By Justin Guarini
Fancast American Idol Correspondent
Host of Reality Chat: Idol Wrap and Idol Tonight, TV Guide Network
So USA Today’s Marco R. della Cava, as well as others, tried to stir up some controversy recently by pointing out that Idol contestants Carly Smithson, Kristy Lee Cook and Michael Johns have had considerable professional experience. My take? This is a bunch of microwaved crap. Who cares? Everyone who has gotten to the finals has had experience! That’s just a fact, and it’s no surprise to the producers or the judges. On the other hand, having experience doesn't guarantee you'll win or even make it to the finals.
There’s only one qualification when you audition for Idol (and from the comical, often cruel vignettes in the opening shows we know it’s not singing talent): You have to be completely unsigned and unaccountable to any talent agency, artist management, or record label. That’s it.
If a contestant is lucky to be one of the 1% that make it through the first rounds and given the chance to go to Hollywood, then a thorough background check is performed. Idol producers want to avoid a revival of the negative "American Felon" press that blindsided them the second year. By Hollywood week, everything the gossip websites and the news outlets have "unearthed" is old news to Idol – and perhaps even leaked by Idol to get press.
But back to the point. American Idol is about talent. It’s about taking very talented, unsigned artists, then using the show to develop both the artist’s talent and a fan base, and then finally unleashing them to the world and making as much money off them as possible. That formula has made 19 Entertainment a multi-billion dollar company. American Idol was never about taking inexperienced people off of the street who can sing and turning them into superstars. That is the fantasy of Idol. The reality? It's harrowing to go onsage and sing in front of millions of people. Someone with absolutely no experience would melt from nerves. No one has ever won idol without having had professional experience. Let’s take a look:
Kelly- Shortly after she won it was revealed that she had a demo deal with Geffen Records that went south. After being absolved of any contractual infractions by Idol, she sung to the tune of millions of record sales.
Ruben- He majored in vocal performance at Alabama A&M, and sang professionally with the group "Just a Few Cats", a well-known Jazz and R&B band in Birmingham, Alabama. According to Wikipedia, he said, "A lot of people don't realize how hard I was trying to get into the business before American Idol, I was making demos and just working so hard."
Fantasia- Grew up in a musical family, traveled and performed with them all over the South. She even recorded a CD, with her family, for a local record label.
Carrie- As a young girl she sang in church and at local events in her hometown. According to reports, in 1996, her manager tried, albeit unsuccessfully, to get her a record deal at Capitol Records.
Taylor- Absolutely no stranger to the in's and out's of the industry, it's a known fact that Taylor moved to Nashville and made a demo with Billy Earl McClelland and Percy Sledge. When that didn’t land him a contract, he pursued his own professional career as a singer.
Jordan- Get ready for this...according to Wikipedia, Sparks finished second overall in 2004 at the Music in the Rockies national competition for aspiring Contemporary Christian Music artists, and won the talent portion of the event. She also appeared in "America's Most Talented Kids" twice, winning in her first appearance. In 2003, at the age of thirteen, she recorded a five-song album titled "For Now."
Surprise, surprise.
My opinion about this years "controversy"? It’s either yesterday's news or a brilliant ploy by Idol to drum up more press.
I grew up in a family where my Father was the Chief Of Police in Atlanta who dealt with all kinds of people in the political and entertainment industry. He's currently a politician who taught me from as young age how to communicate to a crowd and work a room. He also performed as a professional singer. I watched him like a hawk from as young as I can remember and soaked it all up.
My mother who was one of the first 200 people to work at CNN (she was an anchor woman who did the headline news every day) and through her I learned how to be comfortable on camera. At four, I played on the set between broadcasts, terrorized the bullpen, pretended to be a news anchor on a real set, and absorbed all the stuff that happened on the set.
Later, during my teens, I was offered management deals and record contracts. I turned them down ibecause I had grown up around the entertainment industry and seen what it did to people. I had performed solo in front of audiences of up to 10,000 people at a time before I ever stepped foot on the idol stage.
I had just as much experience as anyone that's won, or that's being grilled this year. Should I be stripped of my "No. 2" sash? Should any of the winners who had experience have their Idol title taken away? Obviously not. Lets face it. This show would be nothing without the talented, experienced contestants just as the talented, experienced contestants would most likely unknown if it weren't for the brilliance of Idol.
Be glad that these brave souls know what they're doing. If not you'd have more of the disastrous nerves that shook the first two top 24 shows to their core. People would fall apart, and viewers would be bored out of your skull. In my opinion, and I've said this before, American Idol is the best and most honest reality television on the airwaves today simply because it's about the people, not about the scripted drama.
The people who audition get the opportunity to live our their dreams and become legitimate stars. The people who watch the show get to choose who they want to see on television and hear on the radio And the people who write about TV get something positive to talk about in the midst of a senseless war and a heated political climate.
That, my friends, is entertainment.
Comments (15)
Your Blog, chock full of interesting and revealing facts and all the behind the scenes intimate details, IS entertainment!
What a great blog. We learned so much more about you and the show on this one. Thanks you so much for a really enjoyable read.
Keep up the great work Justin. Cant wait to see you later on the Idol Wrap Show, and I loved watching you perform in your new movie Fast Girl!
Posted by jgssf | February 22, 2008 3:37 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 15:37
Justin,
I don't think all that expierence is always a good thing. In the beginning the ecxpierenced singers stand out, but as the season progresses they don't improve as much and then America starts rooting for the girl or guy that has shown improvement during the season. You know America loves an underdog! I see Carly, Sayesha, Michael Johns and maybe Kristy Lee Cook being victums of the to polished to soon syndrome.
Posted by Sandra | February 22, 2008 4:59 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 16:59
Oh! I totally agree. One could see it as Garrett got slam-dunked so early in the show last night, and then handed a microphone by Ryan to immediately sing his last song on the show. The look on his face could NOT be scripted. It was so obvious he was caught off guard.
And you could hear him say "I hope I remember the words!" BUT, then whatever experience this young man has had kicked in, and he was able to remember all his words and get through that last song. VERY admirable.
I do believe that someone 'pulled off the street' with absolutely no experience would not have been able to get through that song!
Regarding your statement that the show is about nurturing talent, I think that's true only in a qualified way. Yes, they work to develop that talent while the show is on, but once someone is signed with Clive after the show, that ends abruptly, it seems! Either there's a big payoff for him right away with the first single released, or buh bye.
Still, I've heard a lot of Idols say after the fact that the show, and especially Simon, prepared them in so many ways for the craziness (and cruelty) of the biz.
GREAT blog, Justin, t/y very much! Lots of food for thought this week. :)
Posted by Mary | February 22, 2008 5:08 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 17:08
Well, Justin, your impassioned take on the subject of experience has certainly given me food for thought. I admit to having been somewhat turned off by the level (and/or length) of experience of some from this season. You also bulldozed my cynicism over the show's honesty. I admire your lack of skepticism.
Like I said, food for thought.
Posted by Nal | February 22, 2008 5:23 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 17:23
Experience does make for a more entertaining show. I have trouble with the way 19 Entertainment seems to want to change the rules to get the talent that they want. It will be interesting to see who wins this year; one of the more seasoned singers or one with little to no experience. Thanks for another thought provoking read.
Posted by Joyce | February 22, 2008 6:39 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 18:39
a very passionate blog, and interesting! i think your second take it's a plot by idol to drum up some press is most likely all it is. your take on it seems right on and as you said most all of the winners and top idolist have a good amount of experience. i do like the idea as someone posted of finding a more raw talent that improves over the season, that could be another show called idol takes to the street ? lol
as much as i love american idol, i really am bored by the fact that knowone ever has any originality like you did justin! you were one of the few or the only one i might say that was very unique in your singing style and performance style. i just keep hoping someone on that stage each season will really suprise me and we find a special talent. i just don't see that this year yet? but then again there is knowone like justin guarini and you set the bar terribly high for these kids !! i remember your 'for once in my life' performance and my god maybe these kids need to get the Ai-1 dvd and watch a performance that has Heart, conviction and lot's of energy. isn't it about having Fun ? Justin you were able to convey that on stage, that for me is what is lacking with soo many contestants is their conviction to what they are doing. oh well...lot's to think of thanks for the very nice blog you shared with us!
Posted by JJsugar | February 22, 2008 7:18 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 19:18
I don't disagree with you that experience isn't or shouldn't be a problem. Most aspiring artists have worked towards getting their own career started and it certainly should keep the deer in the headlights moments to a minimum.
The difference I see in Carly in particular is that she was signed with MCA and in fact Randy Jackson was the VP of A&R during her time as an artist there; couple that with the fact that a song that appeared on Carly's debut CD ALSO appears on Kelly's debut CD and we have some pretty smelly fish floating in the pond IMO.
I guess no one should be surprised that now AI is tapping into the well of dried up talent that's already failed on some level. There can't be that many amazing singers out there who are totally undiscovered unless they want to lower the age range to 14 or 15....
Posted by shannon | February 22, 2008 8:10 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 20:10
Loved reading your observations, Justin. and this week certainly proved your point. Those that have had some limited success previously, are hungrier and have a better idea of what they're getting into and know they can't screw up.
The "greenies" may have had good auditions, but singing on TV in front of a nation is a horse of a different color, and several of them choked. If they'd had more experience, I'm sure they would have done much better.
Posted by Shelley | February 22, 2008 8:12 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 20:12
"If they hadn't already tried to make a name for themselves, then they don't deserve to be in (the) competition," said judge Paula Abdul, defending the contestants' real-world experience.
Fine, but shouldn't somebody tell all the thousands of kids, moms and dads showing up at the auditions that they are wasting their time and money. These people believe that the show is looking for "undiscovered" talent because that is the way the show is sold to the public.
Posted by Josie | February 22, 2008 10:50 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 22:50
I don't care about what happened in the past. If you entertain me, that's okay. I have not felt anything about a female singer since the 60s (Carly Simon, Carole King, Rita Coolidge, Linda Ronstadt, Cher--maybe even Dolly)...but I seem to care about this Carly Smithson person. I don't know why. But she seems to be miles ahead of the others on AI. I haven't felt the desire to actually BUY an album from an AI person since Justin Guarini. I think I might buy a Carly Smithson album...maybe. Whether she wins or loses, I have to admit I want to hear more from her.
Posted by JDanKingsley | February 23, 2008 3:02 AM
Posted on February 23, 2008 03:02
Justin,
I was wondering if you realized that David Archeluta from this seasons AI is the same kid that sang to your guys during the first season?
Here is the video clip from YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8SJXDPE_sQ
Posted by Anita | February 23, 2008 4:08 AM
Posted on February 23, 2008 04:08
"The difference I see in Carly in particular is that she was signed with MCA and in fact Randy Jackson was the VP of A&R during her time as an artist there"
Jackson was a senior VP of A&R, but there's no indication anywhere that he had anything to do with Carly's album. Maybe he just thinks she's very talented and feels guilty that his former label screwed her so badly. Hardly a "fix," since the public decides with their votes.
From what I've heard, Carly has the best voice across the entire range, low to high, that we've heard from any similar singers on the show, including Carrie and Kelly. Unfortunately, the weight of her past may be weighing too heavily on her shoulders and affecting her performances. It must be extremely hard for her to get up there and let go.
Posted by Anon | February 23, 2008 9:58 AM
Posted on February 23, 2008 09:58
There is no comparison to now and any other season to the First Season---BEST SEASON EVER!!!!! It will always be the best season period. end of story. Thank You and Peace Out!
Posted by Amanda | February 23, 2008 2:52 PM
Posted on February 23, 2008 14:52
There is no comparison to now and any other season to the First Season---BEST SEASON EVER!!!!! It will always be the best season period. end of story. Thank You and Peace Out!
Posted by Amanda | February 23, 2008 2:53 PM
Posted on February 23, 2008 14:53
young jeezy summer
Posted by young coke jeezy | February 25, 2008 3:28 PM
Posted on February 25, 2008 15:28