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!

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