Anyone else glued to Season 12 of American Idol? I've watched it for the last eight years. Actually I probably watched it before you guys because I was glued to Pop Idol in the UK back in 2001, which was the precursor to the American juggernaut.
Ryan Seacrest and the gloss of the whole production makes me think of book covers and websites. Slick and gorgeous. The judges (& Jimmy) remind me of editors and book reviewers, shaping and evaluating the end product.
The talent this season is phenomenal. I don't think I've seen such a fine array of singers/artists ever. But the whole idea of singing for votes made me think about the concept of popularity versus talent. Are these guys really being voted for because of their (incredible as it may be) singing ability? Or are people just in love with looks and charm? When Jessica almost got voted off it was obvious that success was not necessarily just tied to vocal ability.
I think this is true for writers too. Plenty of great writers languish in obscurity. Jessica is gorgeous and talented, but perhaps not to whoever it is who votes for American Idols. Maybe the people who should love Jessica don't watch American Idol? Or don't own phones? I don't know. It's a mystery. Or maybe she doesn't connect with the voters. Heck, maybe we're all jealous :)
Talent, for sure. Connecting with your fan base, be it voters or readers. A huge amount of luck and serendipity and the willingness to follow your dreams no matter what.
I watch them and think, as difficult as it is to send out a manuscript to an agent or an editor, at least my humiliation (if there is to be humiliation) is more or less private. I haven't just performed on a stage in front of millions of viewers.
But this is perhaps the real key to the power of American Idol...
American Idol gives them a chance to rise above obscurity. Obscurity, not losing a contest, will kill a career, be you a writer or singer. Sure, they might mess up, some people might loath what they do, but if they can find a big enough fan-base of peeps who love them, they will have a career. Personally, I love them all and would happily adopt the lot. Can't wait to see what they do with their lives :)
Who's your favorite?
13 comments:
I used to watch American Idol all the time, but when they lost Simon, I stopped. Maybe I'll have to check it out again. :)
Anne-Marie, I think I've liked Idol better without Simon.
I have no favorite this year I was glad that the kid with the frizzy hair can't remember his name is gone. His singing style was annoying to me.
What I've noticed more this year than ever before is the mention of you've got a great voice you've got a lot of talent but you're marketable. How many times do we hear that as authors? The stories great. The book is well-written but we just can't sell it.
Shrug. I guess it happens in all forms of art.
Anne Marie--I loved Simon, but I actually prefer these three.
Rita--Diandre (sp?). I didn't like his style either. Poor kid.
Marketability, Rita. I think you hit the nail on the head.
Toni & Rita - I'll have to try it then. I kind of liked Simon's brutal honesty (even though I cringed the whole time. LOL) But if you two like it, it must be good. ;)
And yes, that "It factor" is so, so important. An interesting phenomenon, almost like a personality trait that some people are born with. That natural charm or talent that comes across as confidence and just sparkles...some people are just gifted with it. Interesting discussion!
Very interesting discussion. I rarely watch the show, but I did the week Jessica got voted out, but the judges vetoed the vote. My daughter (who was the reason I was watching), told me that Jessica has an amazing voice but just doesn't connect with the audience. So yes, Rita, I think it is a question of marketability. And yes, Toni, I can see the similarities with publishing. Oy.
What does it take? Talent, training and luck. Remember that old saw about the General who went to heaven and told Saint Peter he was the greatest and Saint Peter said no so and so was the greatest General but there was no war during his lifetime.
I'm an American Idol tragic from way back. The finalists this year are so strong, they'll all have careers afterwards. I want Jessica to win - her voice is incredible. However, I think Skylar will win because country singers often do well.
Sometimes those who get kicked out early do better than the winner. Remember Jennifer Hudson, who got kicked out about 6 from the end. Gee wonder what happened to her!!!
If there are any die-hard Idol fans here, you will understand that I STILL haven't gotten over Michael Johns. (big dreamy sigh!)
Geeze! Watching now, Holly finally got it together.
The group that deliberately votes for the worst has skewed things in the past, but I've been a devotee since Season 2. I picked both Carrie Underwood & Scotty McCreery from their 1st audition.
I really want a woman to win as it's been a long time, but the judges are really pushing Joshua and then Jessica.
Country music lover that I am, of course I'm cheering for Skylar.
Maureen, on my local station they just played an interview of former Idol finalists and Michael was on it. Looking good. :)
Whahhh! I missed it. If you recall, that rule to save Jessica this year is called the "Michael Johns" rule.
Ohh, I've never seen it - but I felt for your comment about keeping our adventures in private! :)
I was part of a team once who went for trials on the UK TV quiz show "Eggheads". It wasn't until we were sitting there at rehearsals being "coached" that I realised how much I DIDN'T want to be on TV! I was secretly pleased when we didn't get through :)
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