Does Song Choice Matter on American Idol?
Last night (Jan. 13), when Vanessa Wolfe, an American Idol contestant from Vonore, Tenn., said she was going to sing "Wagon Wheel" by Old Crow Medicine Show, I was nervous. I mean, I love the song. And she said she loved the song. But it was a pretty polarizing choice in performing a song from a very rootsy bluegrass band. You either love that kind of music or hate it, so it was a gutsy move. She sounded great, though, and made it through to Hollywood. But now it has me wondering if stand-out songs are a better way to showcase what's unique and authentic about you. Or if are better off letting your voice shine on a song everyone knows and loves -- maybe something by the Beatles, Rascal Flatts or Marvin Gaye. I couldn't sing my way out of a paper bag, so this will never be an issue for me. But what about you? If you were going to audition, what song would you choose?
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Kristin says:
You sing something that is true to who you are. I am very interested in following Vanessa’s progress on the show because she chose to stick with her country roots and will be a singer whose CD I would want to buy if she wins by continuing to sing suck rootsy and twangy country songs. Had she performed a Rascal Flatts song as you suggest, it would have been a disaster. There is no twang in their breed of pop country, so why try to force something into the song that never was and never will be there? While it may have been an improvement to the RF song, she would have been widely criticized for ‘butchering’ the song because it would sound nothing like the original.
I do think Vanessa would have a tough time with Motown week or artist-specific theme week performances, but I’m all for her sticking with her twangy country sound. If she does well and it awakens mainstream country music to the appeal of a more traditional sound than is currently the major force on radio, then I hope she wins the whole thing.
Kristin says:
Oops, the 1st word in the 4th line should be ’such’.
Wanda says:
I loved her too as well as my 15 year old daughter as of now she has our vote even though i am a fan of the mainstream pop country it was nice to hear some more traditional country
American Idol Last Night | AXI says:
[...] Does Song Choice Matter On American Idol? | CMT Blog Last night (Jan. 13), when Vanessa Wolfe, an American Idol contestant from Vonore, Tenn., said she was going to sing Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show, I. American Idol Last Night – on Twingly [...]
K says:
I honestly don’t tend to remember that many contestants during the audtions. There are plenty of memorable moments, but the judges cut so many people between auditions and Hollywood Week, it really isn’t worth it to try and keep up with everyone in my opinion.
I think song choice does matter to an extent, but sometimes it’s irrelevant. Song choice is a great indicator of the musical direction that the particular contestant wants to take. I don’t think viewers or judges particularly like when singers don’t know who they are on the show. But sometimes song choice can be a negative aspect if the specific song is too big for the contest to handel, and it’s out of their range, or it doesn’t show enough of their talent.
moopowerx says:
The Office pool at work today all loved the “skinny little country girl from Venore, TN”. But the hit song of the day especially as we work as secretaries in a high school?
“Pants on the Ground, Pants on the ground…looking like a fool with your pants on the ground”
We joined in harmony everytime a kid came in the office with his “pants on the ground” LOL
Peacock Queen says:
How important is song selection on AI? I think Kristin covered that very well. You had better be true to yourself and do your absolute best if you want to make it past Cowell to Hollywood.
I loved the “Pants on the Ground” song and I hope the producers put The General on the finale so we can see him again.
DjOne says:
I agree with Kristin all the way, Vanessa should probably stick to pure country songs rather than getting into these pop-country songs of today.
I found it refreshing to see an honest country girl sing an honest country song for change.
GC says:
Choosing the right songs is one of the hardest parts of the competition and song choice can make a big difference. The judges have said it does and they advised contestants to pick songs that suit their voice and range. It’s very risky to pick big vocal songs or a popular Idol’s songs unless you have the vocals to sing them. Those who don’t get slammed by the judges. Kellie Pickler sang 2 famous stand-out vocally challenging songs at her audition, Broken Wing and Since U Been Gone, she sounded great and all of the judges said YES. Her audition is one of the best in the history of Idol.
Once people start voting, singing popular songs might help contestants get more votes. They are forced to do that because they have to pick from approved song lists. I doubt Idol will ever have a bluegrass week and only a few Idols sang country songs other than the one country night when they had to.
hotelmotel says:
Of course I would perform “That Buckin Song” by Robert Earl Keen. I think i could do it justice and surely everyone loves it.
Peacock Queen says:
I wouldn’t sing anything! I SUCK as a singer. For real. Simon would have to get his eyes surgically unstuck from rolling them around if he had to listen to me. I believe that is why I have always been in love with beautiful voices, because I don’t have one!
Wanda says:
Lol peacock i am right up there with you