American Idol: Really An Idol For America?

[Pachinko]

Ok, I've watched every season up too this one, which we are currently in the middle of. And, sadly, there's been something I've noticed in the contestants... Yes, they can all sing, but sadly, they all have no personality. If they do, it's bland and unoriginal. Occasionally, someone with a "sorta-unique" voice pops up, however they don't last.

Is someone so...boring really meant for the title? I mean, the other winners were fantastic, and had traces of personality, however I'm just blown away by all of the look-a-likes. America needs an idol that stands out & has presence.

[sakura_blossom]

America needs an idol that stands out & has presence.

I completely agree with your statement there.

For me, American Idol has become just like every other reality TV show on nowadays, it's driven to the core in it's popularity and loses its touch. Over the past couple seasons, the judges and America isn't looking much for personality, instead how long there attention can be grabbed for. It's like an item, you buy it and are interested in it for a week or so and then you move onto something else.

This season, I find only one or two contestants with actual personality, those two to name would be Kellie Pickler and Taylor Hicks. You may disagree, but those, I see, are the only two on the show how bring out there own style and there own personality. American Idol is all for entertainment, I mean have you heard much on any American Idol besides Kelly Clarkson? I haven't heard anything from any of the other three at all.

[Pachinko]

I agree. The two you mentioned are the upmost of personality there, besides Paris. I'm currently rooting for her.

It's just that the first season had many diverse people, with diverse styles. Sadly, it's waned since then... And, yes, Kelly has been the most successful (from being first, most likely). Fantasia's had some hits here and there, yet Ruben has practically vanished. Carrie, being new, will hopefully make a name for herself. However, my listening too country isn't happening anytime soon, so...Yeah.

[sakura_blossom]

And, yes, Kelly has been the most successful (from being first, most likely). Fantasia's had some hits here and there, yet Ruben has practically vanished. Carrie, being new, will hopefully make a name for herself. However, my listening too country isn't happening anytime soon, so...Yeah.

Well the first season of American Idol was so new and an original show to America, to bring some new life to the music industry. Kelly winning brought her to be more successful than any one probably ever thought. Fantasia, I never cared and I still don't, I don't like her personality, though I think she really only had her publicity after the season she was in and is beginning to get less attention. Ruben I only cared for in the second season, he was in the second Scooby-Doo movie...yeah...Carrie is working her way up and getting noticed more and more, I like her voice and personality she's the type of girl that seems to be going with the flow.

With country music, ever since both Carrie and Bo from last season and the huge popularity there, I find that American Idol is looking for more country than pop. Ratings, ratings and more ratings is what matters in there eyes.

[Jedinator]

I also agree, The contestants this year have been very boring and to be honest some of the ones that are still there dont have too great of voices. I forsee this being the second to last Season.

[Dimesion 12]

A lot of these people know what the judges are looking for. I think its too early to judge any of them. Throughout american idol, we will learn more about the contestants and they will open up, relax, and be themselves more. Its just a matter of time.

[Erigion]

Yes, only a matter of time before the next American Idol is forgotten by all of America. Like say, a week after the show ends. Then America will remember him or her when their CD gets released then promptly forget about them for good.

[aoi_n_asul]

the show may be losing its luster. it seems that American Idol is there for the sake of being there and to see SImon bash a couple of idol wannabees. that's the type of thing that people actually want to watch now, and i dont blame them. its nice for a while but if that's the only thing that carries the show, then it gets lame. and i agree with jedinator that some can't carry a tune that well. and paula. i dont hate her or anything, but it really irritates me to see her fawning over some guy just because he looks cute.

[Dimesion 12]

You know erigion, i only partly agree with you. There have been quite a few idols now. There is only one that, in my eyes, is really successful, Kelly Clarkson. I never see any of the other former idols releasing successful albums with top 10 hits. How many hits has Kelly had this year? I think 3 maybe even 4 that have gotten on the top 10 list. I agree with you that we totally forget about the american idol not long after the show ends, but Kelly Clarkson took the opportunity she had and made something of it. She is now a rich and famous millionaire.

[Jedinator]

Yeah. Like Ruben Studdard, what the hell happened to him, the runner up, Clay Aiken, Has been more successful. I Just dont get why they would not use the winning to their advantage. Whatever.

[Kiba]

I think the thing with Ruben Studdard was, when he had released his debut album he had compltely changed his style of music from what it was on American Idol which ultimetly caused him to lose the vast majority of his orginal fanbase.

[Pachinko]

..The only thing I heard about him was that he was hospitalized. I never even knew he released an album (I knew he was going too, however I didn't catch when).

But, America really needs someone unique, who can't be forgotten. My favourite, so far, was just kicked off (Becky O'Donahue), most likely because she dared too be different. I thought she would have been successful, and she seems too have been the only contestant I'd even think of buying an album from.

Kelly has her own individual style, which was why she is successful. These people are beginning to all look the same, I can't remember their names, and nothing stands out about them (with a few exceptions). This troubles me. America needs something new, for crying out loud.

[Erigion]

Yeah. Like Ruben Studdard, what the hell happened to him, the runner up, Clay Aiken, Has been more successful. I Just dont get why they would not use the winning to their advantage. Whatever.
Oh yes the brilliant movie that was From Justin to Kelly or whatever was so helpful to their careers. A big round of applause for the executives who thought of that plan.

[Pachinko]

..That was one of the most horrid films I've ever seen. It really was...uh, uncalled for.

I still believe Fantasia was "second most successful", even though she doesn't have a well-grounded style. She's had a few #1's.

[RuKiAsShAdOw]

american idol...wow, what a PoS excuse for a TV show. geez, really, tell me the point of watching that show??
and no one who wins really lasts very long after the stupid show. when was the last time you heard about ruben stutard or w/e his name is??
sure, some of those people have a good voice, but honestly that show is just an excuse to put RE-TARD simon on TV to criticize the F*** out of people.

[Dimesion 12]

Yeah, the Justin guy in the movie from justin to kelly, he's dead. D.E.A.D. I saw it on the news. He died in that big tsunami over in easter asia.

[sakura_blossom]

Yeah, the Justin guy in the movie from justin to kelly, he's dead. D.E.A.D. I saw it on the news. He died in that big tsunami over in easter asia.

He's dead? As in 6 feet under? Maybe on his singing career, but not his life. If so I'm sure it would've all over the news for days. I checked websites concerning the situation and found nothing, and was shown that he's making an upcoming movie role and he's scheduled for interviews.

With Ruben, he got, not to be offensive, fatter once he won the competition, he gained a few pounds more than ever losing anything. I expected something from him after the second season and I think he may have released only one album. It's laughable how Clay Aiken was the runner-up and is doing as well as Kelly Clarkson, sold out concerts, releasing who knows how many CD's, etc. My mom's obsessed with Clay, and I had to here about everything from him, but it did get me to go to MusicFest^^ Bunch of fun.

I don't expect anything big to come to the winner of this season's competition, I think the winner, whether a boy or a girl, will not do well in the music business as a whole. And soon be dropped and forgotten by America.

[Pachinko]

Ahh, I highly doubt Clay is doing as much as Kelly; that girl is just unstoppable. ^^ EVen though I'm not too fond of her or most of her music, she's talented and appreciated, that's for sure.

Justin may as well be dead. He was only in the compitition for his looks (what looks?).

[Dimesion 12]

well evidently sakura the news lied to me. I do remember watching mtv and the stupid mtv news came on. And it told about the singers that died in the tsunami and it mentioned him along with his picture and it showed his birth date and his death date. I promise it was him.

[Lupin the 3rd]

Oh yes the brilliant movie that was From Justin to Kelly or whatever was so helpful to their careers. A big round of applause for the executives who thought of that plan.

http://www.somethingawful.com/articles.php?a=2855


I think this review summed it up pretty good. :halo:

[Pachinko]

I think this review summed it up pretty good. :halo:
Yeah, that summed up that movie pretty well... I basically wasted one-&-1/2 hours of my life even bothering to watch it. I still don't even know what it was about.

[Kiba]

well evidently sakura the news lied to me. I do remember watching mtv and the stupid mtv news came on. And it told about the singers that died in the tsunami and it mentioned him along with his picture and it showed his birth date and his death date. I promise it was him.
Well it wasn't because he made/co-produced an album in 2005.

[Smitty]

I don't hate Simon nearly as much as I hate Randy. The man does not know shit about music. First he says to one of the girls "you sang the whole song in falsetto," forgetting, of course, that only men have falsettos, and the closest term to what I think he mean is "sotto voce." Then he said "you have a nice falsetto" to another girl. Then someone else is singing an entire whole step flat and he's like "I think you were sharp on most of the song." I was like "WHAT?!" This guy is a big-time music producer and he doesn't know shit about music. That's ridiculous.

Then you get an actual musician who has been trained and knows about music, like David Radford (whom I met at IMEA All-state Honors Choir in Peoria), and Randy has the gall to criticize HIS tonality? (Btw, vote for David, keep him in the running, he has way more talent than you saw when he did "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" and I know this for a fact.)

But anyway, someone shoot Randy. Please.

[Pachinko]

I enjoy Randy. Yet, he seems more on the "consumer" end than the "musical" end, if you catch my drift.

Paula is sometimes so fluffly and totally not giving critisism. She's OK, though. Simon is the only judge I sometimes-agree with. Still, I'm not sure what they are looking for. Sometimes, I feel like I'd be a better judge than them, and that's pathetic... I'm just not sure any of the contestants have any flair or potential to become an 'Idol'.

[RuKiAsShAdOw]

the thing about ALL those judges is that.......theyre retarded. randy is a fat @$$ idiot, paula is an out-of-date singer and i think a druggy/recovering druggy, and simon is the biggest @$$hole of em all. he thinks hes so good, lets hear him sing better than any of those contestants..... i think if he WERE a contestant hed lose out sooo easily. thats why watching the show is pointless, no one really ever meets their expectations

[Erigion]

Being able to sing != being able to judge a singing voice

[f1rst children]

I think you guys are being a little too harsh on the "Idols." They are what they're supposed to be - cute, poppy, trendy, and ultimately interchangeable and disposable. They're not supposed to have long, productive careers - no idol is. They're made to cut 1 or maybe 2 albums, then fade into obscurity until they get arrested for snorting coke off of hookers in Hollywood, or in 10 years when VH1 shows "I <3 the 2000s."

Seriously - this is just a new generation of Davy Jones, Danny Bonaduce, Debbie Gibson, New Edition, Joey Lawrence, New Kids on the Block, NSync, etc. The show just makes the idol selection process more transparent.

The disposable nature of the show is what ensures its success. Every year people are tired of last year's Idol and ready for a fresh, new face. Just like Miss America, Homecoming Queen, etc. Think of the show as a 1-person Morning Musume or Menudo. The power is all in the brand-name recognition - the actual singers are all interchangeable cogs in the idol-making machine.

[Pachinko]

I think you guys are being a little too harsh on the "Idols." They are what they're supposed to be - cute, poppy, trendy, and ultimately interchangeable and disposable. They're not supposed to have long, productive careers - no idol is.

I don't honestly think people are harsh enough. Does America need another "cute, poppy, trendy (yeah right)" idol? Don't we have enough of those already? And, an "idol" is usually thought to have had a long career. Kelly will most likely understand this. If not, they need to change the title too "American Sell Out" instead... Because all of the joy I saw in the first season (with the diverse contestants), and the little I saw in the second and third seasons, 'America's favourite TV show' is beginning to become more of a pain than an anthem.

[f1rst children]

I don't honestly think people are harsh enough. Does America need another "cute, poppy, trendy (yeah right)" idol? Don't we have enough of those already? And, an "idol" is usually thought to have had a long career. Kelly will most likely understand this. If not, they need to change the title too "American Sell Out" instead... Because all of the joy I saw in the first season (with the diverse contestants), and the little I saw in the second and third seasons, 'America's favourite TV show' is beginning to become more of a pain than an anthem.

How are they sellouts? How can you sell out when you never believe anything to begin with? Did anyone on American Idol claim to be making significant, life-changing music? I don't recall seeing many "singer/songwriters" coming out of American Idol.

If you want to see a real sellout, how about Rage Against the Machine? They claim to be anti-capitalist, yet their music is distributed by Sony, a giant multinational corporation. How about Dr. Dre? He, who once shouted "F--- tha Police" and then later used the power of the law to sue music downloaders.

American Idol singers aren't "going pop." They've always been pop. They want to be rich and famous - they don't deny it, they state it unabashedly. If anything, that makes them more geniune, more honest than someone "authentic" like Bono. Bono, the pretentious hypocrite whose demands for 3rd world debt relief don't prevent him from shilling for a ridiculously overpriced mp3 player. After all, it's not like you could buy another mp3 player for half the price and use the extra $200 to, you know, actually feed one of those starving kids Bono pretends to care so much about. It's not like he could sell his Maserati or one of his several mansions and give the money to poor people. Bono, who sings about Martin Luther King and then gives money to the IRA.

American Idol singers are what they are. NSync are what they are. Ayumi Hamasaki is what she is. The difference between them and real sellouts like Zach de la Rocha, Dr. Dre, or Bono is that they never claimed to be anything else. If you don't like who the Idols are or what they sing, fine. But they shouldn't have to pretend to be anything else just to please you. That would truly be "selling out."

edit: And exactly which Idols can you recall that had long careers? The very nature of being an idol means you're a flavor of the month, such as:
Leif Garrett
Ricky Martin
Debbie Gibson
Tiffany
the Monkees
Backstreet Boys
NSync
New Edition
Britney Spears
Christina Aguilera
Mandy Moore
Jessica Simpson
Spice Girls
Immature
Joey Lawrence
Kris Kross
Another Bad Creation
Marky Mark
Tevin Campbell
Destiny's Child
Hilary Duff
Kelly Osbourne
Lil Bow Wow
Billie Piper
Pink
Avril Lavigne
etc.

^ These are the epitomes of Idol-hood. You burst onto the scene, grab the "tween" audience, be attractive, do some studio-aided singing, choreographed dancing, a cover shoot for YM or Teen People, get paid, date another celebrity, and then you're forgotten. Very rarely you get an Idol that makes the jump to Artist, like the Beatles, but those are the exception, not the rule.

[Pachinko]

Sorry, but it's not just to please me. And, they are pretty much "sold out" before someone even wins. How the hell is a shiny-faced robot going to be the idol of America. All I am saying is that the contestants have no personality and none have an amazing voice. And, honestly, that's the kind of idol we need; not some look-a-like of so-&-so. Not some "sweet, charming" young lass. Someone who sticks out like a sore thumb and stands for something more than a piece of cardboard.

Sorry, but that's just what I think. ^^ Don't see how that has too do with Ayumi Hamasaki, roaches, Bono, and 3rd world whatever... Just stating what is increasingly becoming a fact. Unfortunately.

And, yes, I define an idol as being someone who stands out, breaks a record (a good one), or lasts a long time. Such as:
Madonna
Stevie Wonder
Ozzy Osbourne
The Rolling Stones
(Unfortunately) Mariah Carey
Celine Dion

And, the newer ones:
Kelly Osbourne (first artist ever to top three dance charts at once)
Spice Girls (greatest girl band of all time)
Kelly Clarkson (someone who has every single freakin' station playing her songs)
and so many more.

Which is exactly why I said these people arn't idols, but sell-outs. And, because the show is looking for an idol, I immediately said (as soon as the fifth season began) that no one there has the potential to become an idol. Period. Point. Blank.

[RuKiAsShAdOw]

again, then why call it american "idol"? no one really idolizes the winners or any of the contestants for that matter. it really isnt right to say that. and yes, most of todays singer/songwriters like bono and the others first mentioned are hypocrites, but who really idolizes them anyway?? so really, i fthese so-called "idols" crank out 1-2 albums and fade into nothingness, they arent really idols and their "career" really doesnt mean anything to anyone. and if they really are idols to some people, its only cuz those people want to make a quick buck by getting on the same show and making a cheap album that sells for a month after their tv debut. so, no ones being harsh on the idols, well, at least harsh enough, because of the fact that the show is called american idol and the winners are referred to as idols when they are not.

[f1rst children]

Sorry, but it's not just to please me. And, they are pretty much "sold out" before someone even wins. How the hell is a shiny-faced robot going to be the idol of America. All I am saying is that the contestants have no personality and none have an amazing voice. And, honestly, that's the kind of idol we need; not some look-a-like of so-&-so. Not some "sweet, charming" young lass. Someone who sticks out like a sore thumb and stands for something more than a piece of cardboard.

So anyone with a boring personality is a sellout? Selling out means you compromise your beliefs. Being boring just means you're boring. Having a weak voice means you have a weak voice, ie nothing to do with selling out. Here's the difference:

Sellout: I preach about world peace, but give money to terrorists. I preach Marxism, but I work for Sony.
^ This person is dishonest and compromises their beliefs, for celebrity and monetary gain.

Non-sellout: I am fairly attractive and have a weak singing voice. I want to be rich and famous, so I will go on a TV show that can make me rich and famous.
^ This person is honest and has not compromised anything. They have stayed perfectly true to their desire for money and fame.

If your idea of a sellout is anyone who wants to be rich and famous, well that pretty much includes every professional musician. I mean, the Rolling Stones let Microsoft use "Start Me Up" to sell copies of Windows.

Sorry, but that's just what I think. ^^ Don't see how that has too do with Ayumi Hamasaki, roaches, Bono, and 3rd world whatever... Just stating what is increasingly becoming a fact. Unfortunately.

And, yes, I define an idol as being someone who stands out, breaks a record (a good one), or lasts a long time. Such as:
Madonna
Stevie Wonder
Ozzy Osbourne
The Rolling Stones
(Unfortunately) Mariah Carey
Celine Dion

And, the newer ones:
Kelly Osbourne (first artist ever to top three dance charts at once)
Spice Girls (greatest girl band of all time)
Kelly Clarkson (someone who has every single freakin' station playing her songs)
and so many more.

Which is exactly why I said these people arn't idols, but sell-outs. And, because the show is looking for an idol, I immediately said (as soon as the fifth season began) that no one there has the potential to become an idol. Period. Point. Blank.

Stevie Wonder is not an idol singer, nor is Ozzy Osbourne. The Rolling Stones started as idols, but were able to make the jump to Artist. Mariah Carey could be called an idol. Celine Dion started her careers targeting the same audience as Michael Bolton and Kenny G, aka not an idol.

The very idea of idols is antithetical to longevity. Idols are the shooting stars of the celebrity world - they burst onto the scene, shine brilliantly for a short time, then just as quickly fade away. The Spice Girls are a perfect example. The burst onto the pop-culture scene with a catchy single. They were attractive, and were heavily promoted in the media, including a movie. And just as quickly they faded away, and now the most famous of them is known more for being David Beckham's wife than any kind of singing career.

That's what American Idol is designed to produce - pure, 100% bubblegum pop. It doesn't pretend to be anything more than a pop-idol generator, so it is unfair to attack the show for not producing significant, long-lasting singing careers. It's like attacking McDonald's for not selling rich, delicious, nutritious food - they never said they did.

[Pachinko]

Again, it's what you may consider an idol against what I may consider an idol. Those I listed were idols, for various reasons. And, I'm not trying to create an argument; however, I clearly said that American Idol is the search for an idol/icon/superstar/someone that will stand out. So far, no one's proved to be near that calibur, and until I see something happen, I will stick to my statement.

[Erigion]

American Idol is definately not about the search for someone who will stand out. It's about getting ratings for Fox and some money for the music company off the very short hype that the show generates for each winning person.

Musical icons/superstars are defined by their music, not how they were found. Which is definately why the American Idol winner will never be an idol.

One more thing, Kelly Osbourne as an idol? An idol for who? That's like calling Paris Hilton an idol. PS The dance charts don't mean anything. Take a look at the list of who has held that great position: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_artists_who_reached_number_one_on_the_US_Dance_chart

[Pachinko]

American Idol is definately not about the search for someone who will stand out. It's about getting ratings for Fox and some money for the music company off the very short hype that the show generates for each winning person.

Musical icons/superstars are defined by their music, not how they were found. Which is definately why the American Idol winner will never be an idol.

One more thing, Kelly Osbourne as an idol? An idol for who? That's like calling Paris Hilton an idol. PS The dance charts don't mean anything. Take a look at the list of who has held that great position: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_artists_who_reached_number_one_on_the_US_Dance_chart

Hey, now~ Those are some fine artists on them there charts >.<

And, yes, I agree with the ratings. The search for a superstar has become the search for next month's quick buck.

[f1rst children]

Again, it's what you may consider an idol against what I may consider an idol. Those I listed were idols, for various reasons. And, I'm not trying to create an argument; however, I clearly said that American Idol is the search for an idol/icon/superstar/someone that will stand out. So far, no one's proved to be near that calibur, and until I see something happen, I will stick to my statement.
I'm not using your or my definition of what an Idol is. I'm using the show's definition. Simon Cowell's definition when he created Pop Idol in the UK.

The show was never meant to produce singers who were great on their own merit, because those singers don't need to go on reality TV shows to make it. The show produces exactly what it is designed to produce - attractive, marketable, likeable, uncontroversial, generic, all-age appropriate singers who will sell singles, get on TRL, and make money for the record label. That's their definition of an Idol.

Your definition of what an Idol is may be different. But it's not fair to the show to use your definition to judge their contestants, because what you're each looking for are two different things. You want interesting personality - they want generic likeability. You want meaningful and significant music - they want TRL requests and People magazine covers. That's why it's unfair to attack the show for not producing your idea of an Idol.

It's like my idea of good music is classical, for example. If you play a Black Sabbath song, I say it's bad music. Certainly from my point of view I'm right - if good music=classical, then Black Sabbath is bad, because it isn't good Classical music. Is that fair? I'm imposing my definition of what music is on the singer, but he never claimed to be making Classical music, but rock isntead. As rock, Black Sabbath is good, and that's the standard it should be judged by - what it was intended as. If I only like Classical, then Black Sabbath isn't FOR me. The same way American Idol may not be FOR you.

[RuKiAsShAdOw]

The search for a superstar has become the search for next month's quick buck.
my point exactly

[Erigion]

How many times do we have to go over this? American Idol was never about finding the next musical superstar. It has always been about filling the pockets of Fox and Simon.

[Pachinko]

Yes, but waaaaay back in the Kely-days, it was indeed to find the next big person. Yet, it has evolved into a show that doens't sponsor talent, at all. My point for creating this thread; my point for saying no one had the potential to even become an idol.

[Erigion]

Let's go over this agin, it was never about finding the next big person. It was a popular show in the UK and American TV companies were riding high on the reality TV wave and Fox bought the rights to the US version of American Idol. RCA Records, I think, was praying that they could milk some money out of the winner and luckily for them Kelly Clarkson got away from idiot music executives.

[Dain Kinkaide]

You think they get forgotten on American Idol? You should see what the winners of Canadian Idol are doing now... providing anyone can remember who the hell they are.

I pretty much stopped watching anything "Idol"-related after... wait a minute, I never started watching anything "Idol"-related. Although I was completely disappointed when Suzi didn't win last season on Canadian Idol. She was the only person I've seen in the entire "Idol" run that actually stood out. That's actually when I decided I actually hated the "Idol" shows. It's just a popularity contest, after all.

I will, however, admit that Kelly Clarkson's newest songs are actually quite good. And less pop-ish.

[Trine]

I've lost my interest in American Idol, it was great the first, really fun. but it needed something new. I don't know, its so repetitive, its like watching an episode over and over.

[sakura_blossom]

Lately, I lost all interest in American Idol at this point. It's the same thing over and over, most of the contestants choose horrible songs that don't fit with there voice, even when they had a decade of songs to choose from. The shouldn't even be called American 'Idol', maybe American 'Singer' or 'Performer', because in no way do I find any type of the one's on this show or the past winners being an idol. That's just my opinion on the matter. At this rate, I just hope Chris ends up winning because I like his rocker style and voice, I would by his CD out of any one else on the show.

[Pachinko]

Lately, I lost all interest in American Idol at this point. It's the same thing over and over, most of the contestants choose horrible songs that don't fit with there voice, even when they had a decade of songs to choose from. The shouldn't even be called American 'Idol', maybe American 'Singer' or 'Performer', because in no way do I find any type of the one's on this show or the past winners being an idol. That's just my opinion on the matter. At this rate, I just hope Chris ends up winning because I like his rocker style and voice, I would by his CD out of any one else on the show.

That's what I've been saying! ^^ The contestants are all bleh, and frankly, I wouldn't bother buying any of their albums, if they ever came to release. And, what made me pissed beyond the point of no return, was seeing them cut MANY worthy & interesting contestants... Because of:
*weight
*sexual orientation
*ethnicity
I saw all of these more than once. And, the thing that is the worst about it is that my absolute favourite contestant was cut, I believe, the third/second/something round, obviously because she was over weight. So what? She could sing, she was different, and she had presence. Ugh. It's disgusting... If they are going to narrow the criteria of what "America's looking for", we'll never find an idol.

[sakura_blossom]

That's what I've been saying! ^^ The contestants are all bleh, and frankly, I wouldn't bother buying any of their albums, if they ever came to release. And, what made me pissed beyond the point of no return, was seeing them cut MANY worthy & interesting contestants... Because of:
*weight
*sexual orientation
*ethnicity
I saw all of these more than once. And, the thing that is the worst about it is that my absolute favourite contestant was cut, I believe, the third/second/something round, obviously because she was over weight. So what? She could sing, she was different, and she had presence. Ugh. It's disgusting... If they are going to narrow the criteria of what "America's looking for", we'll never find an idol.

That's what keeping it 'safe' in America is about. There are many people in America who are afraid of bringing in any one let's say different into a mainstream popular society. Simon needs to tone down on some of his comments as well, he shouldn't be talking with the ugly ragid haircut and tight shirts he wears constantly. But really, I think that in a way they want to keep some out from getting to far from public's eye, if you understand what I'm saying. I'm not against anything, at this point I'd like to see anyone that's better than this season at least.

[RuKiAsShAdOw]

I'm not against anything, at this point I'd like to see anyone that's better than this season at least.

Well, Im afraid AI is just going to keep getting worse.
Aw, but not to dash your hopes or anything for this show that went downhill after season 1.

[PassiveObserver]

I actually quite like the group they've got on American idol this year. There are a few people that just bug me, namely Ace and Bucky. I honestly don't see a downward slope with American Idol, I thought some of the earlier seasons were pretty terrible compared to this one. Kelly Clarkson is terrible, and so is that Carrie Underwood girl. I'm currently rooting for Taylor Hicks, because he's just awesome. This week was horrible, mostly because it was country, but next week is the music of Queen, which is just great.

[Pachinko]

I actually quite like the group they've got on American idol this year. There are a few people that just bug me, namely Ace and Bucky. I honestly don't see a downward slope with American Idol, I thought some of the earlier seasons were pretty terrible compared to this one. Kelly Clarkson is terrible, and so is that Carrie Underwood girl. I'm currently rooting for Taylor Hicks, because he's just awesome. This week was horrible, mostly because it was country, but next week is the music of Queen, which is just great.

That's a tad judgemental. I'm not all into that Queen-hype. They are over-rated.

Ace can't sing, too tell you the truth. Another thing American Idol has become (more likely has always been) was a popularity contest. Ace is in it for his looks, because he definately doesn't have a very good voice.

But, it seems Paula will let anyone in these days...
*cough*Corey Clark*cough*

[kyubichan]

I watch American Idol too ^^ and it's because local talent searches here suck. All the contestants sing ballads. Anyone who doesn't sing a ballad is usually out, no matter how great his/her voice is.

I didn't know what AI was until Kelly Clarkson came out on MTV, and I thought she was pretty cool. As for the current contestants, i find Kellie very interesting. Kat has a prettier voice but... she's not as adorable as Kellie. Chris is pretty good too. As for Ace... I think he lacks personality when it comes to picking a song (e.g. Bucky and Kellie usually choose country songs, Chris - rock songs, Paris - upbeat stuff...etc.), and did you hear how he murdered Drops of Jupiter? T_T

[RuKiAsShAdOw]

All the contestants sing ballads. Anyone who doesn't sing a ballad is usually out, no matter how great his/her voice is.

Well, wouldnt you agree that anyone whose singin doesnt sound like pop/hip hop/r&b/etc. doesnt make it to American Idol?

Thats why there are special spin offs of this show, like that country superstar or w/e its called.

[kyubichan]

Well, wouldnt you agree that anyone whose singin doesnt sound like pop/hip hop/r&b/etc. doesnt make it to American Idol?

Thats why there are special spin offs of this show, like that country superstar or w/e its called.
__________________


ah, I didn't really get what you were trying to say, but this
All the contestants sing ballads. Anyone who doesn't sing a ballad is usually out, no matter how great his/her voice is.


is about our local talent shows, not AI.

[RuKiAsShAdOw]

what I was refering to was that no matter how good a person/group sounds to some people, if they dont sound a certain way they arent even considered for AI.

[Zeek]

AI is the sole reson why america is a phad country. Every so called Idol looses their fame after a month, It's a lame excuse to make money at the dispence of wishful dreamers, these people are willing to do anything for 15 seconeds of fame, can you say lame!

[kyubichan]

AI is the sole reson why america is a phad country. Every so called Idol looses their fame after a month, It's a lame excuse to make money at the dispence of wishful dreamers, these people are willing to do anything for 15 seconeds of fame, can you say lame!


Kelly Clarkson is still popular (at least, in our country).

BTW, just had to say this: Down with Ace! Gawd! He MURDERED 'We Will Rock You'!!!!!!! And to think he even tried to tell Quen what to do? I mean, am not their biggest fan, but that song is really good (and it was justly covered by Five, I think)...and Ace murdered it! I mean, first Drops of Jupiter, and now this! T_T Ok. End of ranting.

[Zeek]

you see what I mean these people kill songs as well, and Kelly Klarkson is the only Idol that's still popular, and that's cause she was the first.

[Pachinko]

Kelly Clarkson is still popular (at least, in our country).

BTW, just had to say this: Down with Ace! Gawd! He MURDERED 'We Will Rock You'!!!!!!! And to think he even tried to tell Quen what to do? I mean, am not their biggest fan, but that song is really good (and it was justly covered by Five, I think)...and Ace murdered it! I mean, first Drops of Jupiter, and now this! T_T Ok. End of ranting.

Ace is totally in it for looks, which is worse than anything I can imagine.
I hope he's next to go.

My winning hopefuls:
Taylor & Paris.
Taylor is original & interesting. He's got presence.
Though Paris's voice sounds like everything we've already heard, she's got presence & personality. She also actually CHANGES HER CLOTHES on each episode.

[Erigion]

I'm glad the American Idol hopefuls slaughtered the songs of Queen this week. Maybe next week they can slaughter The Beatles.

[silan]

Nah. There aren't enough Beatles alive to coerce into playing along with the travesty known as cover songs done by American Idols.

One good thing did come of listening to that last night. I had a craving to listen to Queen, so I hunted down all their songs that I'd forgotten and listened to them again. Ah... Queen.

[Erigion]

Nah. There aren't enough Beatles alive to coerce into playing along with the travesty known as cover songs done by American Idols.No you see Fox only has to pay Michael Jackson enough money for the right for their "Idols" to cover The Beatles. Then we can all have fun listening to them singing their heads off to The Beatles.

[PassiveObserver]

The music of queen was simply to big for most of the contestants on american idol. Granted matching a voice like Freddie Mercury's is nearly impossible. I think Taylor Hicks did them justice, and that Chris fellow did pretty good as well. I'll even give Bucky creadit because I was at least amused. Then there's Ace, who just needs to leave. Not because America voted him off, but because he knows he sucks. You have to be some kind of aweful to take the song "We Will Rock You" and make it boring.

[kyubichan]

Everywhere else I hear people vying for Ace. Thank God for the anime community. I've heard worse, but what ticks me off is that he's on AI every week just coz of girls (and women) like Paula.

I think what makes Kelly Clarkson different from all the idols is not only that she's the first, but coz she has her own style and sticks to it, yet manages to not be boring and redundant. When I hear her song on the radio, I can immediately tell it's her. Unlike Carrie. I think the other idols were just so bent on pleasing the judges that they would give up what they think will work (for them) to cater to what the judges would say would work. Props to some of the current finalists for keeping their styles.

[Niner]

Uh, I think you hit the wrong thread, Pachinko.

Anyway, I actually watched the last episode of American Idol and I've never seen Ryan Seacrest act any gayer. When that cute blonde chickie (I think her name is Kellie or something) was sobbing into the hankie, then found out she wasn't eliminated, she put it on the podium thingie with the cards. Now, a normal guy would've been totally okay with that. But not Ryan. He acted as if it were radioactive. I'd kinda given him the benefit of doubt up until then, but he just completely destroyed it. What a fruitbag.

Oh, and that dude who sung Queen's "Somebody to Love" totally butchered it. I hope he's shot. Or something.

[kyubichan]

Anyway, I actually watched the last episode of American Idol and I've never seen Ryan Seacrest act any gayer. When that cute blonde chickie (I think her name is Kellie or something) was sobbing into the hankie, then found out she wasn't eliminated, she put it on the podium thingie with the cards. Now, a normal guy would've been totally okay with that. But not Ryan.

Yes, she's Kellie. As for Ryan, like almost everyone else on Idol, he probably thinks "airtime" means you put helium into your brain and act like an idiot.

[Pachinko]

Uh, I think you hit the wrong thread, Pachinko.



Woops, brain fart! :gmorning:

Queen is difficult to sing; I'm just curious, but what does everyone expect them to sing next? I'm sick of the Stevie Wonder nights and all... I was thinking, when it's down to a few, that they sing the B-52's. That will prove some true talent.

[kyubichan]

Two words: Rod Stewart

Oh, I love him so:

http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=143

[Pachinko]

Taylor won, in case anyone didn't see the unnecessarily-long finale. I wasn't suprised; the other girl (Katherine?) was utterly boring with little or no stage presence at all. Taylor, at least, expressed personality and wasn't as generic as the other contestants this season. I guess they chose the best (out of whom they had chosen), so it's not much of a disappointment.

[Niner]

I hate the dude that won. His "Soul Patrol" gimmick was original for about 2 minutes, then it got annoying and old. His songs suck and there is no way he's 29. Maybe 45 is a bit more believable. Ugh.

The girl was at least pretty and potentially fapworthy.

I hate this show.

[Pachinko]

"Soul Patrol" got irritating, yes. But, Kat wasn no where near originality.
At least Taylor's annoying facade was original.

Even though I favor him, I'm almost sure he will not sell.

[alien222]

I really wanted Elliot or Chris or Ace to win... but when it got down to Taylor and Kat, I voted Katherine...

Taylor just annoys me and i think he relies on his dancing and stuff... He's not the best singer so i thought Kat would win...

[sakura_blossom]

After the second season of American Idol, it just went downhill with the show. Everything is a plot in order to make money and to get the best ratings, but it's ridiculous of how horrible of not only American Idol has gotten.

I'm glad that Taylor Hicks won, Katherine McPhee had sex appeal and a mediocre voice, while Taylor had personality but still a mediocre voice. I'm not buying any of there albums anyway, the only line I'd be waiting in, in order to buy a CD is for Chris Daughtry.

[Pachinko]

After the second season of American Idol, it just went downhill with the show. Everything is a plot in order to make money and to get the best ratings, but it's ridiculous of how horrible of not only American Idol has gotten.

I'm glad that Taylor Hicks won, Katherine McPhee had sex appeal and a mediocre voice, while Taylor had personality but still a mediocre voice. I'm not buying any of there albums anyway, the only line I'd be waiting in, in order to buy a CD is for Chris Daughtry.

For some reason, the majority of people I've talked too said they expect Chris to win.

I'm not suprised he didn't, but I am suprised that so many expected him to stay. Just goes to show you that some people don't bother to vote.

[RenZhe]

Elliott Yamin is the real American idol. His voice sends chills down my body. Don't believe me? Listen to his version of Moody's Mood for Love. It's great stuff. Taylor doesn't hold a candle or whatever up to Elliott. Sorry, I'm an American Idol fanboy. Sad, but true.

[HuggyBear]

Personally, American Idol died out when they began their second season. I think it's a great publicity hype for whatever network wants to air it, but it's a one trick pony really. It's like a comdian who's using the same exact material over and over again just because he's still getting a laugh out of it, so AI's been on as long as it has because no matter how tired the show gets, it still brings in ratings. I like watching it because you get a literal blend of music each week, and good songs too =/

[RenZhe]

Personally, American Idol died out when they began their second season. I think it's a great publicity hype for whatever network wants to air it, but it's a one trick pony really. It's like a comdian who's using the same exact material over and over again just because he's still getting a laugh out of it, so AI's been on as long as it has because no matter how tired the show gets, it still brings in ratings. I like watching it because you get a literal blend of music each week, and good songs too =/

you could probably say that about any reality TV show. I don't really think it has died out though and I don't really consider it being the same material over and over again. It's completly new each season.