" girls to help show their support too. We are grateful to Renee Griffin and her girls Shataria and Ren for coming out to show love their love for the good in life.

The sign says it all ... "CoCoMcCain.com Loves Lauren Alaina" because we are "all in" for "Good Stuff Girls"...

Help me “shine a light” on the good things you see every day! Share “your story” with me at COCOMCCAIN.COM. I hope to hear from you soon — but between now and then may you LIVE…GIVE…and…GROW with all the good in life!

CoCo McCain grew up in central Florida and attended the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering. After graduating in 1995, she moved onto the Cumberland School of Law in 1998. In addition to her role as an attorney and writer, CoCo works with a translator so that her articles can also be enjoyed by a Spanish speaking audience.

CoCo presently resides in Chattanooga, Tennessee with her husband and a roost of beautiful children. She says she is your ordinary girl-next-door … but on that one November day in 2009, CoCo was given an extraordinary dream: "A dream to shine a light on all the good things that happen every single day! Everyday acts of love, bravery and generosity. Everyday acts of determination, kindness and triumph in the face of tragedy. The simple things that make life so rich and rewarding! The zest and marrow of life."

She says from the very beginning, the vision for her column The Good Stuff has been crystal clear: shine a bright light on the good in life because sharing the good has the power to touch lives around the world.