What is an American Idol?

American Idol: Season 3 Forum

Have the judges really defined to the public what it is they want for an American Idol, what kind of performer they want the person to be? We always hear descriptions of how a person sings - you're Broadway, you're a lounge singer, counrtry singer, etc. What are they looking for?

In England it was a Pop Idol. Thank goodness we aren't after that here (I don't think - nobody wants any more Britney Spears or Spears wannabe's - she sure can't sing! At least not that we hear!)

I can't image people in their upper teens or early 20's caring enough to vote and I think they would go for a pop star. So that leaves it up to the rest of us.

I think an American Idol would be someone that would have a large mass appeal, be able to sing many types of songs well, and put on a good, energetic show. Kelly Clarkson was the one in season 1 - she did sing many types of songs well and appealed to a lot of people. However, since then I don't think the direction her performances has taken are very good. She's now singing to the teeny boppers. For me, that includes anyone from 13 to maybe 21!!! What are everyone else's thoughts about what the judges want?

Well what they really want is anything that makes them money.

I liked Kelly too, but the reviews of the Kelly and Clay tour tend to favor Clay, even Barry Manilow said Clay is "the real deal" and Manilow thinks Clay has a better voice and range than he does. What a compliment !

Nothing against Kelly or Ruben, I think all things considered, Clay Aiken might be considered as a blueprint for an American Idol.

Manilow said an interesting thing yesterday on Seacrest's OnAir show.

He said that one of the things most important to him professionally and in life is how people feel when they hear/see him and that what HE wants is for people to feel good ... and he hopes he makes that happen.

That's what an American Idol should be. Someone who makes me feel good when I see or listen to them.

Kelly has that quality when she sings "A Moment Like This". I always feel good when I hear Clay. Not so much with Ruben.

Of the 12 Finalists

Amy
JPL
Jennifer
George
John Stevens

all made/make me feel good and smile.

I am not saying that any of them should have won or should win the AI competition. All I'm saying is that they make ME feel good.

I know others will have different opinions, but for me it is an okay barometer.

That may very well be what's missing when I hear some of the others who really have very good voices but for some reason don't connect (with me), and thus they don't make me feel good ... actually don't make me "feel" much of anything.

I don't know if that's really what you were asking ... but those are my thoughts on it, and thanks for the thread.

I hope noone comes in and uses it for complaints and criticism ... but rather to express their own opinion.