Yesterday and today I watched the season premiere episodes of American Idol. Yes, I watch it, but to be honest, I usually stop watching once the people make it to Hollywood. The only part of the series I find entertaining is watching the tryouts (specifically the horrible ones). In fact, it’s one of the very few shows that makes me laugh out loud. I also find it interesting because they subtly make fun of the things people normally wouldn’t make fun of (including the way people look!).
Do you tell people when they sing badly? Probably not. Most people don’t. Many people I’ve met don’t even recognize bad singing. I once told someone they couldn’t sing and they thought I was being SOOO mean. I believe it was a friend of mine who started singing along with the radio:
“Please stop.”, I said.
“Stop what?”
“Stop singing.”
“Why?”
“Ummm…[thinking of how to put it nicely]…because you…[still thinking]…can’t really sing?”
“What do you know about singing?! No one has ever said that to me.”
“You’re right. I probably don’t know much about music. Trust me, I’m doing you a favor; avoid singing in future.”
“Wow. That was really mean.”
“Sorry.”
Unless ALL of this person’s friends were tone deaf, I would have hoped that SOMEONE would have mentioned that she couldn’t sing. Unfortunately in today’s day and age everyone is so afraid to hurt people’s feelings that most don’t say anything.
Luckily, not everyone has the opportunity to embarrass themselves on national television, but how many of the idol contestants who REALLY can’t sing say: “They’re wrong. I don’t care what they say. I have talent, they’re not going to stop me. I’m going to be a star one day!”. I laugh out loud because of the sincerity in those people’s voices! They honestly think they can sing!!! Amazing…
If only someone had told those American Idol hopefuls that they couldn’t sing, maybe they would have saved themselves the humiliation…but then, what would entertain me? On second thought, why don’t we just continue to pretend everyone is OK and not tell people when they suck so we can laugh at them on national TV eventually? Maybe that’s a more reasonable alternative…?
OMG! Me too!! I rarely ever watch AI – nor do I know much about the show or the winners, but I LOVE the tryouts!?!? They are hilarious. I almost fell off the bike yesterday at the gym when that nerdy guy did his redition of Unchained Melody and Simon was like “what the bloody hell was that??”
ps:thanks for your comment on my blog.
It seems to me that one reason for letting those who think they can become idols when they can’t sing,for it can make those who can sing -ok-next-better-next-even better,untill it reaches it’s highest point,or on a scale of 1 to 10,the worst to the very best,aside from the fact of watching the judges face or having to turn the sound off,wich I usually do,but when the very best sings tears roll down from my eyes,if i was a judge I will let my tears decide!
Oh darn it I missed AI on Friday I’m hoping for a re-run of it. Tryouts at the best part about it, I laughed so much during the X-factor tryouts last year!
Hira – My favorite had to be those 2 nerdy guys who met each other in the line and the one guy who said: “My friends say I sound like Justin Timberlake!” LOL!! Although the last guy who sang Bohemian Rhapsody was pretty terrible as well!!
bj – I don’t think I’ve ever seen a judge on AI cry and let’s hope it stays that way!!!
Darwin – X-factor? I’ve never heard of it. Although if it has anything to do with random people attempting to be famous I’m sure it must be hilarious. If you think it tops AI, then I might have to look into it!
I sometimes wonder if some actually go there just for the fun of it.
Some do actually play dumb.
HLH – Definitely. I think you can only get on the show if you’re outstanding or absolutely horrible! I’m sure many people intentionally sing badly or do strange things; there are others that I really wonder about though…