Could you imagine being a contestant on “American Idol,” “The Voice” or “X-factor,” being successful and becoming No. 1?

Well, it could happen to you if you have the skills and a little bit of experience.

Some people long to be famous and these shows help them gain the publicity they need.

With winners like  Susan Boyle, who sang, “I Dreamed a Dream,” and 6-year-old Connie Talbot, who sang, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” some dreams do come true and there just might be a pot of gold where the rainbow touches down, no matter how old or young, big or small you are.

Boyle and Talbot were both runners-up and they are both becoming millionaires.

These talent shows serve as a platform for prospective stars. This is not to say that each person becomes successful, or it wouldn’t be a contest. It works for a select few and at the discretion of the judges and fans.

With the driving factors being fame and fortune, the show contestants strive to line their wallets with big money and a camera in their face at all times, so the hype could last if you go big and hit the high notes.

Could this actually happen to one of our own rising stars? Some students do indeed have the experience and the skills for entertaining if they are participating in any of the arts programs here.

For people who can’t afford agents or to live in Los Angeles and go to auditions, these shows provide them with the publicity they need to jump start their careers.

The popularity of music competition shows just keeps growing, which is a testament to their success in making their winners a hit.