American Idol 2014--Live Thread

americanidol.com ^ | 1-14-14

[Bullish]

there is no reality in “reality” shows, except Duck Dynasty maybe (probably the closest to real).

Really??? Duck Dynasty is the most contrived and scripted 'reality' show on all of TV.

[svcw]

So that Christian family living their Christian life and multimillion dollar business are not real? ok then.

[Hessian]

IDOL is a ‘reality’ show, it’s a talent competition. One that has sold a LOT of CDs. It’s family friendly, clean cut appointment television. And with the judging panel they have assembled this year, IDOL is BACK.

[Bullish]

No, I’m not saying that at all. Do you think they sit around and do nothing but stupid comical stuff at work all the time like the show always portrays?

That is NOT reality, that is made up and scripted to make a comedy show out of it, which is all it is. it’s Not reality, not even close. Unfortunately, no one’s ‘reality’ is that much fun and funny all the time.

I still like the show but to think it’s real is quite naive.

[grania]

AI has discovered a lot of real talent, and made superstars of many deserving contestants. It would be interesting to know how many others who've been on the show who have gone on to have singing careers (backup, local clubs etc) that we don't hear about.

I started liking the show less when three things happened. First, after a few years, it became less about "raw" talent. Contestants prep for this show so much that most now come across as kids playing a role. Second, it began feeling more "rigged". I thought Jordan Sparks, born into privilege, was one example (there are others) who got some advantage from their pedigree. Third, I really liked the Paula/Simon antagonism. They were both so extreme in opposite directions, together they often got it right, especially with Randy staying focused and sane.

I hope it comes back. It just isn't as much fun as a brand. They aren't evaluating raw talent anymore. All that being said, how can anyone deny that the number of talented singers who got their start on AI is impressive?

[Attention Surplus Disorder]

Explain your math, if you can.

[aimhigh]

IDOL is BACK.

I hope so. They spent so much time talking last season it got real boring. Having four judges plus the baseball cap all saying the same thing was torture. Hopefully they will return to singing rather than 80% critique.

[TheConservativeParty]

Thanks for the reminder.
Forgot it was even starting.

[windcliff]

ping

[neal1960]

We don’t usually watch Idol, but a friend of our sons is going to be on this year. Very talented young lady named Ali Henderson. Our son shot this video of her singing, and he is her personal photographer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of2y9qiT5kA

[dangerdoc]

Who are those people and what did they do with American Idol?

The are liars, they sit on a thrown of lies!

[twin2]

Looking forward to the new judges and “seeing” the old crowd back for another year:)

[lonevoice]

Forbes has released its list of Top Earning American Idols for 2013:

1. Carrie Underwood – 31 million (83 million over the past 5 years)
2. Kelly Clarkson – 7 million
3. Phillip Phillips/Adam Lambert (tie) – 5 million
5. Chris Daughtry – 4 million
6. Scotty McCreery – 3 million
7. Taylor Hicks – 2.5 million
8. Fantasia Barrino/Kellie Pickler (tie) – 1.5 million
10. Katharine McPhee/Jennifer Hudson (tie) – 1 million

Here’s a list from Forbes of total gross income since 2009 based on how many years they’ve each made the Forbes annual list

Since 2009:

1. Carrie Underwood = 83 million (5 years)
2. Kelly Clarkson = 33.4 million (5 years)
3. Chris Daughtry = 27.2 million (5 years)
4. Jennifer Hudson = 14.5 million (5 years)
5. Kellie Pickler = 14.3 million (5 years)
6. Adam Lambert = 12.5 million (3 years)
7. Jordin Sparks = 11.8 million (4 years)
8. Scotty McCreery = 7 million (2 years)
9. David Cook = 6.8 million (4 years)
10. Clay Aiken = 5.7 million (3 years)
11. Fantasia Barrino = 5.5 million (2 years)
12. David Archuleta = 5.5 million (4 years)
13. Phillip Phillips = 5 million (1 year)
14. Katharine McPhee = 3.1 million (3 years)
15. Taylor Hicks = 2.8 million (2 years)
16. Kris Allen = 1.7 million (1 year)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2014/01/14/top-earning-american-idols-2013/

[silent_jonny]

Me too :) Our crowd more than the judges though, lol

[silent_jonny]

Hi, Ken!

[silent_jonny]

Hello! Yeah, it’s tomorrow night. My inter-web connection has been choppy lately, so I posted it early from another computer.

[silent_jonny]

Thank you! Good to see you here.

[silent_jonny]

Hiya, Big!

[silent_jonny]

Having four judges plus the baseball cap all saying the same thing was torture.

Very true. I had an article bookmarked somewhere that says how they've listened to the fans and are streamlining the show and cutting out the boring parts. I'll try to find it.

The head of FOX Sports has also taken over the production, so it should be faster paced. Unless they have to repeatedly check the singers for concussions like during a football game.

[silent_jonny]

Carrie Underwood = 83 million

That's Heisenberg money! (give or take a stack :)