As you have heard by now, one aspect of Idol's host of "improvements" being sought ahead of its 10th season is the lowering of the minimum age to audition to 15. As you can imagine, this is a big deal in the vacuum that is the show's (early) off-season, and there is no shortage of opinions on the move.
As for me, I think it has come three seasons too late. Whereas there have been many viable young teens over the course of Idol's history that have fallen by the wayside when up against older, more experienced performers, it was not until Season 7 when teens pretty much were overlooked by voters (with the exception of David Archuleta, of course). Since then, the motto has virtually been NTNA - no teens need apply - when it comes to audition hopefuls. If they could go back in time, producers probably would have ensured a Justin Bieber-type to win the title. But really, if Miley Cyrus could make it big at 15, why not an Idol contestant?
Judging from the general sentiment stirred up from the reveal, I'm not alone in my doubts.
MTV News's Jim Cantiello writes "Why The 'American Idol' Age Limit Change Is A Bad Idea":
The last time "Idol" tweaked its age range was season five, where they upped the limit to 28 years old. The result? Taylor Hicks, a dude who looked 58, ended up winning. So if "Idol" is going the opposite route, does that mean America might be crowning a 15-year-old who looks seven come next May? In a year, will America be tired of pop stars who look like zygotes?
Marc Hirsh of NPR.org had more to say, including:
But even if we ignore the "Me, too!" mentality behind it (which is hardly new in the pop-music industry, or any entertainment industry, for that matter), Idol's sudden need to capitalize on the demographic that still needs Mom or Dad to drive them around ignores the simple truth that “talent” is not the same thing as “artistry.” This is a distinction made all the more important by the fact that Idol talks about contestants almost exclusively in terms of the latter word while rarely mentioning the former.
And Lyndsey Parker of Yahoo! Music opined:
Honestly, I personally would rather see the audition age limit raised, not lowered, on "Idol." Keep in mind that the biggest success story of all reality singing competitions in recent years has been 48-year-old Susan Boyle, and that Season 9's biggest "Idol" sensation was, arguably, 64-year-old General Larry Platt. Now, I'm not necessarily saying that senior citizens need to join the "Idol" ranks, and yes, I do understand that the show's producers probably want to seem more relevant to the top 40 marketplace in this tween-pop age. But I do believe this show improved when its age limit was raised from 25 to 28 in Season 4, thus allowing more seasoned singers with both performance experience and life experience--Bo Bice, Constantine Maroulis, Elliott Yamin, Chris Daughtry, Melinda Doolittle, Michael Johns, Danny Gokey, Adam Lambert, Casey James, Michael Lynche, et al--to make it through.
Still, not everyone was being a downer about the move. In fact, Jordin Sparks, once a teen champ herself, offered some words of wisdom to young hopefuls via Twitter:
I auditioned at 16 & won at 17. The pressure/criticism you're under...it's a lot to handle! But talent & maturity will speak for itself! :)
about 5 hours ago via TwitBird iPhone
If you're 15 & going to audition for the make sure you're ready! Good luck! I'm rooting for you! :D
about 5 hours ago via TwitBird iPhone
Good luck to anyone auditioning! The pressure is gonna be crazy for everyone, not just the youngins! Stay focused! :)
about 4 hours ago via TwitBird iPhone
In any case, we should have a good gauge of what kind of crowd shows up for Season 10 by the time auditions roll around on July 17 in Nashville.
Showing posts with label twitter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label twitter. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
'Idol''s age min. drop - good or bad?
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Adam Lambert tries to calm his fans down on Twitter
Adam Lambert is currently doing some damage control via his official Twitter account. Apparently too many of them have been bombarding radio station request lines and DJs' inboxes with requests for his current single "Whataya Want From Me." The following series of tweets came earlier today:
adamlambert Happy New Year guys!! I love that you want to support my music and call in requests, but please be mindful of how often you do so... about 7 hours ago from Echofon
Open House Party is a great supporter of my songs, but when there is an organized group of fans calling stations nonstop, about 7 hours ago from Echofon
... It understandably upsets them. Stations can track over-use of requests and fraudulent requests and I would hate to lose their support. about 7 hours ago from Echofon
I really appreciate your passion and dedication to getting my music on the radio, but don't drive the stations crazy! :) thanks friends! about 7 hours ago from Echofon
Woohoo!! Thanks to all who voted for the Z100 best new artist!! I'm honored :) about 7 hours ago from Echofon
FYI. That doesn't mean to stop requesting!! Just try not to do it 30 times in one day.... Just Cool it on the redial/resend kick. :) about 7 hours ago from Echofon
Oh and so you all know, upon hearing this news, I laughed so hard. Y'all are nuts and I adore you for it. :) about 7 hours ago from Echofon
Adam would not be addressing this issue unless he and his label have been receiving negative feedback from radio station program directors. This is not the first time Adam has had to calm down his fans, and although it';s understandable they are excited about getting him airplay, they better wake up and realize there's a right way to go about these kinds of tasks and there's a wrong way.
Monday, November 23, 2009
'Idol' alums react to Adam Lambert's AMA performance
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Twitter is abuzz with Adam Lambert, as he is currently the #1 trending topic on the social media site following his performance at the 2009 American Music Awards. Naturally, many Idol alums have their own two cents on the extravaganza:
Kellie Pickler sayswhat's up with all the "smoke and mirrors"...whatever happened to just singing a song and selling it with the power of the lyrics?? 13 minutes ago from web
Blake Lewis says:Thought @adamlambert was great as the closer. Don't know how it sounds or looks through the tv, but it was epic live about 1 hour ago from Echofon
Ryan Seacrest says:Ama's...Lambert designed all the costumes for his performance..I love the jay z song. had to blaze home to get up early. Home in 6 mins about 1 hour ago from UberTwitter
Anoop Desai says:Watching the AMAs. Waiting for this @adamlambert performance less than 20 seconds ago from Echofon
Jason Castro says:that was disgusting. eww 32 minutes ago from web
Chris Sligh says:Wow..I'm just replaying it. That was absolutely horrible. I'm sure there are fans who will absolutely love it...but for me it was top 5... about 1 hour ago from web
...worst performances I've seen on a tv awards show. Let's make it clear that I'm not dissing him as a person...I hope he does great, but.. about 1 hour ago from web
..everything from the vocals & dancing to the set to the dancers...I mean everything was so just not good..o and btw it was Dr. Luke not Max about 1 hour ago from web
but...one thing is for sure...people will FOR SURE be talking about that tomorrow. And that is a darn good thing for Adam! about 1 hour ago from web
I coulda done without the sodomy, kissing the keys dude, and the S&M crap. Besides that it was great. Unfortunately that's all there was. about 1 hour ago from web
Sorry...I'm just kind of in shock at how horrible it was. My hopes were high. I really wanted Adam to be the greatest artist ever. about 1 hour ago from web
After all that he added: I will however buy his album tomorrow...I'll let you guys know what I think...I'm sure it's great. about 1 hour ago from web
It's good to know former finalists can be candid about commenting on their peers.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Official: Paula Abdul will not return as judge
After months of swirling rumors, Paula Abdul has confirmed via her official Twitter account that she will not be returning to Idol for the show's ninth season. In her own words:With sadness in my heart, I’ve decided not to return to #IDOL. I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all..Cont'd... 39 minutes ago from web
I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent,but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day1become an international phenomenon. 38 minutes ago from web
Paula seems to be holding her head up high, though, as she thanked her fans, who actually voted her "Ms. Twitter USA" earlier today:What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me 37 minutes ago from web
It truly has been breathtaking, especially over the past month 37 minutes ago from web
I do without any doubt have the BEST fans in the entire world and I love you all 37 minutes ago from web
Although it is sad to see Paula leaving under these circumstances, this does not come as a shock by any means. It was just over two weeks ago that her manager, David Sonenberg, claimed it was unlikely she would return as a judge for Season 9. The timing for this announcement also makes sense, as the second round of auditions are set to begin filming in the next few days, requiring the judges to be on-site for the tapings.
Regardless of what happens with the future of this show, it will surely not be the same without her.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Chris Daughtry's acoustic cover of "Poker Face"
Chris Daughtry today surprised many when he posted his version of one of the biggest hits of 2009 - Lady Gaga's "Poker Face." Watch the acoustic performance below:
Chris alerted fans via his Twitter account earlier today, and immediately received positive feedback. Even Ryan Seacrest seemed to like it, as Chris tweeted the following:
Ryan Seacrest wanted to see some responses so thank u all!!!!! Glad u love it:)Who knows, maybe Leave This Town could use another bonus track?
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Blake Lewis really, really wants Adam to win
I guess Blake Lewis is a glambot? Or lambskank? Whatever the fan base name is, that's what Blake is. Per his official Twitter account:BlakeLewis It's the end. Vote for Adam people! http://twitpic.com/5izm4
BlakeLewis Kris?? So typical. Adam slayed it the whole season. All my peoples have a great night and support my dude Adam Lambert. Boooyakasha.
BlakeLewis I love both these guys and they deserve the best!! I'm just a fan of Adam that's all. Have fun my friends, You are the greatest!!!
BlakeLewis You all are silly and I like that. Some of you are super competitive. Watch out! Hey.. If you haven't seen it... My video blog is up.
BlakeLewis Kristy lee cook and my homie chris rich. Vote for Adam. http://twitpic.com/5iyzd
If you can't tell, the last two tweets were in response to the oodles of angry tweets lunged his way by Kris fans. And word to Adam: if there's one endorsement you don't really need, its an endorsement from Blake.
Other Idol alums' (and Paula's) thoughts on the finale are as follows:ChrisSligh Everyone knows I was a Gokey fan..Adam was my 2nd fav...but I could see Kris winning after tonight
tamyragray Just left idol and I was rooting 4 Adam but I think Kris got it. Either way the both did gr8 but what's up w/that song????
PaulaAbdul Oh my goodness! Can you believe it? I'm so touched by both Adam & Chris. What an incredible evenening!
There will be tons of comments made by Idol alums over the next day regarding the results, which will be very interesting to see. One thing's for sure, though: it seems that alums are just as divided as the country is at the moment.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Scott MacIntyre the hyper rehearser
Scott MacInytre is currently in Hollywood with the rest of the Top 13 finalists rehearsing for Wednesday's finale, so it's not surprising to see that he's tweeting about his goings on. But it seems that either he only tweets when he's rehearsing or he's doing nothing but rehearsing (and eating at the Olive Garden). From the past week he wrote:Rehearsing my Finale duet with the band.31 minutes ago from txt
Still choreographing for the Finale May 20th.about 3 hours ago from txt
Choreography for the Finale.. Jordin Sparks's band is across the hall rehearsing:)
Rehearsing music for the Finale..across the hall from Michael Jackson's band:)4:16 PM May 13th from txt
Rehearsing for the American Idol Finale.7:42 PM May 12th from txt
As we all know, practice makes perfect, and it's good to know Scott is rehearsing as much as possible before the finale. He better not be doing all this rehearsing at the piano, though. That would not be considered all that exciting.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
'Idol' odds 'n ends: Tamyra Gray in the studio with Ryan Tedder
The following are Idol-related odds and ends that happened this week:
>Tamyra Gray has been in the studio working on some material, though it has not been made public what the material will be included on. Last week, she made it known that she was in the studio with Ryan Tedder and The Runaways, which are top-notch writers and producers. Maybe a comeback is in the midst?
>A music video for "Touch My Hand" leaked this week days before it was used to accompany David Archuleta's performance of the song on Wednesday's Idol results show. It found itself onto the Asian video sharing site and can be watched below:
The audio is actually from his AOL Sessions performance of the song because, well, all the other files on YouTube have had embedding disabled by theofficialdavidarchuleta. The song is Arch's third single off his self-titled debut but does not have an adds date at the moment.
>Chris Sligh attended the 40th Annual Dove Awards on Fri., April 23, which aired on the Gospel Music Channel. He lost out in the two categories he was nominated for, though: the coveted Best New Artist and the Song of the Year categories.
>Michael Johns announced that his new single "Heart On My Sleeve" would be going for adds at radio on Mon., April 27. This is not listed anywhere on FMQB nor AllAccess, though, it was only mentioned as a message via his account on Twitter.
>Leslie Hunt, a Top 20 contestant on the sixth season of Idol, got married on Fri., April 17, then she did a show the next night before heading to San Francisco for her honeymoon. On the honeymoon, she and her husband rented a red mustang and drove up to the Napa Valley for a few days. What an awesome chick.
Monday, March 30, 2009
'Idol' alums taking over Twitter
It appears that not even Idol alums are holding out on the Twitter revolution. Each day, more and more familiar faces from the franchise are utilizing the social networking tool to communicate with their fans. Below is a select list of official accounts of Idol-related people:
-Ayla Brown: follow
-Jason Castro: follow
-Kelly Clarkson: follow
-Melinda Doolittle: follow
-Mikalah Gordon: follow
-Justin Guarini: follow
-Leah Labelle: follow
-Blake Lewis: follow
-Kimberley Locke: follow
-Mandisa: follow
-Katharine McPhee: follow
-Syesha Mercado: follow
-Ryan Seacrest: follow
-Vonzell Solomon: follow
-Jordin Sparks: follow
-John Stevens: follow
-Brooke White: follow
-Elliott Yamin: follow
It's only a matter of time before Carrie Underwood gets a Twitter account, right? Seems kind of odd that her people haven't jumped on the bandwagon yet. If anyone knows of any other Idol alums that are on Twitter, please post below.
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