Sarah Palin Slams 'American Idol' For Hosting 'Talent Deprived' Contestants

"American Idol" may entertain millions of viewers, but Sarah Palin apparently isn't one of them.

In excerpts from her upcoming memoir, "America by Heart: Reflections on Family, Faith, and Flag," leaked by Gawker, the former vice-presidential candidate slams the reality show for hosting what she refers to as "talent deprived" contestants.

"Did you ever wonder where the producers of 'American Idol' come up with the seemingly endless supply of people who can't sing but are deluded enough to get in front of a national television audience and screech out a song anyway?" Palin asks in the book.

Palin, whose daughter Bristol Palin is currently on the reality show "Dancing With the Stars," goes on to say those unqualified contestants who appear on "Idol" are "victims of the cult of self-esteem."

"No one they've encountered in their lives — from their parents to their teachers to their president — wanted them to feel bad by hearing the truth," she writes. "So they grew up convinced they could become big pop stars like Michael Jackson."

But it's not all criticism. Palin praises former judge Simon Cowell for dishing out hard truths to the competitors.

"Cowell can be a little harsh at times, but he upholds the highest standards and something in us recognizes and responds to that," she writes. "Unfortunately Cowell is almost alone in his willingness to tell hard truths."

Palin further argues that "hard truths" are necessary, as "a growing chorus of voices is trying to convince our kids that hard work isn't necessary anymore."

Palin's memoir is set to be released on Tuesday (November 23).

What do you think about Sarah Palin's "American Idol" critique? Tell us in the comments.