As I sat down to take some notes on the latest episodes of American Idol, I realized the audition stage of the series is not so much about a vocal competition. It’s more of a drama, a bad comedy, or even at times a little like science fiction. (Some of the people auditioning must be from a different planet!)
But seriously, watching this part of the auditions is different than when we finally get to see the artists singing and performing on a stage.
To be honest with you, I don’t necessarily like this part of the process because of the way it makes me feel. There is enough fear, tension, embarrasment, rejection and stress in my life as it is, I don’t need to watch it on TV! I find I often have the remote in my hand ready to use in case it gets too tense.
But then there is the flip side to those emotions: joy, hope, passion, redemption, release. There is the payoff! Katy Perry said it, “you gave me a chill!” That’s what we want…A CHILL! Or to laugh, or to cry.
Tell me the truth; haven’t you seen a heart wrenching story on the show, and when they go into the audition and nail it, get an enthusiastic “yes” from the judges, it makes you cry?
By the way, the producers of the show know that. They know we love the stories of how someone has overcome obstacles in their lives. Why? This just might be the opportunity that changes everything. ( I think it also gives us a glimmer of hope that things can change for us too).
That’s my explanation of why people react so intensly when they pass or don’t pass the audition. As an audience, we are pulled into someone’s story of overcoming sickness, tragedy, breakup, death, and so on. Just in the last week we have seen the stories of gang bangers, a physical handicap, divorce, tourettes, to name a few of those struggles. And unless you are hard hearted, you can’t help but want them to succeed. (It makes for great TV too!)
Here is the funny thing: I know it’s coming, and still I delight in their triumph. So, for now, the competition takes a back seat to the story. And there is a lesson to be learned here for our own performances. It’s about the emotional connection!
Right now, when it comes to talent, what American Idol is looking for is the top 2% and the bottom 2%. It makes for great entertainment and sets up the real competition later.
Tom Jackson
Tom is uniquely talented and skilled at transforming an artist's live show into a magical experience for the audience; helping artists at every level create a live show that is engaging and memorable, teaching them to exceed their audiences' expectations and to create fans for life. Tom has taught indie and major artists of every genre. He has worked with Taylor Swift, Le Crae, Home Free, The Tenors, Shawn Mendes, The Band Perry, Francesca Battistelli, Jars of Clay, & many more. Tom also teaches at colleges, conferences and events worldwide.
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Great insight Tom, and as a former “Seminar in the Rockies 2003” participant, I now view the show and all other performances through a different lens. Tom I’m still unpacking all that I learned nearly seven years ago. It has been life changing and I don’t think I’ve ever taken the time to say thanks. So THANKS!
I think most of us are drawn to a person who has a real story. I believe most of us can quickly recognize the fakers and wannabes. They are the folks who are trying to create a story and they rarely find an audience, unless there talent is off the scale. But we fall in love with people who have a story and possess an unapologetic willingness to be vulnerable. They put their heart on the line and most of us find ourselves ready to defend them. We just hope they have enough talent to justify our interest. They’re not seeking our approval, they’re just being real, and they’re comfortable with that. We pull for them because that’s where we all want to be.
The judges nor the producers like for anyone to say they were Blessed to sing and use God’s name. They won’t put you on the show. Also, they will not put people on the show anymore that are slightly over weight no matter how good they sing. To be honest American Idol is reality show. They know who they want to win, it’s based on being a product. Not good singers.
In live music it’s all about fans and creating special moments
TV is all about ratings, making money, and entertainment. The current format, while producing some great winners, by no means picks the best artst. AI apparently is doing something right due to it being one of the highest rated TV programs.
I don’t care for text voting because I know many people that vote over and over; know some that have voted 150-250 times for their favorite. But, apparently AI gets a % of the text messaging money as well.
But, I love the show for all of the above except text messaging voting for the winners.
This is a great point, but truthfully when someone has genuinely had a struggle in life (such as physical handicap) I am more than happy for them if they succeed, because of their obvious talent… My problem with this process is just this… does everybody have to cry on TV to be a singer?
I swear, I think they put something in the water on these shows.