It’s a Game Show

Did you watch “The Voice” last night?  Who is going to win “American Idol” this year?  

This is the talk around the water cooler every week – and sometimes multiple times in a week. Social media is all abuzz with the pros and cons of contestants. Fans show support for their favorite singer, voting for them and getting their friends to vote for them too. And, this is how we pick our next superstars. 

One of the worst parts? They’re not even singing original songs.

Just think if American Idol was around in the 60’s; Bob Dylan would not have made it through auditions. (Sorry, Mr. Dylan) And, “Blowin’ in the Wind”, would have not been the theme song for a generation. Would John Lennon and Paul McCartney have been able to be ground-breaking with the Sgt. Pepper’s album? Imagine if they had to win The Voice before they could work with George Martin. Neil Young, who influenced a generation that focused attention on a war that could not be won, would not likely be the American Idol. We could still be in Vietnam.

It kind of makes you thankful that we got the hair bands of the 80’s before the T.V. singer contests existed, doesn't it? Not sure they could have won either. Think about your favorite music pre-American Idol... who would have made it?

It also makes you thankful that there are other avenues for original music and true artists to get their music heard. Although talented singers compete, true art is not found on a game show.