Maybe it’s the ongoing popularity of American Idol. Or perhaps it’s the tale of Paul Potts, who went from mobile-phone salesman to global celebrity with his victory on Britain’s Got Talent. Whatever the reason, more and more people believe that they too possess some “hidden genius” — a flair for design, a knack for writing, a gift for invention. If only there were a stage on which they could strut their stuff and win applause, acclaim and even financial rewards.