Monday, January 31, 2011

American Idol

I, like many able-minded music enthusiasts in the country, firmly assert that “American Idol” is antithetical and destructive to the artistic forces that render musical progression and even creativity.

Producers, judges, and even a percentage of the blindly following fanbase all seem to be in relative agreement that the competition is one not based solely on musical talent, but also charisma, demeanor, and various other superficial qualities. American Idol is primarily a popularity contest rather than a talent competition, but I suppose the fact that most Americans accept this is enough to repudiate an argument that this immediately removes any integrity from the show. But too many people seem to adhere that someone could conceivably get by on their musical prowess.

Too many hopefuls, contestants, and even winners have been described as “artists,” which is, more often than not, a misnomer. The more appropriate term seems to be “model.” In order to advance, adequate singing seems to be a requirement secondary to fashion, behavior, mystique, attractiveness, etc… Performances are based largely on visual display rather than audible projections, further diminishing any claim the show may make about its musical focus. Now, everybody sings on that show, and their vocals are criticized. But nearly every song performed has come from a previously established musician, restricting the possibility for originality and thus, artistry. Can a performer take liberties with an already existing song? Absolutely, but not without appearing as a hackneyed rip-off or distorting the song’s original intention. I reassert that these people are models, putting on somebody else’s work to see how good they can make themselves look instead of showing anything of their own.

I’m sure there are holes in my argument. I’m sure you could make a case for a scant few contestants who have displayed talent and creativity on the show (even though they’re still being judged as models). But even beyond that, the show is a farce. The judges are underqualified and rarely, if ever, address performances with thoughtful or direct criticism. Simon and Kara (now, of course defunct, in the show’s progression toward degradation) had respectable clout, offering genuine insights to aspiring hopefuls. But the rest of them seem either completely oblivious or ignorant to any sort of sophisticated critiquing skills—that is, critiques of musical talent. When it comes to analyzing a person’s dress, character, style, and overall appearance, they all seem to know what they’re talking about, as that is the true basis of the show. But that’s all they seem to successfully deconstruct.

Then, of course, there are the thousands of people who show up only in the vain desperation to appear on national television. The dress-uppers, the character actors, the ludicrous undignified, the obnoxiously arrogant—the pretentious and shallow hordes that realistically know nothing about music or its artistry, and show up only for attention. You could make the argument that the entire music industry has devolved into that kind of superficial façade, but I think it’s especially evident in the program, especially when people try to argue for its music-oriented justifications.

…Maybe I should just change the channel and shut up.

17 comments:

  1. This is why I stopped watching American Idol ages ago. The folks who do have talent and manage to win seem to get pretty sweet record deals, though.

    Keep up the good work! Follow't.

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  2. Couldn't agree less. It's all a way for people to earn money, not to fish out any good musical talent. I think it once was like that, but it changed quickly. Blah, everything seems corrupt and unfair nowadays.

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  3. Just spare yourself and change the channel. I know I have, and I haven't an incentive to turn back since.

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  4. totally agreed. the term artist is just overused these days

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  5. I've never really been able to get into American Idol, it's just... boring.

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  6. I think I'm the only one in my family who doesn't watch that show, I can't agree more with you.

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  7. I auditioned for it while I was doing comedy in austin texas, it was pretty fun.

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  8. Heh, we dont have it over here. But I guess this also applies to "X Factor"

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  9. i love that show just in few first auditions. funny people

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  10. I've never seen and refuse to watch that show. Kinda easy to do when you never watch TV...

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  11. im kinda excited for steven tyler haha

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  12. I almost never watch television these days.. I just watch stuff through netflix haha..

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  13. comming back to my previous comment, i think commerce is taking over what true art is

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  14. Never has a show filled me with such rage.

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  15. ya i agree with you but what i do like about it is that it shows that even if some of the contestants are not very good singers at least they are out there giving it there best which i think is worth something just maybe not a record deal

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  16. I never watched it. My family watches it though -_-
    I think it's pretty lame, I don't like any reality tv shows.
    That being said, I actually really like Kelly Clarkson. I've even gone to one of her concerts.

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