Some years I watch American Idol, and some I don't. This year, Hubby wanted to watch it so we started at the beginning and we're still watching. And I have to say, after Hollywood week where I thought they really did have some awesome voices picked out, it's been pretty blah. NO ONE knocked it out of the park on either night. There are some talented kids, and much Idol left to come, so anything can happen. But though I like some of them a lot, I don't have a lot of hope this will be a stellar year.
I hate, hate, hate having to listen to FOUR judges critiques. And I have no idea how this show will survive without Simon. Prickly though he is, he seems to be the only one who hears the truth. I usually agree with him, though not always (he wasn't big on David Cook to begin with a couple of seasons ago, and I loved David from the start).
I think I've finally figured Idol out, though. Maybe you already knew, but it hit me last night what the show really is. It's a very expensive, very flashy karaoke contest. In 8 years (not counting this year just yet), they've only found two really viable stars who are still relevant today. Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood still make hits, and they aren't in danger of their careers fading anytime soon. You could even argue that Chris Daughtry and Adam Lambert will continue to shine (I really think Adam will), and though I still have hope for David Cook, he hasn't launched out of the mid-list singers yet.
But what about all those talented kids who were in the top 12, or the top 24, who you never hear from again? Apparently, a good voice is a dime a dozen. It's that extra something that takes them above the level of really awesome karaoke singer. And very, very few of them have it.
America gets into the drama of the season, the stories, the idea that someone's life will be forever changed by winning this contest. But then next year rolls around and we forget, or lose interest, in the previous year's winner (and all the finalists). This is entertainment, pure and simple. It's not really about launching a superstar — because the chances the winner will be a superstar aren't great. Taylor Swift is a superstar (not that I understand it), and she didn't need a contest to get her there. Miley Cyrus. The Black-Eyed Peas. Beyonce. Lady Gaga. The list could go on.
Whatever the reason, those singers have that something that Idol contestants, with rare exception, lack. I'll keep watching, because it's entertaining, but at least I know not to expect greatness anymore. This is the finest karaoke on the planet, but that's pretty much all it is.
😕 I’ve felt so meh about this year on Idol! Girls night I was like PLEASE someone sing better than I do in the shower. Please. On the other hand, I may consider a career change and go on Idol…Hmm…no, I’d rather write books. American Idol would be too easy . LOL
Hey, if you go on Idol, I’ll vote for you! 🙂 I may complain about the show, but one thing is for sure: every single person who went to Hollywood is a better singer than I am. I definitely can’t sing!
Lynn…
You have hit it. Really it is a karoake contest. 🙂 I know a few talented people in my family who sing better. Last night was as fun as watching a car crash.
One thing about American Idol is that now I am hearing much better singers in the pop sing. They have to do much more than pose.
Cyn
oops… I reread this and am embarrassed with my sentences.
I meant that the pop singers have to sing now instead of just posing. I am not a fan of Lady Gaga, but I do like some of Black Eyed Peas.
You’re right, it’s more than posing! I think they get so into the posing because they see the big stars doing it — and forget those stars also sing fabulously!
I love Lady Gaga — and the BEPs!
Don’t forget Jennifer Hudson!
Oh yes, how could I forget her!? I tend to think of her more as an actress, though she can sing amazingly, but yeah, she’s a big star!
There is also Kellie Pickler. 😀 (not that I listen to her much) She wasn’t even a runner up. She finished in 6th place.
I, so far, have only got to see the end of the guys show. And a few of the Hollywood shows. I would have to agree that there aren’t many really really good sounding people. Although there was one guy last night that sounded pretty good. But I would also like to say that most seasons of Idol the singers started out so so and ended up getting better as it went along. And I have heard some “superstars” sing on stage on TV and sound terrible. So with that being said, maybe it will get better once they get use to being on stage, in front of a camera, with the thought of millions of people watching. 😉
I hope you’re right and it gets better! I’d forgotten Kellie Pickler, but I’m not sure I’d rank her up there as a big star anyway. But that’s just me! I can’t recall hearing more than one of her songs ever. 🙂
She is on tour this year with Taylor Swift. I think I’ve only heard one of her songs also. She is a little screechy for me. 🙂 I did see the other day that Danny Gokey jut realized a CD. I’m going to have to listen to that. I liked him from the start. Plus he’s pretty good looking. 😉
I agree. I think something has been lost since they added four judges. And forget the show without Simon. He’s what we watch it for, isn’t he? Let’s be honest. We want to know what he thinks about these kids and we wait to be shocked.
I was going to mention Jennifer Hudson who was turned away before she got very far and became a shining light on her own merit.
Lady Gaga is a marketing genius, somewhat like Madonna was back in the day. I heart the BEA’s and absolutely adore KeSha right now. If you haven’t heard her CD, go buy it NOW! It’s called The Animal. She’s going to be BIG.
I loved Michael Jons and his CD is supposed to be doing very well right now, but I haven’t heard the whole thing yet.
What’s with the girl with the dreads?
I didn’t even know Michael Jons had a CD out! I remember him, of course, but I thought he lacked a lot of range. Still, I’d give the CD a listen and see if I liked it. 🙂
I agree. Ros and I watched the girls’ night and had a hard time picking a couple of favorites out of 12 performers. Some of the ones we liked (like dreadlock girl) sing well, but need to challenge themselves with unlikely songs. We haven’t seen the guys yet–Wed night writer’s group 😉 –but I haven’t seen anyone blow me away yet.
I think Adam Lambert was actually really smart last season. It didn’t seem like he was trying to win so much as give the audience a great performance. I’ve liked both of his releases so far. I see real success for Idol alums as being financial, popular, and having a career that does’t automatically link them to ‘Oh yeah, the Idol winner/runner-up/contestant.’ But I’m not sure if any can really separate themselves from that.
Hi, Sabrina! You are right that some of them have potential but need to pick better songs! I think Siobhan has a lot of potential too (though I was lamenting her shoe choice!). And Crystal, the dreadlock girl. A couple of the others too.
We have Adam Lambert’s CD, and I like most of it. He really is a talent. Not winning didn’t hurt him at all. 🙂 Glad y’all didn’t get a Tsunami!
I live in a weirdly talented area. My husband is a singer, and a darn good one. Too old for Idol though!!
I know a girl who’s an amazing singer and she won Oregon Idol (NOT Kristy Lee Cook!) and she went before the producers, but they didn’t let her sing for the judges.