I refer to this article by USA TODAY regarding Ellen DeGenere and her future participation in American Idol,as a judge. This article remains controversial but I thought I would just bring in my point of view. No offense to any one in particular and yes, I am open to any opposing viewpoints.:)
http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2009-09-10-ellen-idol_N.htm?poe=HFMostPopular
The article first caught my eye as I was scanning through USA TODAY by its catchy title, " Risky Move" or " Brilliant Plan". It can then be concluded that Francis Bacons's theory on "Idols of the marketplace" is an effective way of reaching out to readers (communication), for its the to different extreme of the titles that caught my attention, even more so in this contemporary period today than in the modern period. In fact, media industries highly make use of language to draw viewer's curiosity,thereby attention.
Being a relatively consistent viewer of " The Ellen DeGeneres Show", I would be the first to vouch for her natural gift of connecting with her audience through her jovial and easy demeanor. However, being a fan of "American Idol", I would also have to agree that having a talk show host judge a singing competition, deviates from the norm. Even "Idol" judges in Singapore have to be somewhat linked to the music realm of sorts and this, is what gives the judges persuasive power in leading the competition and somehow guiding voters in their votes.
At this point, Bacon's "Idols of the cave" theory comes into context again as we see how we usually have a beforehand mentality of what is supposed to be and what is not, often not asking ourselves what we actually think is right instead. It is indeed one huge irony that in life, every individual likes to seek his own individuality in terms of style,appearance or what we call "unique character" but yet, our mindsets are always rigidly constrained by societal dos and don'ts.
I would definitely support Cecile Frot-Coutaz's statement that "[the idol show is] also about being a star [besides being a vocal competition] and getting fans to love you, which Ellen knows all about". Indeed, the "Idol" show needs to have judges who expertise in vocals so that they can give the necessary advice and set the basis of this competition right.
But that is precisely why we need more than a judge isn't it? Since Simon Cowell's definitely going to stay, the other judges can possess other fields of expertise to offer a more holistic advice. The "Idol" show as Cecile has so rightfully pointed out, is also about having the X-factor and personal appeal (ethos) to be able to communicate and connect with the audience. And this, is something Ellen can definitely bring out in the idols, more than the other judges, shall I say?
Also,"Idol" fan Beth Jones maintained that "[She's] just like to see Idol take itself more seriously. The performers deserve more.", assuming that Ellen will always be how she is during her talk shows. However, the fact is that more often than not, we have different facets to our actual self and there is always an occasion for our different characters to shine. The simplest example would be our different selves when we are at work and when we are holidaying for example. Since Ellen has proven to have a way in engaging well with her audiences, which makes her talk show that popular, I believe that she might understand the principles of "Kairos" - the opportune occasion for speech. While there are many ways to get a point across, her advices may come in a lighthearted or comical way, but I believe the essence of her words will benefit the idols a lot. Of course, this is also an assumption on my part and you may beg to differ.
Lastly, Simon Cowell was also quoted to believe that " Idol being only about finding vocal talent". My question is if that is so, is the fact that all the Idol champions so far are good-looking purely coincidental? And if that is so, why is there an age limit restricting the children and the elderly to enter the contest since they may also prove to have good vocals.
In this article , the different people who commented on this issue may also have their personal biases in them, which is good because from the psychological perspective, miscommunication occurs when there is no feedback. By listening to the various points of views, we are, ourselves able to better locate our stand in this matter, like the way I did. I guess this is how the media industry continues to boom rapidly in this contemporary period. Forums/discussion boards and the mounting trend of "idols and fans" allow an effective two way communication that makes the world this interesting and challenging place we live in today.
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Personally, I don't think that someone with relatively little experience in the music industry like Ellen DeGeneres will make a good judge.
ReplyDeleteThe whole point of having a judge in competitions like Idol is to give constructive criticisms to the contestants, however I don't think that a person has the capability to do so without first having a music background.
Agree=) I personally believe that it takes more than musical talent to turn an individual into a successful idol.The packaging of an idol plays an important role apart from one's musical talent. If not, why would talented singers such as Susan Boyle have to undergo a makeover? Given her expertise, Ellen Denegres would be a good asset to the idol show.
ReplyDeleteI disagree.
ReplyDeleteFirstly I feel that Americans' Idol is something really big and well known around the world. Thus, the judges for this celebrity hunt show should be professional enough in the singing industry and not someone who is not related to music and singing in any form.
From what I know, Ellen herself is just a host and have little or no knowledge about music. I admit that her personality is really good and well liked by everyone. However, this is just not enough to be the judge for such a highly anticipated celebrity search.
And how is she going to judge the singers? through personality?
If this singing competition is not that big around the world. I don't mind. But for such a grand competition, no for me.
Idol competition is not only about the capability to sing.
ReplyDeleteIt is also, in terms of appeal. therefore i feel that she can be the judge to choose based on appeal and character. Most finalists can sing. So the only way to choose is based on appeal isn't it?
I think that a judge for American idol must have background knowledge of music as this competition is mainly based on singing. Only people with music background will know if they sing out of keys/pitch, unless it is really obvious, even the audience can tell the difference.
ReplyDeleteI know Ellen DeGeneres is a good talk show host that shake the whole audience up. If she just say good comments and be a good person, this doesn't do any good to the contestants. It will make them feel that they still make the cut.
That's what I think.
It would be interesting to watch Ellen takes over Paula's position. I wonder what new quirky comments she would inject to the idol show. It's true about the holistic view, to think out the box.
ReplyDelete