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Wednesday February 27, 2008 4:50 pm
American Idol: Why it’s No Good to Be Too Good
It’s an incredibly bold idea. Start a reality show on the premise that somewhere out there, amazing singers are lurking and just waiting for their chance. Then, go out and find these incredible singers and let American decide which one gets to experience fame. But scratch the surface of American Idol, and there’s much more involved than just singing.
The best don’t always win. It’s just that simple. I mean - c’mon - Taylor Hicks? Really, was he the best singer? And Chris Daughtry - if he can’t win the show, you might as well throw the radio out the window. Jennifer Hudson got booted, then went on to sing her heart out in an Oscar-winning Dreamgirls performance. Last year’s winner Jordin Sparks had dismal first week record sales (the lowest in Idol history), though she beat out twenty-three other fantastic singers just to seal the deal. Listen, Clay Aiken didn’t even win his season - remember? The best don’t always win.
Read More On American Idol, it’s important to be good. But it’s just as important not to be too good. Let’s look at another example - Sanjaya Malakar. He became the most talked-about contestant of Idol’s sixth season, though very few of the positive comments lauded Malakar’s voice. He was a showman and a darn good one, but he wasn’t a great singer. Yet somehow, Malakar hung around the show much longer than others who by far possessed better pipes.
Again, the best don’t always win. Here’s what happens: a great singer walks out on stage and blows everyone away with a perfect performance. But no one votes for that singer - why? Because, the voting public figures that person is safe and doesn’t need any help. Then what happens? The best get kicked out, and we’re stuck with sub-par Idol albums.
This year, I’m worried about David Archuleta. He’s incredible, engaging…probably the best singer out of the 24 who got picked to be a part of the season. And chances are, he won’t win. He’s too good. But past Idol castoffs have proved one thing: if you’re really good, you’ll find success anyway. David Archuleta doesn’t need American Idol - the show actually needs him.
| American Idol Official Site
- Related Tags:
- albums, american idol, chris daughtry, clay aiken, competition, david archuleta, fox, jennifer hudson, jordin sparks, music, reality, recording, singing, taylor hicks
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Comments:
Creamy
2/28/08 5:54 am
Yeah, something is very wrong. I cant seem to Get Into the contestants this season. It feels like knowing what your Christmas presents are before you unwrap them.
Each year I LOVED watching the contestants grow in their singing and entertaining ability. I enjoyed watching the Make-Overs.
This year feels Bland* even though the contestants can sing well Already! Im sure I will keep watching the show, Hell its like a tradition now, but there is no hot chocolate and popcorn this year while I watch, and no Excitement.
Who knows, maybe when they hit the big stage things will liven up.
I MISS SANJAYA. GO SANJAYA***
Creamy* SuperFanjaya
susan11
2/28/08 7:55 am
Yes, Taylor Hicks was absolutely the best singer that year. I know voices, his is an extremely good one. And when you add his performing abilities to that, he is an entertainer.
His tour shows were incredible. Such energy.
He may never be a million seller but he still has the most talent.
Carolle
2/28/08 8:43 am
Show was “bland” before Taylor and it went “bland” after Taylor. Taylor brought the biggest joy to my heart and smiles to my face of all of the contestants. There never has been and there never will be another one like him.
Granted, he didn’t have the best voice, but he had the overall package from humility to kicking mike stands to entertaining us. I worried over every performance that he would fall off the stage.
This season, my mind keeps going to “Brooke,”
there is just something about her.
CArolle.......
Pat
2/28/08 8:47 am
I thinki this year will improve. I see a lot of potential in the girls and boys as well. I especially like Christi and Brittany has certainly shown she can sing and perform. She is fast becomiing my favoirite. Asia has a lovely voice and was not given the credit she deserved by Simon.
Pam
2/28/08 4:02 pm
I think it’s interesting how the inaccurate remarks about Jordin’s sales continue to get spread around. Her album has gone past Gold status, “Tattoo” is gone beyond Platinum, her digital sales for “No Air” were at 73,000 last week, and she’s only just begun!! Her album has been out 3 months now. Wait until the end of the year and see how’s she done before you call sales “dismal.” She’s sung in the Super Bowl, won NAACP Image award for best new artist, she’s toured Africa with the President. You need to know your facts before jumping on the bandwagon of those that see her as a sales “failure.” Her album was criically acclaimed by Rolling Stone, and other top music critics. Pick up the album......play it through 10 times....You too might learn something about this up and coming young artist....but she’s so much more than that.
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