| Commercial Idolatry |
21 April 2003
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Worshipping Idols and Graven Checkbooks
"American Idol" is in its second incarnation on American TV, and there are two good things about it. First, Simon Cowell has the uncanny ability to speak the truth in front of millions. Second, there are some truly bad singers out there who need their egos deflated. Yet, none of this makes up for the fact that these "idols" reflect a style of entertainment that is narrow, safe, and ultimately, dull.
Talent is not that rare -- it is not as common as dirt, but there are a great many very gifted individuals who, through bad luck or lack of persistence, are not major artistic influences in our culture. However, there are also a great many more who have the persistence and not the talent. Watching them perform is akin to watching an auto accident, bloodcurdling yet somehow gratifying at the same time. The crowds at the Roman Coliseum must have understood this emotion.
Having Mr. Cowell disabuse these no-hopers of the notion that they are world class talents is icing on the cake. He has become hated in some corners for being a blue meanie, but nothing could be further from the truth. Sparing someone who can't make it the heart break of endless failure is merciful. Yet the cult of self-esteem insists everyone say nice things, and Mr. Cowell won't unless they are deserved -- yet when he does praise, it means something.
Unfortunately, there is nothing edgy in the performances, nor in the performers. Black or white, northern or southern, male or female, the music is safe, generic white wannabee or 30 year-old soul. No punk snarl, no country at all, and no hip hop originality. The winner, and runners-up, will have fine careers, finishing up 40 years from now with a two-week run in Tahoe or Atlantic City. But no garage band will try to emulate them, no one will pick up an instrument because of the inspiration felt. Imagine a contest where Arlo Guthrie, Iggy Pop and Run DMC had a shot at winning, and one understands how weak the aspirations of corporate entertainment are.