|
|
Post by Dianna on May 12, 2015 21:12:58 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by erik on May 12, 2015 21:31:32 GMT -5
It's not like I was ever really interested in the show (and I totally agree with Linda's views about these shows being the worst kind of "competition", that it doesn't belong in the arts); but I think they "jumped the shark", so to speak, when they bizarrely paired Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj as judges, which is probably the most dingbat thing ever in a genre that is so dingbat to begin with. The show did have artists like Brooke White and Crystal Bowersox, along with Carrie (Underwood) and Kelly (Clarkson), who were at the very least interesting; but I think Idol, and like-minded shows like The X Factor and The Voice, have really done quite a bit of damage to the music business. The other thing about them that I think is particularly egregious, though, is that they opened the door for someone like a Taylor Swift, whose vocal capacity is, to put it mildly, lacking in the extreme. T-Swift may not have been on any of those shows as a contestant, but she benefitted loosely from them all the same, and we've been paying for it ever since.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dianna on May 12, 2015 22:28:21 GMT -5
T-Swift may not have been on any of those shows as a contestant, but she benefitted loosely from them all the same, and we've been paying for it ever since. What do you mean Erik.. right she was never a contestant but what does she have to do with the show? Actually, as popular as she is I still think her small and out of tune singing voice would not have earned her a golden ticket to hollywood rounds. |
|
|
|
Post by Tony on May 12, 2015 23:35:40 GMT -5
There was one season of American Idol where the judges bizarrely sent every good singer packing and selected for the show the bad ones. They followed that up with Mariah and Minaj, and neither one was a good judge, or particularly entertaining.
I've enjoyed the current season, although the best singer, Rayvon, went home at #4. It looks like this season will be won by white guy with guitar again-- Clark is pretty good (better earlier in the season) as long as he doesn't rely on his own instincts. Fradiani they're trying to convince us is a Springsteen type but I see and hear Eddie Money (nothing wrong with that). Jax could win, but she hasn't won me over.
We haven't discussed American Idol this season. I suppose Dianna and I are the only fans.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dianna on May 13, 2015 0:54:13 GMT -5
Tony I don't remember which season. Aside Kree Harrison, I didn't care for the season with Mariah and Nicki. The guys were horrible that season.
I wasn't into this season. I did like Quentin.. he reminded me of Lenny Kravitz and Prince. lol He had a good chance but was sent packing after his little outburst. or Harry egg'd Quentin on and made more out of it. Nick to me sounds like Chris Daughtry.,, I was upset how the show screwed Jax . they sent her packing at the beginning of the show.. Geeeeeezzz!! and Clark seems like he just woke up from a nap..
My favorite as of late was last seasons Jessica Muese. I keep up with Jess on social media..
|
|
|
|
Post by erik on May 13, 2015 8:40:01 GMT -5
Quote by Dianna:
What I guess I meant is that she benefitted from the cult that surrounded that show, and the very notion (ridiculous as it might be) that anyone, no matter how out of tune or untalented (anyone remember William Hung and "She Bangs"?), could become A Star. This isn't to say that everybody who went on there didn't have ability (and I've cited quite a few who proved that they had the goods), but plenty of them didn't seem to.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dianna on May 13, 2015 12:35:20 GMT -5
William Hung and even Sanjaya were a joke. Where are they now? In terms of long term success on a super star level the only contestants that have proved longevity and stardom are Carrie, Kelly and J-Hud (she won an oscar for crying out loud). Many others like Brooke, Crystal, Clay Aiken season 2 runner up (he ran for senate in north carolina and lost) are doing okay but have remained in the background. I've watched the show from season 2 so I'm familiar with most of their careers (I ashamed to say) Chris Daughtry did okay in terms of album sales but has faded a little. Adam Lambert seems to be doing okay touring with Queen... but the 3 names I've cited are really the only power house superstars that came from the show.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dianna on May 13, 2015 16:17:00 GMT -5
Here is a list of all the American Idol Alumni in terms of record sales $. AIalumni |
|
|
|
Post by Tony on May 13, 2015 18:30:37 GMT -5
So in this modern age, you can have a Top 10 album (an album being a collection of songs, I think I am correct in still calling it an album) and not sell a helvalot of copies.
On American Idol, I actually enjoyed some of the cheesier untalented acts, because some of these people are entertaining in their delusion. Idol has gotten away from showing any of these marginal acts, and I think that was a mistake. I always looked forward each year to seeing Keith from Atlanta singing Madonna's Like a Virgin.
And help me out here, I'll bet no one remembers the guy one year who seemed to be part comedian/part singer, and the judges crucified him for not taking the competition seriously. A Martin Mull type.
At any rate, I will miss the show. If only The Voice could get canceled... I really hate that screamfest.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dianna on May 13, 2015 18:52:49 GMT -5
And help me out here, I'll bet no one remembers the guy one year who seemed to be part comedian/part singer, and the judges crucified him for not taking the competition seriously. A Martin Mull type. At any rate, I will miss the show. If only The Voice could get canceled... I really hate that screamfest. Was it this guy? Heejun Han |
|
|
|
Post by moon on May 13, 2015 19:42:38 GMT -5
I liked that it wasn't as slick as the voice. They actually tried to give the average person a chance
|
|
|
|
Post by rick on May 14, 2015 14:05:50 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by erik on May 14, 2015 14:18:27 GMT -5
Well, there's always The Voice and X Factor...for whatever they're worth, which isn't much (IMHO).
|
|
|
|
Post by Dianna on May 14, 2015 14:44:06 GMT -5
Well, there's always The Voice and X Factor...for whatever they're worth, which isn't much (IMHO). The X Factor was cancelled a few years ago. |
|
|
|
Post by erik on May 14, 2015 15:02:26 GMT -5
Quote by Dianna:
My mistake. That still leaves The Voice and its (in my opinion) insufferable "judges".
|
|
|
|
Post by Dianna on May 14, 2015 16:24:43 GMT -5
Quote by Dianna: My mistake. That still leaves The Voice and its (in my opinion) insufferable "judges". That's weird. I know you don't like that type of a show but I never felt that way about how the coaches on the voice. I'm not sure if you have you seen the show before but IMO they are very helpful when mentoring the contestants.. I don't see what is so "insufferable," about advocating new talent. Maybe it's Blake Shelton you don't care for.. but remember he did choose a Linda Ronstadt song for the 2 women on his then team.. so his taste in music can't be all that bad. ha ha |
|
|
|
Post by erik on May 14, 2015 17:40:33 GMT -5
Quote by Dianna:
Yes, he did choose a Linda Ronstadt song...one, as if "When Will I Be Loved" was the only hit she ever had. What bugs me about this is that a brain-dead audience watching it will be suckered into believing that.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dianna on May 14, 2015 17:41:24 GMT -5
annnd Erik.. not everybody is a fan of those you like.. i.e. Caitlin Rose.. I feel she needs to hang out with Miranda and Carrie and get some attitude in her music lol. I'm sure she is a great singer songwriter in your opinion. but I'm sorry she's too damn wimpy for my tastes.. I want to hit on the head and say WAKE UP !!! lol
|
|
|
|
Post by erik on May 14, 2015 19:37:37 GMT -5
I honorably stand by what I said about The Voice; and while I don't hold it against anybody who disagrees with me, I also stand by my appreciation of Caitlin.
|
|
|
|
Post by Partridge on May 14, 2015 19:56:59 GMT -5
Erik, you remind me of Tom Petty.
To me, much of the appeal of The Voice is the bickering between Adam and Blake. They actually seem to get better singers than American Idol, but they go out and search for them and invite them to compete. (One of Linda's former backup singers [from We Ran] competed last year, but no one turned their chair for him.)
It's the nature of this competition to outperform and oversing your competitors. You would never get someone to do a battle round singing one of my favorite songs, I Never Will Marry, 'cause the kids would get restless and the grownups would snore. Listening to this constant over-the-top vocalizing just fatigues me.
But back to my cryptic comment about Erik. You remind me of Tom Petty, 'cause you won't back down-- we can stand you up at the gates of hell and you won't back down.
|
|
|
|
Post by erik on May 14, 2015 21:30:15 GMT -5
Quote by Partridge:
With respect to the "competition" aspect--well, I wouldn't expect anyone to do "I Never Will Marry", because it is, after all, a traditionalist folk ballad; and anyway, there are plenty of up-tempo songs, especially of a C&W-influenced variety, in Linda's canon. But still, Linda's opinion about these shows is important. Competition is for stuff like the NFL, NBA, and the NHL, it's not for the arts.
As for the part about doing a Tom Petty and not backing down--I'll cop to that, but I'd rather do it in a civilized way.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dianna on May 14, 2015 21:55:42 GMT -5
Well Tony , my point was missed... He's not the only one who won't back down. Erik why do you feel the need to bash every artist who you don't like. It's very dismissive and snobby. I don't feel your behavior in many cases was civilized either. I've been a strong advocate of Carrie Underwood for years and the meanwhile I had to listen to your sour comments, once again not very civilize, yet I didn't say anything to you,,. but as soon as she sang for Linda's induction to the Hall..you made it sound like you discovered her. LOL We all discuss and talk even belittle certain artists but it gets a little redundant and predictable when the only thing you have nice to say is about the same 3 artist.. I think having an open and curious mind is a good thing when discussing art/music.
|
|
|
|
Post by Partridge on May 14, 2015 21:56:32 GMT -5
Still, on these competitions, even recently on The Voice, you see male contestants singing folky stuff like Simon and Garfunkel or quieter introspective songs. And it is accepted, the mentors love it, the public loves it. But it seems the women always have to compete in overdrive. Truth be told, I probably would not watch any of these shows if my wife didn't tune in to them. I'd rather get involved in these than retire to another room to watch a more interesting program.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dianna on May 14, 2015 22:14:45 GMT -5
Still, on these competitions, even recently on The Voice, you see male contestants singing folky stuff like Simon and Garfunkel or quieter introspective songs. And it is accepted, the mentors love it, the public loves it. But it seems the women always have to compete in overdrive. Truth be told, I probably would not watch any of these shows if my wife didn't tune in to them. I'd rather get involved in these than retire to another room to watch a more interesting program. like that Sawyer dude? |
|
|
|
Post by erik on May 14, 2015 22:24:42 GMT -5
First of all, with respect to Carrie Underwood--yes, in a very real sense, I was very cynical about her being chosen to be one of those to sing in Linda's place last year because of her American Idol association. But while I wasn't converted into a fan, I did say, and I say it here again thirteen months after the fact, that Carrie did an extremely good version of "Different Drum." I don't think I made it sound like I "discovered" her.
As for the savage and probably uncivilized things I've said about other artists--yes, I plead guilty to. And this, I believe, is in reference to what I have said about Guns N Roses. I was certainly much more savage and uncivilized towards that one band than probably anyone else, even Taylor Swift, because of what they, most especially their lead singer Axl Rose, did to Dylan's "Knockin' On Heaven's Door." I won't deny it, the way I said it was savage and uncivilized. Let me just say for the record, though, that, for as long as that band has been in the public conscience, which has been since 1984, they've never been a favorite.
And may I just say that my listening pleasure extends beyond just three artists and Linda. I have talked about many others, including a number of film composers (John Williams, notably), even though that aspect goes unmentioned by some. They may not be "popular" per se, but I do have an extensive listening horizon. It just doesn't get that much attention, which I can live with.
|
|
|
|
Post by Partridge on May 14, 2015 22:35:56 GMT -5
Dianna! I wasn't ignoring you. We were apparently writing at the same time and I just now saw your comment.
I try (and don't always succeed) to not bash other artists, because I realize that all of them have their fans here and I don't want to run anyone off. I mean there are some that I just have a hard time saying anything good about. One of my "things" is I try to find at least one song by everybody that I sort of like, and I still have not found that in the Black Eyed Peas. And just because I criticize someone doesn't mean I'm trying to be nasty. I let out the occasional Streisand barb-- truth is I think she is incredibly talented-- used to be one of my favorite actresses-- never one of my very favorite singers. But Streisand and Ronstadt fans are very defensive, and critical.
That Sawyer dude is an example of what I was saying- a sensitive male singer. What female contestant has done anything like that (I may have missed it)? I sort of like the older curly-haired receding hairline dude with the piercing blue eyes better though. Sorry, the names don't stick with me.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dianna on May 14, 2015 22:38:34 GMT -5
Erik, well maybe not discover her but yes you did make it sound as if you made the decision of who is or who isn't worthy and yes, I felt you did that regarding Carrie..And you are doing it again with GnR it's obnoxious.. Please Stop. Yes, you credit many older movies, directors and comedy bits which I myself have never heard of nor did I find to be funny or entertaining. I guess the point we all have different tastes and maybe we should all be a little more respectful and quit being a debbie downer because I myself happen to like many of the talent shows. you might not but other might. thanks
|
|
|
|
Post by Dianna on May 14, 2015 23:14:05 GMT -5
Dianna! I wasn't ignoring you. We were apparently writing at the same time and I just now saw your comment. I try (and don't always succeed) to not bash other artists, because I realize that all of them have their fans here and I don't want to run anyone off. I mean there are some that I just have a hard time saying anything good about. One of my "things" is I try to find at least one song by everybody that I sort of like, and I still have not found that in the Black Eyed Peas. And just because I criticize someone doesn't mean I'm trying to be nasty. I let out the occasional Streisand barb-- truth is I think she is incredibly talented-- used to be one of my favorite actresses-- never one of my very favorite singers. But Streisand and Ronstadt fans are very defensive, and critical. That Sawyer dude is an example of what I was saying- a sensitive male singer. What female contestant has done anything like that (I may have missed it)? I sort of like the older curly-haired receding hairline dude with the piercing blue eyes better though. Sorry, the names don't stick with me. Thanks for responding Tony. I know we were writing at the same time. His name escapes me but I know who you are referring to. It's been this way with The Voice and American Idol.. WGWG will in most cases win. |
|
|
|
Post by Pete on May 15, 2015 18:56:54 GMT -5
The only Season of American Idol I watched was the one that Mariah Carey was a judge. She got a bit of slack for her critiquing on the show but I actually felt she was more constructive with a lot of her comments rather than the kind of things that would be said to get the ratings up. On that Season I thought three of the contestants (Kree Harrison, Paul Jolley and Amber Holcomb) all had very good voices.
Jennifer Hudson is the only other artist who started on that show whose career I have followed. I like her voice and albums a lot.
These shows can be frustrating to watch as they are edited in a way that makes the outcome seem so pretentious.
I have enjoyed the debut albums by Leon Jackson and Sam Bailey who both won X Factor here in the UK but both got dropped by SYCO Records. I found this a disgrace as the label didn't promote either of the artists that much.
I like Dami Im too who won the Australian version of X Factor has has an amazing voice. Her versions of 'One,' 'Purple Rain' & 'And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going' are brilliant.
Other than that, nobody has impressed me off these kinds of shows.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dianna on May 16, 2015 12:54:00 GMT -5
The only Season of American Idol I watched was the one that Mariah Carey was a judge. She got a bit of slack for her critiquing on the show but I actually felt she was more constructive with a lot of her comments rather than the kind of things that would be said to get the ratings up. On that Season I thought three of the contestants (Kree Harrison, Paul Jolley and Amber Holcomb) all had very good voices. Jennifer Hudson is the only other artist who started on that show whose career I have followed. I like her voice and albums a lot. These shows can be frustrating to watch as they are edited in a way that makes the outcome seem so pretentious. I have enjoyed the debut albums by Leon Jackson and Sam Bailey who both won X Factor here in the UK but both got dropped by SYCO Records. I found this a disgrace as the label didn't promote either of the artists that much. I like Dami Im too who won the Australian version of X Factor has has an amazing voice. Her versions of 'One,' 'Purple Rain' & 'And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going' are brilliant. Other than that, nobody has impressed me off these kinds of shows. I don't hold these shows responsible for advocating poor talent or do I blame the audience because as Linda herself quite recently stated . talent never leaves the gene pool .. and she also said no one can sustain a career without it. The problem is too many people start acting like little jann's and begin to make up their own criteria of who is and who isn't worthy which alienates a lot of talent because it isn't to their liking and that isnt good for music and art . |
|
