The “American Idol” Way
It’s been hours past April Fool’s Day so the content of this blog should be taken seriously and an affirmative action in the end is extremely necessitated.
The quest continues for the next American singing sensation. There is certainly a level of enthusiasm from the American Idol fanatics that deserves high opinion. This competition before a live audience that is aired at Fox Channel creates a venue where young songsters showcase their talents and prove to the TV-viewers that they be worthy of superstardom. It is reasonable to say that all the finalists have a gift for singing in their own right as diversely packaged in their own music genre.
Simon Cowell made a fortune out the show. He’s the highest paid non-American in Hollywood for lambasting aspiring talents on the bases of voice quality, song choice and over-all performance. Since I don’t have an insider’s information about the show, this is my personal assumption of the judges’ criteria in giving critique on the singers’ weekly performances. It is a good thing because what Simon says gives the viewers an honest-to-goodness voice of what they hear and see on the TV screen.
Mr. Cowell gets countless jeers from the supporters and fans in the audience (while exacerbated by Ryan Seacrest’s candid wits) for his bite of tough-love treatment and advice but he speaks his apparent truth most of the time as highlighted by his British accent and get-real metaphors. The judges’ table is never complete without the experienced Randy Jackson’s ear for what’s hot in the music industry and Paula Abdul’s litany of conciliatory and morale-booster remarks in prelude for Simon’s belt. Ouch! In fairness to Paula’s indisputable all-sweet talks, I generally believe that what comes out of people’s mouth is the excess of their heart.
Well, the show owes it all to the fans and to the millions and millions of calls and text-messages sent after every show. This is definitely the reason why American Idol remains to be on top of the viewership ratings in its time slot. Yes, it’s the people who care to spare their valuable time and some cents “where standard airtime, roaming, long-distance and text messaging charges apply” for an hour or more of entertainment. Not bad at all for the cost of the amusement value put side by side to a Britney Spears’ “Gimme More” comeback performance at the Grammy’s. Seriously?
Why I am trying to be really really nice here? Well, I am always proud to see aspiring artists that are of Filipino descent emerge in a competition like the American Idol. Opportunities like this gives inspiration to young kids out there in the Philippines to envision the future in a very positive outlook. It’s not all the vanity of fame that binds with stardom. It is the “idols” sincerity and commitment to achieve their goals and strive to be the best in their craft. I see motivation in the youthful eyes of Ramielle Malubay. Ramielle has gone through this far to understate the power of the voice behind the diminutive body. She does not only capture the viewers’ hearts because of her modest claim to her roots and distinct features. She represents the youthful hope of a Filipino family crossing thousand miles to a fresh start and to follow the star in the (American) skies.
So, what now? I hope I’ve convinced you enough to lift your phone and to cast your votes for Ramielle Malubay.
Mr. Cowell: Please take note of my kind words as opposed to the popular notion vis-à-vis public outcry that you’re standoffish. That is highly not true, right? Be nice to Ramielle, ok?
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