If a young Springsteen auditioned for American Idol, would he get through the audition round?

Question

Assume that Bruce Springsteen were 25, unknown, and he showed up in NYC to audition for American Idol. Would Simon, Randy, and Paula put him through to Hollywood? Would his voice and look be "commercial" enough?

How about a young Johnny Cash? John Lennon? Bono? Eddie Vedder? Billy Corgan? What would the AI judges do to these singer-songwriters?

Answer 1

No. All of the people you mentioned had been passed by a few record executives before they finally got signed to a label. The difference is they all took charge of their own careers, refusing to bow down to record executives and fought for their creative freedom.
The American Idol judges are a lot like all record executives - looking for posable dolls who can sing and look good on camera. But the judges only pick a winner on the show and a 'flava of the month', not neccessarily a true star with a lasting career (so far only Carrie Underwood has put herself firmly in place as a music artist). True stars put in a lot of hard work, much of it on their own and sticking to their own plan.

Answer 2

i did no longer, yet a woman I artwork with did. She suggested that there have been a number of rounds you had to pass by to get to the easily judges. She went to a minimum of one in KC. She did no longer make it for the duration of the 1st one. i do no longer understand if she became being bitter via fact she did no longer make it, yet she claimed that they simply took insane people who have not the slightest skills in any respect. although, i will see that.....after all Simon bashing the terrible singers is what a great form of folk watch American Idol for.

Answer 3

Tthink only cash would get thru . and lennon the rest no ,.