In Defense of American Idol
By hrrundivbakshi on Mar 25, 2007
Spend more than a few minutes browsing RTH during springtime, and like as not you'll run across somebody either busting on American Idol or trying to explain to the naysayers why it's worth watching. I'm firmly in the latter camp, and, at Mr. Mod's prodding, I thought I'd take a moment to share the reasons why. Hopefully, I'll manage to steer clear of any yawn-worthy defenses of "pop" music (how many times do we have to go down that road?), as well as the temptation to get all catty about the frankly awful performances that can certainly still be found on Fox every Tuesday night at 8:00 pm.
Because there are some awful performances to be found there. I suspect it's these awful performances that cause folks like Mr. Mod to get all tight-assed about the show -- and the pepole who tune in for the train-wreck cheesefest, then breathlessly blog about how bad Sanjaya Malakar's version of "You Really Got Me" was, make it easy for folks like Moddy to "take the high road" by simply never watching. I don't exactly understand how it's easier to spend an hour pondering sides three and four of "The Best and the Rest Of Be Bop Deluxe" than watching 10 kids sing their hearts out for America, but whatever.
Follow up:
The thing is, week in and week out, there are some fine performances to be found on this show. And if the sight and sound of a bubbly 17-year-old suddenly and unexpectedly finding the dark, molten core of a song like "I Who Have Nothing" (yes, the overblown Tom Jones number) -- and making it believable -- doesn't make you sit up and take notice, then I'm at a loss to explain what's good about the show, or about music, and I'll let you get back to indexing your Pere Ubu albums.
There's another factor to consider, too: in this fragmented, niche-marketed, cabbage-shredder-sliced world we live in, American Idol is one of the only shows -- hell, maybe the only show -- that everybody watches and everybody talks about. We can only seem to get 46% of the country to vote for the bloody president, fer chrissake, so I'll take my conversation starters where I can find them. And it's about music, people! People aren't getting together at the coliseum to watch Christians getting eaten by lions, or gathering at Nuremburg under bright red banners... we're watching 12 kids singing as hard as they can for the chance to make music for a living! You can get all cynical about Simon's approval of contestants that keep the ratings up, or Paula's insanity, or rumors about the voting process if you want, but the core of the show remains pure and unsullied.
So, people, I urge you to watch this show, at least once. Pull your thumb outta yer ass. Pretend to be Clive Davis. Imagine how you'd coach the kids to help them sing better. Give Randy Jackson a sock in the nose. Cheer Simon Cowell on for telling it like it is. Have fun, fer chrissake!
I look forward to your comments on Wednesday morning.
14 comments
Comment from: saturnismine [Member] 
though i was never, like you, on the taylor hicks bandwagon, i'm not one to stand on ceremony: good on ya, fritz.
and here's another thing: we here at rth are always ready to defend our fave rock band's shittay teevee performances by talking about just how hard it is to sound good in that environment, especially the vocals. and when diana ross took the stage and began to sound off key, and by turns too loud or too soft, i found myself lapsing into excuse-making mode: "man, she's havin' a tough time up there...well, it IS tee vee...hard to sing in a television studio...".
and then i realized: "hey, wait a minute: didn't that melinda doolittle just BLOW THE SOCKS off a tune in the same studio environment?"
my point: you can say what you will about the "sanjiya effect" (where cute kids who are thin on talent go deep into the competition based on their looks), but there's always some real vocal talent on there.
and this time around, melinda doolittle is phenomenal. she can affect the subtlety of bettye swann, the humility of dusty springfield, and the pipes of aretha. because of her, you're really missing something if you turn your nose up at this show. i don't watch every broadcast, but i watch when i can, because she's phenomenal.
and here's another thing: we here at rth are always ready to defend our fave rock band's shittay teevee performances by talking about just how hard it is to sound good in that environment, especially the vocals. and when diana ross took the stage and began to sound off key, and by turns too loud or too soft, i found myself lapsing into excuse-making mode: "man, she's havin' a tough time up there...well, it IS tee vee...hard to sing in a television studio...".
and then i realized: "hey, wait a minute: didn't that melinda doolittle just BLOW THE SOCKS off a tune in the same studio environment?"
my point: you can say what you will about the "sanjiya effect" (where cute kids who are thin on talent go deep into the competition based on their looks), but there's always some real vocal talent on there.
and this time around, melinda doolittle is phenomenal. she can affect the subtlety of bettye swann, the humility of dusty springfield, and the pipes of aretha. because of her, you're really missing something if you turn your nose up at this show. i don't watch every broadcast, but i watch when i can, because she's phenomenal.
2007-03-26 @ 05:51
Comment from: hrrundivbakshi [Member]
Well said, Prof. Art! For the record -- like everybody else with a lick of sense -- I recognize that Melinda Doolittle and Lakisha are the spine-tinglers on that show. They're just plain amazing singers, and are clearly the best this season has to offer. I chose to feature the Jordin Sparks clip, though, because her performance from British Invasion week seemed to best encapsulate what's good about "AI": American kids pouring their hearts into song, and taking the audience along for one heck of a minute-and-a-half ride. Plus, as I said in my post, watching this bubbly, ditzy cute-bomb bring *that* song to life was quite an eye-popper for me. Maybe it takes a confused, self-obsessed teen to really make that bathetic lyric come alive -- I know Tom Jones' version always makes me cringe (and I *like* Tom Jones!).
Anyhow, thanks for your thoughts. I know it's a deep seated fear of Mr. Mod's, but I for one and looking forward to gathering around the RTH Virtual Water Cooler on Wednesdays to compare notes.
Anyhow, thanks for your thoughts. I know it's a deep seated fear of Mr. Mod's, but I for one and looking forward to gathering around the RTH Virtual Water Cooler on Wednesdays to compare notes.
2007-03-26 @ 08:44
Comment from: Mr. Moderator [Member]
Shoot - I just typed out a tremendous and convincing argument based wholly on Townsman Hrrundi's characterization of my beefs, and a coding problem screwed it up. Let me just say this to summarize:
If the best you can hope for is finding the next Whitney Houston or singer from Creed, more power to you, America!
If you think Simon says anything negative that you and your friends can't do better based on the performances themselves, for shame, America. You're probably the people who just want to see the results of our polls.
What's Randy Jackson but the only black man in America who's safer than Sinbad?
Paula Abdul is not enough of a train wreck or hot enough to justify her role on the show. What gives, America?
If the best you can hope for is finding the next Whitney Houston or singer from Creed, more power to you, America!
If you think Simon says anything negative that you and your friends can't do better based on the performances themselves, for shame, America. You're probably the people who just want to see the results of our polls.
What's Randy Jackson but the only black man in America who's safer than Sinbad?
Paula Abdul is not enough of a train wreck or hot enough to justify her role on the show. What gives, America?
2007-03-26 @ 09:04
Comment from: hrrundivbakshi [Member]
Mod sez:
If the best you can hope for is finding the next Whitney Houston or singer from Creed, more power to you, America!
I say:
Spoken like a man who's never deigned to actually watch the show. Yes, there are Creed and Whitney (nowadays, it's Beyonce) wannabes, but there's a lot more on offer. But you wouldn't know, would you?
Mod also sez:
If you think Simon says anything negative that you and your friends can't do better based on the performances themselves, for shame, America. You're probably the people who just want to see the results of our polls.
I say:
Huh?
Mod further sez:
What's Randy Jackson but the only black man in America who's safer than Sinbad?
I say:
Sorry, hold on -- black people have to be *dangerous* to be "real" or something? I admit that Jackson is a cheeser, but... huh?
If the best you can hope for is finding the next Whitney Houston or singer from Creed, more power to you, America!
I say:
Spoken like a man who's never deigned to actually watch the show. Yes, there are Creed and Whitney (nowadays, it's Beyonce) wannabes, but there's a lot more on offer. But you wouldn't know, would you?
Mod also sez:
If you think Simon says anything negative that you and your friends can't do better based on the performances themselves, for shame, America. You're probably the people who just want to see the results of our polls.
I say:
Huh?
Mod further sez:
What's Randy Jackson but the only black man in America who's safer than Sinbad?
I say:
Sorry, hold on -- black people have to be *dangerous* to be "real" or something? I admit that Jackson is a cheeser, but... huh?
2007-03-26 @ 09:20
Comment from: Mr. Moderator [Member]
I've watched the performances on the show a at least a half dozen times. Name me a person from last season, the season I was most often subjected to viewing at lunchtime here at work, who had the qualities of any singer I really like. The cute, chubby Irish-American girl was once sincerely affecting, but who has the qualities of a singer I really like? You like your share of talent show crap, so leave that out of my equation.
As for Randy Jackson, NO, black people don't have to be anything, but it's bad enough a white man wants to play with Journey. I know I should treat all people with bad taste fairly, but I enjoy riffing off Sinbad jokes, so sue me.
As for Randy Jackson, NO, black people don't have to be anything, but it's bad enough a white man wants to play with Journey. I know I should treat all people with bad taste fairly, but I enjoy riffing off Sinbad jokes, so sue me.
2007-03-26 @ 09:37
Comment from: Rick Massimo [Member]
Holy crap, Sanjaya wasn't that bad on the episodes I saw at your house, Fritz.
I dunno. I agree with everything you say. And as you know, after having seen two episodes at your house, I was rarin' to go for the third one. But the next week, I missed the first episode and haven't felt compelled to tune in since.
I don't think I need the hours of micro-evaluation of vocal talent, nor the relentless focus on that one aspect of music. The song selection almost always bores me too. I'd probably be much more willing to watch a show of bands doing their own songs.
None of this is to say that I won't happily watch AI next time I'm at your house, with you to help with commentary. And this crop is much stronger than the other seasons' touring groups I've seen, so I'm relatively looking forward to that.
I dunno. I agree with everything you say. And as you know, after having seen two episodes at your house, I was rarin' to go for the third one. But the next week, I missed the first episode and haven't felt compelled to tune in since.
I don't think I need the hours of micro-evaluation of vocal talent, nor the relentless focus on that one aspect of music. The song selection almost always bores me too. I'd probably be much more willing to watch a show of bands doing their own songs.
None of this is to say that I won't happily watch AI next time I'm at your house, with you to help with commentary. And this crop is much stronger than the other seasons' touring groups I've seen, so I'm relatively looking forward to that.
2007-03-26 @ 09:49
Comment from: BigSteve [Member]
I don't think I need the hours of micro-evaluation of vocal talent, nor the relentless focus on that one aspect of music. The song selection almost always bores me too. I'd probably be much more willing to watch a show of bands doing their own songs.This is a good summary of my views. Maybe we've swung too far in the other direction, to where songwriters and producers who shouldn't sing their own material feel like they have to, but singing puppets just don't interest me that much. People with good voices don't really interest me. I thought Since U Been Gone was a great record, but it would have been a great record even if what's-her-name hadn't sung it. The use of the word 'idol' is the tip off. Kill yr idols.
2007-03-26 @ 10:29
This is a good summary of my views. Maybe we've swung too far in the other direction, to where songwriters and producers who shouldn't sing their own material feel like they have to, but singing puppets just don't interest me that much. People with good voices don't really interest me. I thought Since U Been Gone was a great record, but it would have been a great record even if what's-her-name hadn't sung it. The use of the word 'idol' is the tip off. Kill yr idols.
Call me stodgy or snobby or whatever, but Steve encapsulates my views just about perfectly here, including his assertion that "Since U Been Gone" is a great record. Then again, if Melinda is as good as Fritz says, it makes me tempted to reevaluate the show. As such, the only thing I've ever enjoyed watching on it during the few times I've tuned in have been the awful contestants from the first 2 weeks or so.
2007-03-26 @ 12:52
Comment from: Mr. Moderator [Member]
I'm not feeling much support, Townsman Hrrundi. What gives?
2007-03-26 @ 16:16
Comment from: saturnismine [Member]
steve, i'm bored by the song selection, too.
but i do enjoy a good vocal performance...being not a very accomplished singer with a limited range, one who has hung out in too many clubs where bands feature singers who sing poorly, and having endured (and contributed to) an era of rock where the mix aesthetic was to nearly bury the vocals, i have come around to the value of vocals sung well. i love all sorts of instrumentation and music making, and don't put instruments in a hierarchy over vocals. all things have their place.
matt, if you like the classic soul singers i've named above (bettye, aretha, and to a lesser degree, dusty), then you'll like melinda. she's ace. and whether or not america gives her the crown, it doesn't matter. she may be the first contestant who's actually bigger than the show: i think it's clear that she should be a star either way.
but i do enjoy a good vocal performance...being not a very accomplished singer with a limited range, one who has hung out in too many clubs where bands feature singers who sing poorly, and having endured (and contributed to) an era of rock where the mix aesthetic was to nearly bury the vocals, i have come around to the value of vocals sung well. i love all sorts of instrumentation and music making, and don't put instruments in a hierarchy over vocals. all things have their place.
matt, if you like the classic soul singers i've named above (bettye, aretha, and to a lesser degree, dusty), then you'll like melinda. she's ace. and whether or not america gives her the crown, it doesn't matter. she may be the first contestant who's actually bigger than the show: i think it's clear that she should be a star either way.
2007-03-26 @ 16:22
Comment from: Mr. Moderator [Member]
AI fans, how was last night's episode? Some coworkers were startled by Sanjaya's Lipizaner-styled faux-hawk. Townsman Hrrundi, I expected in-depth analysis from you and your supporters today. What gives?
2007-03-28 @ 13:38
Comment from: the great 48 [Member]
Well, let's see. I am now firmly of the opinion that Sanjaya is actively TRYING to get kicked off the show. However, this is making him kind of perversely fascinating, so I think he's going to stick around at least another week. Not least because Haley wore clothes this week and so both the judges and the audience were able to remember that she sucks. She's just not vocally up to singing Cyndi Lauper, even bad Cyndi Lauper like "True Colours." So I think Haley's going bye-bye.
Gwen Stefani was basically useless as a judge, but her outfit was cute.
Of my Top Four, Melinda killed, as ever. Sligh stumbled a bit: he was doing "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," and I just don't think he was feeling it. In a later round where there weren't folks like Sanjaya and Haley, he'd be in trouble. Blake did an oddly reggae-tinged version of the Cure's "Lovesong" (which I called, both performer and song, the second Seacrest said someone was doing a Cure song) that worked quite well, and Jordin was all cute and flirty and jailbaity-hot. The sad thing is that Gwen Stefani -- who is MY AGE -- will probably be wearing Jordin's outfit when she performs on tonight's results show. Mutton dressed as L.A.M.B.
Of the also-rans: Gina remains Fake Rockstar. Chris remains Timberfake. Phil's freaky-ass alien DNA still creeps me the fuck out. Lakisha's tired. She's going to be out by Tax Day.
Gwen Stefani was basically useless as a judge, but her outfit was cute.
Of my Top Four, Melinda killed, as ever. Sligh stumbled a bit: he was doing "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," and I just don't think he was feeling it. In a later round where there weren't folks like Sanjaya and Haley, he'd be in trouble. Blake did an oddly reggae-tinged version of the Cure's "Lovesong" (which I called, both performer and song, the second Seacrest said someone was doing a Cure song) that worked quite well, and Jordin was all cute and flirty and jailbaity-hot. The sad thing is that Gwen Stefani -- who is MY AGE -- will probably be wearing Jordin's outfit when she performs on tonight's results show. Mutton dressed as L.A.M.B.
Of the also-rans: Gina remains Fake Rockstar. Chris remains Timberfake. Phil's freaky-ass alien DNA still creeps me the fuck out. Lakisha's tired. She's going to be out by Tax Day.
2007-03-28 @ 16:26
Comment from: hrrundivbakshi [Member]
G48: your take on "Fro Patro" Sligh was *way* too generous, and America agreed with me. I called it, folks -- an early out for the Pudge. I admit that goggle-eyed Phil Stacey has hung around longer than I predicted, but he'll be gone soon. Haley will stick around a *lot* longer than expected, due to the hotness factor. One thing you're definitey right about: Sanjaya is *trying* to get booted, which paradoxically makes for great TV and more votes. Won't be long. If Lakisha doesn't bring us a knee-shaker of a performance soon, she'll be gone far too early -- though Timberfake will precede her either way.
An aside: I'm not sure I've ever disliked anyone as much as I do this Phil Stacey guy. And I *know* I've never witnessed a more soul-less singer on the show -- and that's saying something!
An aside: I'm not sure I've ever disliked anyone as much as I do this Phil Stacey guy. And I *know* I've never witnessed a more soul-less singer on the show -- and that's saying something!
2007-03-28 @ 22:36
Comment from: the great 48 [Member]
I gotta say I'm surprised. I pretty much expected that bottom 3, but I was certain that this was the week Haley gets the boot. Mostly because...WHAT hotness factor? I mean, if you beat off to the girls in the lingerie section of the Macys flyer, I guess you might find Haley hot, but by this theory, Antonella should still be onstage as well.
My theory is that Haley must be the female equivalent of Timberfake: she's so boring that people just forget she's there.
Charity's take is that Sligh decided to take a dive, having made it to the Top 10 and therefore guaranteed a slot on the summer tour and, most likely, an indie-label gig for his band. I say maybe, maybe not, but I'm sure he could have sung that song better.
My revised Top 4, then: Melinda, Blake, Jordin...and at this point, I'm thinking enough people might be on the freak train to keep Sanjaya in, up until the point where folks start to think "Holy shit, he could actually win this thing..."
So the next five elims, in order:
Haley
Phil
Gina
Timberfake
Lakisha
...although it's possible that Gina and Timberfake will swap places.
My theory is that Haley must be the female equivalent of Timberfake: she's so boring that people just forget she's there.
Charity's take is that Sligh decided to take a dive, having made it to the Top 10 and therefore guaranteed a slot on the summer tour and, most likely, an indie-label gig for his band. I say maybe, maybe not, but I'm sure he could have sung that song better.
My revised Top 4, then: Melinda, Blake, Jordin...and at this point, I'm thinking enough people might be on the freak train to keep Sanjaya in, up until the point where folks start to think "Holy shit, he could actually win this thing..."
So the next five elims, in order:
Haley
Phil
Gina
Timberfake
Lakisha
...although it's possible that Gina and Timberfake will swap places.
2007-03-28 @ 23:07
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