02/02/2007 Archived Entry: "I've got McPheever"
and the only prescription, is more cowbell! Yea yea its cool to hate on reality TV and American Idol is just the world's biggest popularity contest, but I'll be damned if it isn't also the most fascinating one ever. Especially the insane parade of eccentrics who not only wrongly think they can sing but also think that they can convince the general public to like them. They're the best part of the show. American Idol is a popularity contest; your worst high school nightmares times a 1000, broadcast to the largest audience in the world. You shouldn't go in thinking that you'll win because you're unique and different. That's not what pop(ular) music is about!
The point of the show is to produce a music superstar that will sell millions, not someone fringe or ecclectic. You can tell by the look on the judges faces that they carry a preconceived notion of what a pop star should be, and they very often have decided if someone will be chosen to "go to hollywood" or not before they even sing. This was very evident in Taylor Hick's audition when Simon said he was really good but reluctant to let him go through for concerns of his lack of mass market appeal. You have to be exceptional if you're not good looking to even make it past the first round...a reflection of real life, really.
AI is an unstoppable machine. Not only is it the number one show on TV, but it's cranked out 10 Gold-or-better selling artists in 5 years, has the most successful "soundtrack" sale ever, and several annual concert tours. It's impact on the music industry is difficult to overstate. It has changed some very big aspects of the business. What good are talent scouts now that anyone with some talent is seeking out and being scooped up by the show? Instead of paying hundreds of people for scouring bars and clubs, you have 3 judges flying around for a few weeks with people coming to them and making huge money out of the audition process. It's an incredible twist on an old way of doing business.
There's also the "packaging" and marketing of these future pop stars. There's much less need for fake or "manufactured" personalities with AI. Throughout each season, the audience gets to know and, this is important, LIKE the contestants. They CHOOSE who they want to hear, creating a demand for a particular artist's music rather than the old tried and true way of trying to guess what kind of music will sell, hoping it does, and crossing your fingers. The show gives them a built-in audience that guarantees at least one platinum album. You can't buy this kind of publicity.
American Idols are a revealed preference, the most accurate market research tool available. The fact that the market research procress happens to also be a zillion dollar venture on its own doesn't hurt either.
And someone as fun and unique as Kelly Clarkson deserves the success she's gotten.
Replies: 20 comments
My name is David, and I fully support this blog post!
Posted by Dave @ 02/02/2007 05:16 PM EST
damn, what the hell..only 3 of the videos are working now.
Posted by Long @ 02/03/2007 02:42 AM EST
I only enjoy American Idol during the first series of auditions. There's something entertaining about seeing a bunch of weirdos crammed into one program.
The interesting twist this season was one contestant who was tone deaf, but totally expected to be the next American Idol. She believed that she didn't need to be a good singer to become an idol. She was utterly convinced that all it took was a strong desire and the support of the judges to win. It was nuts how upset she became.
The other entertaining aspect of the show is Simon...its about time someone tells these people how much they suck. Paula should be removed as a judge. All she wants to do is suck every cute guy she sees...so desperate.
Posted by dAN @ 02/04/2007 02:50 PM EST
And this be the psycho dAN speaks of :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaUtvxlcx00&mode=related&search=
Posted by Gosia. @ 02/04/2007 03:14 PM EST
Awesome post, dude. Great analysis and commentary and whatnot.
...wow, that is some psycho girl indeed.
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Thanks! I was particularly proud of this post!
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This will make your McPheever go up...Antonella Barba has nude pics released online...
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