I watch American Idol – I’ll let that sink in for a second. If you just scoffed, get off your high horse and listen to me for a second. If you didn’t, good for you. Look, I could write pages and pages on why American Idol is absolutely ridiculous because a huge portion of it is. I understand this. I still watch the show. I don’t tune in every week thinking, “I’m so excited to hear great music tonight!” because that rarely happens, but there are instances when it does. When this does happen it’s a hell of a lot of fun. That’s the big redeeming quality about American Idol. Watching somebody grow into a star. And no, I would probably never listen to that star after their stint on American Idol has come to a conclusion (at least up to this point I haven’t), but for those couple of months, watching this transformation is enjoyable. This isn’t a post about why I watch American Idol though – it’s a post on how a contestant this year will most likely change my, “I’ve never listened to anyone after the show is over” stance.
I have never really had a strong affinity for any contestant on American Idol during the 4 seasons which I have watched – never really cared who got voted off and coinciding, never been really excited about anyone either. Until this season and Megan Joy (she started off as Megan Corkrey, but her name changed halfway through the show). From the second she auditioned, I was blown away by her – I also knew from the second she auditioned she would never win. I wasn’t even convinced she would make the Top 12. Her voice isn’t made for a show like American Idol, which is probably the reason her audition was one of her best performances. Not over produced, not backed up by a huge band and other singers. I want to describe her and her situation in my own words, but I liked this paragraph by James Montgomery too much not to share it with you:
“Why? Because, well, would Feist ever win “Idol”? It’s a show designed to showcase big, throaty voices, capable of hitting the highs and doing runs and filling rooms and carrying tunes like “Mandy” on Manilow Night. It is not exactly a place for the subtle. Corkrey’s voice doesn’t seem capable of any fireworks. She’s got a warbly, tea-kettle set of pipes: quirky and sharp, malleable, would sound great wrapped around an acoustic guitar or a burbling synth line. She’s more suited for a small club, not the stage of the Kodak Theatre. Can I see her fronting my new favorite band on indie label Saddle Creek? Yes. Winning “American Idol”? No.”
I can’t really describe her any better then that – particulary the, “tea-kettle set of pipes”, which is perfect. At any rate – she was let go last night and for the first time, I’m actually a little bummed. I got excited each week to see what she might do. No other contestant has ever done that for me. I really hope she cuts a record and if she does, you know what, I’ll have no qualms about purchasing it.
On a side note – James Montgomery mentions the indie label Saddle Creek and I would like to echo his statements. It is a great label with some great bands like Georgie James, Bright Eyes, and Eric Bachmann. Check them out if you’re in the need for some new music.
April 2nd, 2009 at 11:38 AM
I never really thought about the fact that her style was not matched up with the set-up of idol. She was also terrible at song choice… but maybe she felt pressure to do songs out of her style to meet the wants of idol. Here is my big thing!! When the judges are watching her they see a huge stage, fans, the band, lights, and then meghan and a microphone. But people at home just see meghan’s face singing in the square of their television set. She is so captivating and it makes you forget about the “idol stage,” so to me she was great. I think America felt the same way but traditonally tend to follow the reports of the judges and that is why she left. I think the judges really liked her and brought her on the top 12 to open doors for her. And that is what is so great about idol. You don’t have to win to get a contract and have a career. She’s also the prettiest contestant to ever be on the show (in my view).
April 2nd, 2009 at 1:53 PM
@Bailey I almost wish she wasn’t as beautiful as she is because I have a feeling a lot of people would come back with the argument, “you are influenced by her looks” – which is entirely possible, but I’ve listened to that audition a thousand times without watching the video and it’s just as good. I completely agree with the “idol stage” comment – it is not the place for her at all.
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:40 PM
First off, and maybe most importantly, I really applaud you for making a completely justified case for this girl – including her vocal talent, stage presence, unique style, and great attitude – without mentioning her total babeness. Impressive!
Also, I’m pretty sure you wrote your opening line to me directly – and yeah I scoffed. But then I got off my horse and kept reading – and you made an entirely compelling argument for why you watch American Idol. Sadly, I don’t think I’ve ever given you a chance to explain it – and now (even though yes, I sort of feel like an ass and I’m sorry) I actually get it.
So anyway – yeah it’s a bummer that she’s off the show – but if she’s as good as that clip indicates, I’m sure we’ll see a lot of her soon. It’s not like winning the show is a necessity for fame.
April 2nd, 2009 at 3:00 PM
@Zach the opening statement wasn’t written for you directly, but you definitely crossed my mind while writing it! American Idol gets such a bad rap from so many people (who actually have never truly watched the show) that I thought I needed to open it up with something abrasive.
You definitely shouldn’t feel bad about not letting me explain why I watch – it’s not really a great conversation.
It’s possible it’s not a bummer she’s off the show because she looked a little uncomfortable the past couple of weeks….hopefully we’ll hear her again though.
April 2nd, 2009 at 8:33 PM
If i hadn’t already stated my opinion bluntly to you (like 20 times) I would have had many controversial things to say here…
April 7th, 2009 at 11:46 AM
So what if you liked Meg partially for he looks. People primarily like Danny because his wife died. Sad but true.
April 7th, 2009 at 11:49 AM
@Bailey awesome – just awesome.
Speaking of Danny:
http://topidol.wordpress.com/2009/04/04/real-sign-in-milwaukee/
August 14th, 2009 at 3:20 AM
Simon Cowell is soooo bad, still funny to watch him take people down though