http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll136/archiex17/May1216.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll136/archiex17/May1216.jpg

Only two more weeks of American Idol, but I am sure there will be tons of opportunity for post -Idol chatter.

I found it suspect that a “source” from or close to American Idol released the story that David’s father was ousted from the Top3 rehearsals. In addition , he had been creating problems for the other contetstants.

Why are we just hearing about this now? The ratings are low, that’s why. They want to “up the ante” at any cost.

Also, I think it is absolutely absurd that the singers’ are expected to sing one, two or three new songs each week without the assistance of personal mentors and/or musicians.

It is even more unrealistic to expect this from a 17-year old singer. This young man is superbly gifted and he is trying to sell his vocal package to people beyond Idol.

Yes, American idol is an enormous stepping stone, but it is not the only stone that will pave the path to future longevity in this fickle and cutthroat industry.

Let’s hope that someone who values art above all else will gain control of the David’s reins and steer him in a more positive and fulfilling musical direction.

The reason I’ve been watching this year is because of David Archuleta. He is a true musical genius, a rare find. In a better world, such a talent would be nurtured and protected. But in these culturally deplorable times, AI offers nothing but exploitation in a TV ratings game.

The AI judges say the show is about finding the best singer. All singers must have vocal tone, projection, breathing control, and perfect pitch. Rather than judge on these qualities, the AI judges force the contestants and the TV audience to judge song choice and song arrangement. Professional singers spend months selecting the right songs to record. Idol expects these young, non-professional singers to choose the “right song” in a day or two. It’s absurd. Professional singers also have a cadre of music specialists –producers, sound editors, arrangers, musicians — who work a long time to turn a songwriter’s tune into a masterpiece. Idol contestants have a huge time constraint and are limited by the talents of AI’s musical staff.

AI also forces the contestants to memorize all the words. What’s wrong with using a TelePrompTer? Professionals do it, especially during a live performance. They also take the time they need to learn a song before singing in public.

AI judges often complain that the show has devolved into a popularity contest instead of a talent show. However, the show itself has created this by allowing unlimited voting. They could simply limit the number of votes per telephone and immediately the show would be a real test of talent over popularity.

AI fails to provide a positive work environment for the contestants. The show exploits them in its Ford commercials and sensational blogs on americanidol.com and by leaking stories elsewhere in the media. AI has tight control of the contestants’ biographies and can create a media blitz — either positive or negative — whenever the TV ratings need a boost. AI’s notorious secrecy, even over such mundane issues as Tuesday night’s song list, creates a vacuum which is filled by all manner of loonies. Much of the coverage by so-called “entertainment journalists”, biased bloggers, and rumor-mongers has been atrocious. And this year they have gone into the gutter to slander a talented teenage singer.

This is the world of “tabloid television”. It’s a shame that the American music industry has stooped this low.

And it’s a terrible shame that the music industry provided no other way for David Archuleta to sing.

They are all doing the very best they can given their personal circumstances and past musical experiences. All the hatred and venom is so destructive.

It’s more conducive to a healthy lifestyle and blog to offer suggestions or intelligent commentary.

That being said, I thought Jason’s performance on Ellen was remarkable. I, personally, will purchase his CD. But, he has to promise to take singing lessons, though! haha tit for tat!

I think you will find (as I do) that this willingness to appreciate both the good and weaker aspects of every performer it is very refreshing–and a bracing splash of reality in a blogosphere full of blinkered, shrieking AI fandom!

By the way, MCL–Jason performed “Daydream” on Ellen this week (clip is up on mjsbigblog; http://mjsbigblog.com/jason-castro-on-ellen-and-regis-and-kelly-video.htm#more-4821 ), and it sounds so much better to me than his original (albeit charming) performance on AI three month ago; what do you think? I hope he continues with a good vocal coach, so that I can look forward to a great CD in a year or so!

Please feel free to post all Top 3 topics in the new post at the top of this page.

http://www.deseretnews.com/video/1,5563,369,00.html

David A sounded great last week. Too be honest, I was a little surprised myself. On this show you are only as good as your last performance.

However, “how” you word your comments are extremely important on this site and it reminds me that I should have a policy in place on another page that confirms this. I will do this ASAP.

However, not everyone is a fan of David A. and that’s fine. However, I like to be objective about a David’s performance, not delve into his personal life with his father. That’s just me.

Even Simon Cowell said that he wasn’t aware of any problems with David’s father. All is fine. So, who do we believe?

However, I do welcome any news about the singers, but, only ask that you be respectful of other readers’ viewpoints.

I think MCL does allow us to critique David A. I think he’s a good singer, but I don’t find him that exciting to watch. And I’ve probably said that before on the site.

But I’m not trying to convince MCL to share my opinion. I read her opinion and I am respectful of it and thankful for the insight she gives.

The comparison between this website and MJ’s website is an unfair one. The purpose of each website is different. MJ’s is more of a free for all – opinions on everything are welcome – but she does keep things moderated very well. At least to me, MCL’s site is designed to give encouragement and constructive comments to the singers and to help viewers understand the technical aspects of the performances. In my opinion, this is not the place to come with a lot of negativity.

How many 17 year old guys are capable of selecting songs, arranging them, making sure their young – still developing – voices are capable of technically handling the stress of this competition? Not too many, I’m sure.

But, he is not selecting his songs, arranging them-his father is. That is not a level playing field and should not be permitted. Seems like this is a I love lil David blog and his mistakes do not seem to be mentioned. He has trouble with breath control, forgetting lyrics, and working the stage. I guess nothing negative can be said here about him. I posted my opinion and do not dislike lil David. I just don’t get excited by him and find him incredibly boring. He does not connect with me and I find him lacking in that respect. He is not handling all the stress of this competition, his father is shouldering a lot of the burden. Again, not fair. I didn’t realize no one can say anything that goes against all the lil david love here. what i posted is true to a lot of listeners but i guess it isn’t seen here. sad really. what is happening behind the scenes affects what is happening on the stage. sorry u do not see that. i don’t think naomi judd lied about david’s father for a second. what would be her reason? if his voice is too young for the stress, he should have waited a little longer to try out. won’t be posting here again. Mj’s site allows for all views, not just lil david lovers.

Dance lessons along his journey will be an asset. I hope he can pull all of this together, and then we can say we “met” this prodigy and saw his development into a major star.

Anyway, the discussion this week is interesting and I would just like to comment on your last comment, MCL. I completely agree that many singers today just do not have that “star” factor; sure they can sing and do so beautifully, but there needs to be this factor present in order for many singers to be truly loved by an audience.

I just watched David A’s performance of the national anthem….gorgeous…I think he is going to win it all…and if he does that will be two 17 year olds in the past two years. To me that means, it doesn’t matter about your age, if you are vocally mature enough, than one can achieve great things.

I merely judge the singers from performance to performance and, although it seems that I offer more critical evaluation for David Cook and Syesha Mercado, it isn’t because I do not value their important contribution to this competition.

On the other hand, David Archuleta is a prodigy – he really is. He was born with the gift and whether it was highly nurtured through family or teachers is not the point. The point is – he responds to the musical guidance and runs with it.

I coach singers every day – have been doing this for 30 plus years and I can honestly say that I have only seen a handful of singers with the star factor walk through my studio. And, of this handful, only a half a handful followed my advice and have managed to cultivate a wonderful career in music.

True stars are more rare than one would think. And I don’t mean the present stars of today’s “popsicle”era of music – all sugar and little substance. The real stars who can sing with excellent artistry.