Do you think "American Idols" are legitimate stars?

Question

I know they sell a lot of records but I have to think that is due to people becoming attached to them from watching the show and just want to support them. I mean take the best American Idols, winners or not, do they really stack up to music legends or icons of the industry that existed before the show? I say not even close, no matter what the genre. What do you think?

Answer 1

I totally agree the AI alum's first album is a souvenir album and usually sells well to the AI fanbase they have accumulated. What will be interesting down the line is to see who survives and has a long term career. I think AI gives these guys and gals an opportunity, what they make of the opportunity is up to them. If they work hard I think they are every bit as deserving as artists who make it the regular way. Everyone pays their "dues" in their own way - don't forget Frank Sinatra was discovered in a talent contest. As were Gladys Knight and Pat Boone.

I see many of the AI alums having careers in "the business" but not necessarily becoming huge pop stars. A Pop Star's career is usually short lived - the smart thing to do is build a career slowly from the base of that first AI album. Time will tell. I think it is going to be fun to watch what happens.

Answer 2

I see where you are coming from but at the same time, as a musician myself I would do anything for a big break such as American Idol. Its a lot different with the American idols in that they have a fan base already established once they are done with the show and initially that is how they go on to sell albums. However an artist that was not on the show makes an album and prays that they develop a fan base along the way. So in that sense no, they don't stack up to music legends who have work harder to gain a fan base to keep them around. But musically if you look at Kelly Clarkson and see what she has done to establish herself as an artist, she fought to use her own material on her second album and look how far that got her. I'm not so sure breakaway would have been as successful without some of her original material. Jennifer Hudson is another idol alum who is sure to be around for sometime. I think that overall it depends on the person and what they are going to make of this new found success. If you want something bad enough and are talented enough then you will use something like American Idol as a stepping stone to your legendary career!

Answer 3

NO WAY.
Not at all.
The silver platter of being involved with that show is an embarrassing joke!
I hope no more seasons come of it.

But, you know what, it can go both ways.
What if they had 'American Firefighters'. A show that seeks the States for the best men and woman with dreams to be a firefighter. They have to do all these training programs and courses. If the building burns, or if people die then you get burned.
If you do win the competition your dreams are fulfilled. But not without the voting support of you viewers who do not even know you. Nor will hear anything from you after a year or so. Not to mention the made for American TV BS!

Answer 4

I disagree, I think that some of the winners (and some who were mistakenly eliminated), not all mind you, but some of them are very talented. I think that originally this show was a great way for people who have talent but would have had a really hard time being heard by someone in the industry to get a chance. Now though more and more it has turned into a popularity contest which I think is just sad.

Answer 5

Good question. I think time will tell. In the case of Kelly Clarkson, she won in Season one and she has gone on to great WORLDWIDE success. That to me proves she is a legitimate star.

The others have had initial success but that which has followed hasn't always been so great.

Ruben, Fantasia and Clay aren't doing all that great.

Chris Daughtry and Bo Bice have been doing alright, and they were not winners.

Carrie Underwood most certainly is doing well and I think a legitimate country star. Look at all the awards that have been bestowed about her. Plus that girl can really sing.

I don't think Kelly Pickler will match that success but her personality is very endearing.

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Answer 6

I would have to agree with you in regards to this question. This is so true why is that we as americans get so attached to those in the spot light, i think that many people get lost in the fantasy of being surrounded by the flashing lights and the you know whos of the industry, that we loose ourselves in the process and spend 68% of our time watching t.v. and reading gossip pages, just for a little glimpse into these peoples day to day lives,and for what purpose. To feel a sense of closeness or to see that they go to the grocery store just like us. I mean these celebs were normal people prior to the fame and will be normal when the lights go out. I do not think that any "artist" on American Idol is really deserving of that title because none of them really sing with their heart and soul- as many of our past time music greats. They truly couldn't hold a candle to them. And as far of the judges go on A.I._ lets see paula abdul really can't judge anyone's talent, have you heard any of her songs? lets not kid ourselves. Simon, and Randy - Don't really have the talent either- they may have an ear for instrumental talent, but as far as singing goes. They should leave to the pros. like Doc Johnson, Diane Warren.And many others. Perhaps, you can answer this question for me Why is it that more people voted for american idol contestants than the presidential candidates?

Answer 7

You have a point. But to tell you the truth, Fantasia, Ruben Studdard, Carrie Underwood, they can all sing. American Idol is just a boost so they can be remembered by the show, but their voices are great and the famous life has accepted that. American Idol just helps in some sort.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

I totally agree with you. The winners usually don't sing that great and to add to it, they are not even entertaining. Kelly Clarkson is about the only one who truly made something with her career. After the first season, it went down hill. What happened to the winners after that?LOL I still watch it but it makes so mad to see these boring singers get the votes they get.

Answer 10

I think that popularity is no measure of talent.
Vapid, pretty people with good pipes cover insipid material and get an inordinate amount of attention while compex, interesting, truly talented musicians languish in obscurity.