What do the idol judges mean by the criticism "It was Cabaret"?

Question

What does Cabaret sound like? Why is that considered bad?

Answer 1

Cabaret is a style of singing usually done at bars or other intimate settings where the singer usually sings pop standards "Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe", "Goody-Goody", "That Old Black Magic" etc. and is backed up by a small band usually three piece. It is very hard to do well.

Some notable cabaret singers include the late great Queen of Cabaret Rosemary Clooney, related to George, Rita Moreno, and Elaine Stritch, Stacy Kent, and Kitty Margolis.

What is found in Vegas Casinos is not cabaret it is lounge singing closer to big band but cheesier and has it's own merits.

The judges were misusing the term if they were using it as an insult for Cabernet singers are very well respected in the Jazz community.

Answer 2

I believe that they mean the person was a little bit over the top and almost sleazy. Like imagine something you would see in vegas and then add jazz hands to it.

Answer 3

it's drag queen corny---over the top