Monday, January 22, 2007

American Idol Cattle Call....well..most people sounded like cattle....

Okay, I just gotta comment on the Seattle auditions for American Idol. Normally I wouldn't give a shit about posting on this topic, but after reading an article bashing Simon Cowell's cruel comments to a couple of people, I just had to say something in defence of dear old Simon. I mean..he's Pizzaslingers favorite critic. Anyone who saw the first wave of auditions from a sea of off-key, tone-deaf young adults with overblown egos, has to feel Simon, Paula, and Randy's pain. And in sharing that pain with them, as I saw those horrible auditions, I agree wholeheartedly with every comment he uttered. I have to give the guy credit.....he's got courage to say exactly what we, sitting in our living rooms are thinking, and wouldn't dare say out loud, for fear of not being PC. Don't tell me you liked the "singing" (a fart has better pitch) because I won't believe you.
So I guess some people got their underwear tied up in a knot because Simon called one guy a "bush baby". And they were pissed when he dissed the performance from an autistic guy. Thats when I realized how ridiculous people can get. I mean, I think its great that an autistic person would go an do such a tough audition. He didn't get in......and got criticism from the judges...........and suddenly everyone is in an uproar. And I ask you, dear reader....So whats the problem with that? Lots of people got rejected that day. When you go to an audition to find the ONE American to be the next Idol, you know damn well that you better be fucking fantastic to even have the chutzpah to try. Some people are there because they are good, and they have the drive, and then you have the masses left in the dust, for all they got is an overblown ego..no doubt from being indulged, spoiled and coddled by their parents, and expects that success be handed to you on a silver platter. And they get all emotional, some even going so far as to threaten Simon when their performance is shitty.
Now in defence of the autistic guy, I think he tried his best, and I salute him for attempting, but he's no different than other people who get rejected in the first round. I mean, does he want to be labeled as different from everyone else due to his disability? I think he was adjucated no differently than any other contestants who crashed and burned. So I don't think he was treated unfairly. Anyone who is remotely familiar with American Idol KNOWS that there's a good chance you won't get in at the audition. But the true professionals who audition don't hinge all their hopes on just one vehicle such as America Idol. I mean, come on kids..lets be realistic for one sec, k? Those who want it do more than "just show up" at an audition. They practise their audition over and over again..WEEKS in advance. They get experience with singing by taking voice lessons, and getting used to performing in front of people. They MEMORIZE THE LINES. They actually pick songs that showcase their strengths, and they actually WARM UP THEIR VOICES before they audition. I took voice in college and a couple of seminars in University..I can actually tell if someone has warmed up their voice or not just by listening to them talk with the judges before they do their song. So I had to steele myself against the unholy caterwauling more than I'd have liked (Oh how I wanted to bite into some aluminum foil!).
Oh and while we're at being realistic about the audition process...they aren't just looking for a fantastic voice..they need the whole package. Does the person auditioning have a style thats appealing to todays youth? Some came in wearing the worst outfits I've ever laid eyes on. I mean, come on people! Wear something you look good in. Get your mothers opinion instead of your stoner buddy nodding off on your couch in his underwear.
Oh and one more thing about the audition process...expect rejection. Be professional about the critcism and if you don't like what they say, then there's no reason to subject yourself to the harsh realities of showbiz. You'll hear lots of bad stuff...but you can't let it affect you. I mean, hell, if you pick up a tabloid, you can see lots of gossip about your idols, and some comments are downright nasty, and they don't let it get to them. Grow a thick skin. And if you are told you shouldn't bother to continue seeking fame and glory, well, you can either accept the criticism or not. I have to agree with Simon when he tells someone "Well, at least now you know so you can pursue something else." Nothing wrong with that remark. There's lots of people who auditioned who sounds like they'd do better at accounting, or working at Burger King.
There! I'm glad I got that out!
Any bad auditions stand out in your mind? I know now that the worst singers have been weeded out, I probably won't watch the show till the finale. I'm sure there are others like me....I love watching those "train wrecks".

5 Comments:

At 6:54 AM, Blogger J D Coulter said...

I think that people should be mad at the producers for putting someone with autism on the show. You're right Simon is just doing what he does.

I know a guy in Winnipeg who did the Canadian Idol audition, he went in there, told them he was an amazing singer, and then crapped out 'Kryptonite' like it was last nights chili. Apparently he was so bad that Sass Jordan actually laughed at his audition, and then he was dressed down by the other two.

 
At 11:40 PM, Blogger Sugarfoot said...

I started to draft a response, then 'somebody' interrupted me.

I'll post later!

Goodnight Slinger

 
At 8:19 PM, Blogger Oh great One said...

Here are my thoughts on the subject. You know that there are stages to the auditions. They deliberately let crappy singers through to the televised round for ratings. EVERYONE loves to watch the crappy singers. I am one of them. Here is what makes me angry though. It is fair to bust on their ability (the deserve to hear the truth) but I think it's over the line to bust on their physical appearance. I know that they want someone they can mold into an "image" but it doesn't mean you should tell them they look like a bush baby.

I don't know that Simon is the worst one any more. I think Randy is meaner these days.

 
At 10:54 AM, Blogger Sugarfoot said...

Stranger, you know I admire your insight, right? I just have to disagree a little on your assessment of Simon’s comments on the latest installment of that audio torture called American Idol. While I agree in context with Simon’s criticism of the vocals for the countless number of wannabes hoping for easy stardom and all the perks that go with it, I am one of the many who took offense to Simon so easily sliding from a critique of vocals to the insults and critique of a person’s appearance. It would be similar to being criticized for your appearance (the looks you were born with) during a performance evaluation at work. Performance and ability is not dependant on outward appearance. Simon pushed the limit, blew past it in fact. Now he’s just being a bully and and an asshole. I detest bullies in every shape and form. Of course it didn’t take that recent act alone to make me want to knock Simon’s arrogant dick in the dirt, I’d do it on principle.

 
At 9:41 PM, Blogger Stranger said...

yeah Sug..Ican appreciate that point of view....I do remember that I got rejected form a few gigs cause of my looks or the way I dressed..sure Simon Cowell is a bully at times, but the fact remains that showbiz, unfortunately at times is a very subjective business..a few pounds too heavy, or not tall enough, or not beautiful enough. Sure it was hard to swallow cause unless I decided to go under the knife and remold my body to one that was more asthetically plesing to the eye, there is nothing I can really do about it. Regardless of how it all turned out, I recently watched Larry King Live and a few of the rejected were on the show, and even they said they weren't too mad about the comments cause they did get the TV time they wanted, proving in the end that Andy Warhol was right when he said everyone will eventually get their 15 minutes of fame. Tho if you do stomp Simon Cowells nuts, I'd like a front row seat please...I'd pay good money to that..lol.

 

Post a Comment

<< Home