# American Idol 1/16 **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [January 16, 2007, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-1-16/388228 "2007-01-16T19:02:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Hippy\_Hollow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hippy_hollow/32/4841_2.png) [@Hippy\_Hollow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy_Hollow)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2007, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-1-16/388228/101 "2007-01-17T19:23:33Z")
I think it’s pretty evident that virtually everyone knows what to expect at auditions. I think people who are truly talented probably have other venues they’ve sought out to get a break in the business. Which leaves those who are truly diamonds in the rough, the decent bar band/hotel lounge singer types, kids too young to strike out on their own, famewhores, and the delusional. I imagine anyone who’s moving up the ladder in entertainment has management, and contractual ties that probably make AI out of reach for most of them. So I think a lot of the really good undiscovered talent is spoken for in other outlets. Diamonds in the rough are probably working jobs to get by, or singing at home to friends and family. For whatever reason, they haven’t pushed the envelope as far as getting noticed. So AI would be a good chance for them to chase a dream. The semiprofessionals obviously want to better their station, so just being seen on AI makes it possible for them to claim “As seen on American Idol!” on their marketing materials. The famewhores want to be known for any number of reasons. Some probably are professional entertainers (wedding singers, comics, etc.) and figure there’s good material to be had by auditioning, hamming it up, getting some precious moments of airtime so they too can say, “As seen on American Idol.” Which leads to the last group - the deluded. They really think they have talent and have been enabled by family and friends who don’t want to hurt their feelings. I think this group is legitimately small and these are the folks I feel sorry for. But they’re few in number. Both my wife and I have been on TV before - she as a reporter, me as a game show contestant and talking head. I can go my whole life without being on TV again, but for some people being on TV is some sort of life accomplishment. These are the people who walk into frame during news reporter standups and wave. I suppose it’s better that they appear on AI than do any number of stupid activities to get a TV camera on them. AI is guilty of enabling famewhores as well. Every braying jackass that gets airtime encourages fifty nascent jackasses to say, “Hey, I’m as pretty/ugly/talentless/weird as those guys… let me get on that show!” I thought there was way too much of that last night. But that’s probably because of who comes to audition. If you’re solid but not spectacular you probably sing in front of some 19 Entertainment minions and get sent home. If, and only if, you are truly horrible (or great) will you move on to SiPauRandy. Famewhores are easy to spot because of their schtick, costumes, or posters they bring along. There’s a degree of professionalism about the real contestants that probably makes for dull TV so we don’t see the ones that move on to Hollywood. ---
**Author:** ![kiz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/7feea3/32.png) [@kiz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kiz)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2007, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-1-16/388228/102 "2007-01-17T19:33:00Z")
[QUOTE=Nutty Bunny] Well then, I have some rather dissapointing news about George Michael, too. 😉 I’ve been in chronic pain and have taken narcotics to help with it. Even after I became dependent and then addicted and started taking them recreationally (in the past, thank god), I never took that much. I guess I was a functioning addict because no one questioned my behavior at all, even when I was really buzzing. I was taking Lortab, but she could be taking something stronger, like Oxycontin and breaking them up to get a strong high. Just speculation, of course. Even if she’s dependent on them, she should not be acting like that. [/QUOTE] That I agree with – if she’s that stoned/buzzed/whatever, she shouldn’t put herself into public scrutiny. She’s old enough to know better. I’ve never gone down the addiction path except for nicotine. Narcotic painkillers – Tylenol $3, Percocet, etc. – put me down for the count. Oh, if I HAVE to, I can try to sit up and act sort of “normal”, but anyone looking at me will instantly know I’m on something. My eyes eerily cross like Paula’s did :eek: George Michael didn’t surprise me, btw. I always had the inkling he was gay. But that’s for another thread 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Nutty\_Bunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/d07c76/32.png) [@Nutty\_Bunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nutty_Bunny)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2007, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-1-16/388228/103 "2007-01-17T19:44:43Z")
[QUOTE=kiz] That I agree with – if she’s that stoned/buzzed/whatever, she shouldn’t put herself into public scrutiny. She’s old enough to know better. [/quote] Plus, wouldn’t her handlers or someone who loves her tell her she’s making a fool of herself on national television (and now Youtube), repeatedly. > [@](#): > > George Michael didn’t surprise me, btw. I always had the inkling he was gay. But that’s for another thread 😉 Actually, I meant his current (reported) drug abuse. ---
**Author:** ![Captain\_Carrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f0a364/32.png) [@Captain\_Carrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Carrot)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2007, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-1-16/388228/104 "2007-01-17T19:46:10Z")
> [@Antigen](#): > > As long as you have “power” in that voice of yours, the audience will give you a standing bloody ovation. Being able to howl out a note at the top of your lungs - even if you’re in key and can hold it for 30 seconds - does not make you a good singer. Belting is one thing, but you’re talking more about control, and that really does matter. Half of belting is simply breath support, and you _cannot_ advance without that. I’d argue that having a strong, well-supported, tonic voice does (or at least can, as singers in practice also need stage presence, humility and all that jazz) make a singer. ---
**Author:** ![Queen\_Tonya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/4491bb/32.png) [@Queen\_Tonya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Queen_Tonya)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2007, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-1-16/388228/105 "2007-01-17T20:34:02Z")
[QUOTE=Nutty Bunny] Plus, wouldn’t her handlers or someone who loves her tell her she’s making a fool of herself on national television (and now Youtube), repeatedly. [/QUOTE] Why should she be any different than the delusional singers who’s people reassure them constantly? I can just see Pauler reading tons of snarky things about herself on the internet and asking her closest friends if it’s true and them denying it and stroking her. Which is perhaps why she was chosen as the token nice judge, since she has so much in common with the contestants she’s hesitant to throw stones. ---
**Author:** ![Nutty\_Bunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/d07c76/32.png) [@Nutty\_Bunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nutty_Bunny)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2007, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-1-16/388228/106 "2007-01-17T20:52:36Z")
[QUOTE=Queen Tonya] Why should she be any different than the delusional singers who’s people reassure them constantly? I can just see Pauler reading tons of snarky things about herself on the internet and asking her closest friends if it’s true and them denying it and stroking her. Which is perhaps why she was chosen as the token nice judge, since she has so much in common with the contestants she’s hesitant to throw stones. [/QUOTE] That’s a good point, but I would hope that drug abuse is in a whole different category than bad singing. But yes, her friends and other assorted “people” are probably too afraid to say anything for fear of being fired or thrown out of her inner circle. It’s a shame, really. If she does have a disease like Parkinsons (which is being rumored) or something where the medication is causing her to behave like this, I would rather get the sympathy for having a disease than have the public think I’m a drug addled mess. If Jewel weren’t already hosting Nashville Star, she would be a good fit if Paula were to quit while she’s treated for “exhaustion”. She was more honest than Paula while not being mean like Simon or Randy. ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2007, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-1-16/388228/107 "2007-01-17T21:13:11Z")
Tonight is the next show, not next week, right? I get all confused. ---
**Author:** ![PunditLisa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2007, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-1-16/388228/108 "2007-01-17T21:15:17Z")
I usually skip the audition part because I, too, get uncomfortable watching people humiliate themselves. I tuned in late and only caught the last half hour or so but was surprised that Simon was so subdued with his criticism. He even acted gentlemanly at times. Randy, on the other hand, must have taken his asshole pill. Humiliating the vocal coach was so not necessary. The only thing I can figure is that the guy was a lot more combative than was shown and he decided to put him in his place. However, I didn’t appreciate when the judges on “So You Think You Can Dance” humiliated the participants with lines like, “You should refund your students’ money.” etc. and I don’t like it here either. I think they get caught up with trying to create drama where there is none that they set these people up to be the butt of jokes. Jewel was very pleasant. I see no evidence of plastic surgery and would be very surprised if she did because she’s such a granola girl. I think she’s the only one of the judges who actually can sing well, no? I know Jackson played in Journey for a bit but I don’t think he’s a singer. Paula doesn’t count because her hits were the result of some tragic cosmic misalignment. ---
**Author:** ![scotandrsn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a4c791/32.png) [@scotandrsn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scotandrsn)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2007, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-1-16/388228/109 "2007-01-17T21:23:18Z")
[QUOTE=jsc1953] I’m going to take the advice posted upthread, and bail out until they get to Hollywood. It’s just too painful to watch. The show has a sadistic streak that I don’t enjoy. I really get squirmy watching these delusional, pathetic people humiliate themselves for our enjoyment, and so the judges can (metaphorically) pull the wings off flies. We were 30 minutes in before we saw a good performance. The first-line Junior Producers could (and mostly do, I’m sure) give people a quick boot: “Nope, we’re not looking for Bert Lahr impersonators. Sorry…your juggling is better than your singing, and that’s not saying much…” But nooooo…they twirl their mustaches, and say “mwwahaha…you’ll do fine to entertain our Viewers…”. It’s evil. I’m done. [/QUOTE] You’re too young to remember The Gong Show, aren’t you? ---
**Author:** ![yellowval](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/919ad9/32.png) [@yellowval](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yellowval)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2007, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-1-16/388228/110 "2007-01-17T21:26:24Z")
[QUOTE=Biggirl] Tonight is the next show, not next week, right? I get all confused. [/QUOTE] Yes, there’s another two-hour show on tonight. 7-9 p.m. in my world (central time). ---
**Author:** ![scotandrsn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a4c791/32.png) [@scotandrsn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scotandrsn)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2007, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-1-16/388228/111 "2007-01-17T21:33:00Z")
[QUOTE=Hippy Hollow] Which leads to the last group - the deluded. They really think they have talent and have been enabled by family and friends who don’t want to hurt their feelings. I think this group is legitimately small and these are the folks I feel sorry for. But they’re few in number. [/QUOTE] While this is true for part of this group, there are also the deluded who are told by family and friends that they are the best singers they know because the F & F’s wouldn’t know talent if it came up and caterwauled in their ear. Then there’s the third group: Those who are told by loved ones that they are the best singer any of them knows, because, bad as they sound, \ they ARE. ---
**Author:** ![Liberal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/848f3c/32.png) [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2007, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-1-16/388228/112 "2007-01-17T21:55:31Z")
[QUOTE=Biggirl] Tonight is the next show, not next week, right? I get all confused. [/QUOTE] No, you’re right. Tonight is not next week. […ugh! semantical jokes…] ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2007, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-1-16/388228/113 "2007-01-17T22:08:59Z")
Yeah, I know it’s television and ratings and all that, but why turn the auditions into a lousy version of _The Gong Show_? AI degrades itself when they pander to such drivel. Also, I noticed last year I pattern that is starting again - Are Paula and Randy playing the race card with some black performers? Their favoritism doesn’t looked to be based on real potential talent or audition mockery (see above). Or am I off base here? ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2007, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-1-16/388228/114 "2007-01-17T22:12:58Z")
[QUOTE=Duckster] Also, I noticed last year I pattern that is starting again - Are Paula and Randy playing the race card with some black performers? Their favoritism doesn’t looked to be based on real potential talent or audition mockery (see above). Or am I off base here? [/QUOTE] I’ve never gotten the impression that race made any difference at all to Paula and Randy (or Simon either). If there’s any bias at all, it’s towards looks, especially for Simon. ---
**Author:** ![jsc1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2007, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-1-16/388228/115 "2007-01-17T22:48:36Z")
[QUOTE=scotandrsn] Then there’s the third group: Those who are told by loved ones that they are the best singer any of them knows, because, bad as they sound, \ they ARE. [/QUOTE] I’m beginning to think that tone-deafness may run in families. The deluded auditioner may be getting lots of bad feedback from his equally tone-deaf family. (And if anything, I’m too old to remember the Gong Show. But I think those contestants didn’t harbor any delusions that they were _great_; they just hoped to be _entertaining_.) ---
**Author:** ![Liberal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/848f3c/32.png) [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2007, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-1-16/388228/116 "2007-01-17T23:07:58Z")
[QUOTE=Diogenes the Cynic] I’ve never gotten the impression that race made any difference at all to Paula and Randy (or Simon either). If there’s any bias at all, it’s towards looks, especially for Simon. [/QUOTE] I agree. I think the judges really do react as most of us would — approvingly toward the good talent, and disapprovingly toward the bad. I’ve heard Randy give high praise to white singers and Simon give high praise to black singers. And Randy doesn’t hesitate to tell black pretenders that they have no talent. Even setting aside all social considerations, the financial implications alone compel as unbiased an appraisal as possible. They want the person they believe will sell the most records. Black or white could be involved in that process somehow, in the sense that they might want whichever wins to be culturally compatible or derivative. But not in the sense that they would hold up a dime with a nickel just because the dime was black and the nickel was white. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2007, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-1-16/388228/117 "2007-01-18T01:08:28Z")
Gads, someone call security. This girl is horrible and won’t shut up. ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2007, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-1-16/388228/118 "2007-01-18T01:09:24Z")
There was something. . . wrong. . . with The Hotness’s face. I can’t quite grasp it. ---
**Author:** ![El\_Perro\_Fumando](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e9c0ed/32.png) [@El\_Perro\_Fumando](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Perro_Fumando)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2007, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-1-16/388228/119 "2007-01-18T01:11:04Z")
[QUOTE=Biggirl] There was something. . . wrong. . . with The Hotness’s face. I can’t quite grasp it. [/QUOTE] The warts on the chin, the smooshed shape, the sausage lips, the giant nose, . . . . By the way, did they lock the left door in TWO DIFFERENT CITIES? ---
**Author:** ![rockle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/73ab20/32.png) [@rockle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rockle)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2007, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-1-16/388228/120 "2007-01-18T01:12:25Z")
Not that I’m any great shakes myself, but … if _she_ was The Hotness, then I hope we _never_ have to see The Notness. (Bitchy, yes, but you know it’s true.) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-1-16/388228.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-1-16/388228.md?page=7)