March 5th, 2006
American Idol? Fooey!
I confess to having watched the great American TV show, American Idol, only a few times. I’ve seen more excerpts of Simon’s blistering critiques than the actual shows. What I am baffled by is why the hell anyone cares what these three judges think? It seems that they consistently find the same type of singer for the “best” and now America knows what “great” singing is.
Fooey.
All they do in my view is continue to seek out a faux-Whitney Houston type singer over and over again. All tunes MUST be embellished a la Dame Whitney. No straight delivery is allowed. No original personalities need apply, fit into that silly trio’s mould of what a good singer is, and bingo!
God knows Dylan or Tom Waits would never get it, much less Tracy Chapman, Joni Mitchell or John Lennon. Hell, I have more fun listening to Shooby Taylor than another Whitney clone.
Let’s vote the panel off the show. Put in Barbara Steisand, Tony Bennett, and Sting. Who cares what Simon, Paula or the other dude think?
Feh!
March 5th, 2006 at 11:39 am
I’ve never watched American Idol, but the UK is awash with Pop Idols, X-Factors, Popstars and similar garbage, most of which are presided over by the ubiquitous Mr Cowell and some equally spineless cronies. As an MA music student (and aspiring singer, in fact) I can honestly say that nothing frustrates me more than these shows; not least the lack of integrity displayed by their existence, but also the awful decisions made by the judges on a weekly basis, which appear to have no basis in musical knowledge.
Your points about the singing itself are absolutely right. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve watched an out-of-tune performance and eagerly awaited a stinging response from the so-called experts, only for them to praise the singer’s “stage presence” and other such rubbish, making no mention of their awful intonation. One can only reach the conclusion that musical talent is not top of the list for these judges, and therefore their opinions, and reputations, become laughable and worthless.
Fortunately, very few of the winners of these UK shows survive more than a few months in the spotlight before plunging back into obscurity. A notable exception is Will Young (winner of the first ever UK Pop Idol) who has gone on to have a successful and well-deserved career. But as for the rest, it’s lucky McDonalds are always looking for new workers.
March 5th, 2006 at 12:30 pm
Thanks Hugo, I know I’m a minority, but happy to know I’m not alone!
March 7th, 2006 at 5:33 pm
To be fair, a Whitney/Mariah type of singer has yet to win.
I hate to mix my TV show metaphors, but yes Roger, the judges are the weakest link, with their inane and repetitive comments. I’ve nothing against the singers, there’s usually a few excellent voices amongst them, and some human interest stories too. Even as a big fan of opera/classical music etc, I’m not ashamed to say I find this show compulsive viewing. So shoot me!
(I’m defending the ‘highest-rated’ show on TV and I still feel like the dissenting voice)
March 7th, 2006 at 6:24 pm
BANG!
OK: I confess, I’ve enjoyed watching it myself. But the pleasure of watching the bad ones get ripped apart is right up there with gladiators, and prisoners thrown to the lions in view of everyone at the coloseum!