American Idol Singers Should Be Loved and Hated
Simon, Simon, Simon. Just when I think that all you are capable of is clichéd criticisms and cruel sarcasm, you come up with a nugget of wisdom like this: "A lot of people are gonna love that, and genuinely, there's gonna be a lot of people who are gonna hate it. And that, to me, is actually quite a good place to be, which is better than being indifferent and boring."
That is what Simon Cowell had to say about Siobhan Magnus' cocktail-dress-and-combat-boots performance of the Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black" on last night's (March 16) American Idol. I have to say, I think his words ring true for any artist in any genre. The minute people are indifferent about you, that's the minute you become the dreaded middle-of-the-road singer. You're the one people vaguely remember, whose voice is neither brilliant nor terrible, and the one who is a benchmark of mediocrity.
The flip side? Being a singer who is either loved or hated means people are passionate enough to defend your honor or tear you to pieces. But therein lies the beauty -- there is passion nonetheless. I remember having a conversation with a friend about Luke Bryan, who I loved and he hated. And I remember thinking how remarkable it was that one artist could garner two opposite opinions from two otherwise like-minded people.
In the past year alone, I've seen people get caught up in heated debates over this artist's talent and that artist's songwriting and so on. But that kind of love/hate dynamic is one of the things that pushes people to push the proverbial envelope. And that brings drama and hype and eventually, good country music.
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barb b says:
siobhan magnus i think she
screamed at the end of her song
Netteo says:
I am finding it hard to really like any of them this year. Definitely no Carrie or Kellie or Josh or Bucky’s. I went back and watched some Kellie and Carrie AI performances. They where so good and had so much personality. I hope someone steps up soon or I’m out.
Katie says:
I agree, I don’t really like any of them this year, but personally I am glad there are no Carrie’s or Kellie’s.
Chris Ford says:
So far Magnus has been the big risk-taker. And while she has made me cringe a couple of times, Siobhan has also had some spectacular moments.
For country fans, well you got a Massachusetts girl whose parents were punk rockers who has a huge voice and range and has been immersed in punk, R&R, blues, pop, and theater since she was very young.
But at the same time, someone who looks to some notable country singers to strive to improve her stagecraft, her voice. Magnus knows a lot of country songs, looks up to some country artists. So maybe Siobhan will surprise and do a great job with a foray into that genre. (And many will love it, many will hate it. And few will be indifferent.)
Mick says:
Crystal Bowersox has it all. She is comfortable on stage and can actually sing without screaming. But this show has never been about how well one can sing. Think Taylor Hicks-he was awful but the old ladies loved him. This girl is good and will end up with a good record deal. This is about being able to perform and entertain. Singing in just a plus. Also Lee Dewyze can be really good. He has a Dave Matthews voice with a bit of work.
Linda says:
Chris Ford:
You said “So far Magnus has been the big risk-taker. And while she has made me cringe a couple of times, Siobhan has also had some spectacular moments”.
“Magnus” and “Siobhan” are same person. You think they are two people or you meant one is Crystal Bowersox?
Robin says:
Linda - Chris Ford said “So far Magnus has been the big risk-taker. And while she has made me cringe a couple of times, Siobhan has also had some spectacular moments.”
He didn’t say they were different people, he said that she has been the “big risk-taker” and while she made him cringe a couple of times, she also had some spectacular moments.
I think the way he worded it may have been confusing, but the whole first part is about one person.
Michael says:
I can’t believe Lacey got eliminated last night! I thought she would go far. Tim and Andrew have to be next. My full rankings on everyone… http://thesmogger.com/2010/03/18/idol-hangover-heres-your-top-11/
steven joseph rotolo says:
Tim Urban is the best male singer. He wasnt’ always the best male singer. No, that distinction went to Alex Lambert during the semi-finals. But now that Alex Lambert is gone, the only good male singer left is Tim Urban. Mike Lynch has been ingesting steroids through a garden hose for so long, he now sounds like Demi Lovato. Plus, for a guy who is supposed to be a personal trainer, he has about a mile of flab sitting on top of his alleged muscles. Casey James is goodlooking, but he has nothing on Tim Urban who is chippendale-ish in his hotness. Lee Dewyze has a nice grating voice, but again he is nowhere near the hotness that Tim Urban emanates, besides I try to imagine Lee doing a reggae version of “Beast of Burden” and he fares worse than Tim Urban. Andrew Garcia’s is a case of diminishing results. His voice sucks and he put the UGH! in ugly. He needs to go, we can’t have ugly people singing badly. Aaron Kelly, the resident jailbait contestant, reminds me of a canary in a cage. He is singing for his survival and it borders on a horror show… this ain’t no SAW IX. Who else is left? The girls? Crystal Bowersox wants that coffehouse edge, but you can be edgy and still not look like you crawled out of a dumpster. Siobahn Magnus’ monkey howls do not impress me. Didi Benami is THIS close from being locked up in an insane asylum: her mother can’t bear to watch her perform, and frankly neither can I. And the rest of the chanteuses can simply jump off the Brooklyn Bridge, for all that they matter, especially now that Lilly Scott, the best contestant AI ever had, was given the boot.
timcun says:
I love Crystal Bowersox. I think Crystal and Michael Lynche are going to be the final two.
countryiscool says:
Alex Lambert was LAST year, not to be confused with THIS year.