American Idol 2009: To blog or not to blog?
Posted on 16. Jan, 2009 by Per Bristow in American Idol, Performance, Singing
So, American Idol has started up again. How was this weeks show? Should I blog about it again this year? I actually think it is quite interesting and very educational to study up-and-coming performers. It’s good to see what makes a performance exciting, why a performer shines more one week than another. However, there is also a reason I very much dislike American Idol…
Actually, several reasons…but let’s start with one…
Frankly, I missed the show this week – at least most of it – and the little I saw was exactly what I didn’t want to see. Once again, American Idol purposely sets people up to be humiliated in the name of entertainment. Rumors had it they would soften that approach this year, but here we go again…
But if people audition they have to be prepared for it, right? After all, by now they should know what to expect, and therefore they have themselves to blame. Right? Well, maybe. On the other hand, that is exactly how an abuser justifies abuse: The other person deserved it.
Now, it is true that many go to the auditions with no intent of winning American Idol. Some are there just to be part of it. Some are there for the joke – to be as off beat and wacky as they can in order to get on the air. They are the class fools who don’t mind. That’s fine.
But there are also people who don’t have the awareness and capacity to know were they are in relation others. There are people who don’t have the intrapersonal or interpersonal skills, and who are not equipped to recognize sarcasm, or malicious intent.
These are the very people who are brought in front of the cameras. We might think that the cameras are simply documenting what is. But the truth is that these people have been spotted early on – way before they are brought in to face the judges. The intent of interviewing them is to get them to express their grandiose beliefs. The more we can temporarily boost this person’s confidence, the more dramatic the fall will be.
These are the people who are asked: “Do you think you can be the next American Idol?”
They are easily lured to believe that saying “yes” with forceful conviction is what is needed to come across as a winner. They are being cajoled into explaining why. Through the comforting interviews, through the recognition by prime time media, through a newfound friend and ally in Ryan Seacreast who is seemingly on their side, their deep need for recognition has temporarily been answered and their confidence has been pumped up so they say things they might not have said otherwise.
And these are the clips we are shown. The producers know that the higher the expectations are for the contender, the more dramatic the fall will be. And we are being led to feel that he deserved this public lynching.
In fact, if this dramatic build up/fall does not occur, it won’t be shown on TV.
Personally, I find it ugly and would never dream of encouraging my kids to watch it.
Luckily, my kids find playing music and challenging themselves in various endeavors to be more meaningful than watching other people being made fun of.
So now you might wonder what I – a vocal coach – think of these people auditioning. Can these “not-so-great-singers” learn to sing well? Is it really true that anyone can sing?
It’s an age-old question and the answer is obviously yes. The question is as silly as asking if anyone can swim. Even people with severe physical and mental difficulties can learn to swim and find tremendous enjoyment in swimming. That doesn’t mean everyone can get to the Olympics.
(Why so many want to audition for American idol without being remotely trained or prepared is the subject of another article).
Yes, singing is for everyone. The difference between learning to sing well and learning to play another instrument well (or doing sports well) is that learning to sing well is far easier.
Anyway, I’m just reflecting on what I saw. Hopefully there were some interesting performers that we’ll get to know as the show moves on. What do you think? Should I blog about American Idol this year?
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mimi
05. Mar, 2009
I miss your AI posts, Per!
Gabor Czako
11. Feb, 2009
Why did you ever change the format of your TV program? The previous format was much more enjoyable.
Victoria
06. Feb, 2009
Hi Per,
This is off topic, but I was struck by this comment of yours and feel the need to comment:
The difference between learning to sing well and learning to play another instrument well (or doing sports well) is that learning to sing well is far easier.
That’s not consistent with my experience. Maybe it’s easier for certain people, but for most of us it takes years of commitment and practice. Rock vocals are deceptively difficult. With all of the hundreds and thousands of bands out there, cover bands or original ones, it is the vocals that make all the difference. I know or have seen many bands who would be terrific with a decent vocalist, but are going begging for one. You can have the most brilliant guitarist in the world, but if he can’t sing, it’s no fun to listen to him trying. The band I’m in went through seven vocalists before settling on me! I’m not talking about “making it,” either, just reaching a place of basic competence with your instrument.
Just a random thought. American Idol, well, why not? Inquiring minds want to know what you think.
Jeremy Nazareth
06. Feb, 2009
Hi Per,
Not only I,but my two teenage daughters feel the same as you about American Idols. We like the exposure to the young and talented newcomers and their different styles, but we don’t ejoy at all the fun so many are made of by the organisers! However, it’s the only singing program of its kind we get to watch here in our country and we’ve grown so attached to some of the selected singers and would love your opinion on their singing. So please blog!
Roshanee
27. Jan, 2009
hello per,
i am quite a fan of American Idol and i have noticed what you are implying about ordinary people getting their hope’s given up and basically, being made fun of! i personally feel sorry of such for those people but then again they should be more prepared(for the worst as well as hoping for the best-but that’s just my opinion on this.
I would really appreciate you writing a 2009 blog on American Idol. I, myself like watching the show and learning a lot of what might they consider as a ‘good’ if not great voice. what do you think about the comments they make?
monica
23. Jan, 2009
Well you are right they have only made fun of many of the contestents and turned down many good singers. I’m auditioning for it next year and confedent in myself since I won a couple of competition myself!
Nicky
22. Jan, 2009
I joined the throngs of auditionees for one of these “reality TV” shows here in the UK – the one to find a Nancy for a stage role in the musical Oliver!. I didn’t get through, but the judges were so lovely to everyone who auditioned. They tried to be supportive and objective (I was told I had a naturally lovely voice but it was obviously untrained – one of the reasons I logged on and bought the DVDs!). I didn’t hear any bad criticism of anyone, just encouragement.
This is the 3rd of these type of TV shows in the UK, and I have watched them all. Even in the early stages, there is never the cruelty that there is in AI (or X-Factor, as is its incarnation in the UK). I particularly dislike Simon Cowell because he seems to thrive on bullying people and putting them down. Thankfully we can watch the BBC programmes and see people only being encouraged!
There
19. Jan, 2009
Truthfully, if you write, I’ll read it. I’d be interested in your opinion and would rather not watch the show. I haven’t watched American Idol, though, for reasons that you have mentioned. However, I had a former voach coach who was on a pre-AI tv show, commenting on each singer’s styles, etc., and that was the limit for me. I feel that judging singers is far too personal and creates a negative feeling…about styles, pitch and keeping to a ‘limited’ standard… There are so many singers and musicians from the past and present who may not have had ‘talent’ in the conventional sense, but gave a musical truth, and there are others who have talent, but don’t convey ‘emotions. originality’, but then I’m now judging as they do! Honestly, I feel that my own ‘critic-judge’ (myself) is just as brutal as that panel…and getting rid of that type of judgment/analysis is enough to deal with, why watch that happen on tv to others? AI is glitter, placing singers into a molded style, inherently based on personal taste of fools’ gold…All that glitters is not gold when it comes to that panel…the only way I ever participated was with the playstation 3 game…it was fun to play and conquer, when I played with the idea of being judged on known songs with a ‘guideline.’ I do think that having an honest view (blog) is wonderful, though, for those who do watch the show.
ike
19. Jan, 2009
There’s a lot I have to dismiss to take a discussion of American Idol seriously. I do appreciate the idea of critique and analysis of singer performers. I’d like to know if you’ve blogged about accomplished artists – there performances and the technique they employ.
marasou
19. Jan, 2009
I’ve never watched American Idol and I don’t intend to. Music and singing is for everyone, not just an elite few who, “Make it”. Critiqueing is important. But surely there are plenty of examples of all sorts of vocal performance on the web that can be critiqued. We’d save our valuable time, not support this objectionable show and perhaps get a broader, more realistic view of what the singing experience is for most of us.
Solomon
19. Jan, 2009
Completely agree with you, but I think you should still blog on American Idol. We need to know what the “professionals” are doing wrong.
Leah
18. Jan, 2009
While I love the show, I also agree with what you said. I would love to hear what you have to say as the season progresses. It is great to have a professional voice coach giving feedback on what actually took place rather than what will increase ratings. That being said, American Idol really is a great place for people to launch a career. What they do with that career is completely up to them!
Heather
18. Jan, 2009
As a professional opera singer, I hate American Idol. I use that strong term, because I truly do. I will explain why: on that show, I see singers who are hugely talented, who are NOT recognized by the idiots who are judging them. Those people do not have trained ears. They would not know talent if it sat in their lap.
So, they are damaging potential artists with their ignorance. It is truly sick-making.
Mike
18. Jan, 2009
Your comments, while insightful and demonstrate a kind heart, ingnore the basic fact that individuals are responsible for their actions. No one forces folks to subject themselves to a potentially humilitating experience; the minute of being on national TV is an insatiable lure for some; sadly, for some, it’s not a wise thing to do, particularly if one is trying to become the current AI and can’t sing as well as the competition.The judges on AI can be unnecessarily nasty, I agree, but for the purpose of AI, they are usually correct. I would hope you would continue to share your comments. One candidate, Von Smith, has a spectular voice–he’s on YouTube–but I fear he’s going to toss it away. He could profit from your advice and guidance.
Dennis
18. Jan, 2009
You had some interesting points. My beef is, haven’t any of these people ever watched American Idol before? Are they completely unaware of what they’re getting into? I’ve heard comments like “my family and friends think I have a fantastic voice” and they’re horrible! I never trust comments from family and friends. I appreciate professional and honest criticism to fluffy affirmation. Many of those people just want their moment on TV so they can say “I was on American Idol”. They should know what to expect. Just my opinion.
Loie
18. Jan, 2009
-Terese- Sorry to hear of your difficulties,keep strong and relaxed. The guy with the low voice did not have a disorder! He simply has potentially a superb operatic bass voice. X
Loie
18. Jan, 2009
So well put,thank you!! So many times contestants on Idol are told “singing is not for you”, when singing is for everyone and as natural as breathing.The people who are rejected often are simply not centered (yep,and grounded too).Then uphelpful comments and feedback knock the person further off their centre. I believe we all were born to sing – to keep ourselves physically and spiritually healthy and connected to others,ourselves and breath/Spirit itself.I’d like to see a “give-back” with a spin-off show or interactive website that gives prospectives good tips -like the site created for UK’s “Last Choir Standing”