What's Wrong with 'American Idol'?

Manifesto Update Bob Baker on the popularity of the show is the creation of

misconceptions about what it takes to succeed as a musical artist today.

This is one of television's most popular in recent years, drawing tens of

millions of viewers each week. Even I admit, American Idol is fun to watch.

The fair offers all the elements of good entertainment pop culture:

passion, emotion, the thrill of victory, agony of defeat, dreams attained

and lost ...

So what's wrong with American Idol?

Considering that it is localized in reality "TV category, the show did a

great disservice to aspiring musicians (and public) perception by

distorting the way the music industry really works. Send a message obsolete

"addiction" to split the industry. The more realistic "independence" that

artists have today to control their own careers.

The Talent Myth Discovery

For example, the program lets you believe there are hundreds of people like

Simon, Paula and Randy is looking for raw talent they can mold into the

next big pop star. Not true. Of course, record companies employ A & R

people whose job it is to sign and nurture new artists - but as major

labels in place, staff cut, and get nervous about the bottom line They have

neither the time nor the money to develop new acts.

Instead, the labels look for artists who are already self-developing,

attracting fans and selling CDs on their own. There is less risk with an

act that has a history.

Moreover, the American Idol auditions, in particular, create the illusion

that most aspiring musicians lack talent and are delusional, struggling and

starving. In reality, there are thousands of talented artists from across

the country who do a lot of money, hundreds of devoted fans, and gradually

we build careers.

Here's just one example of this modern reality: Over the past seven years,

the Web site CD Baby has sold over 12 million CDs (1.3 million units) by

independent, unsigned acts. A huge amount of quality music is produced and

sold outside of the ordinary.

The Danger of Waiting for Your Big Break "

One of the biggest myths propels American Idol is that you need the

approval of the Guardians industry to "do" in music. Sorry, you do not need

permission to Simon or someone else to be worthy of a career in music. If

you expect someone to give you the green light to create and play music,

you'll wait longer.

Too many musicians say they need to be "discovered" or given a break "big"

to succeed. This kind of thinking puts control of your career with someone

or something outside of yourself. The truth is, artists have more power

tools and opportunities available to them that they give themselves credit

for.

When aspiring artists see resounding success of the Idol winner Kelly

Clarkson, they are led to believe that landing a major recording contract

should be the ultimate sign of success. Unfortunately, these singers are

exceptions, not the rule. Only one in 30 signed acts reach levels high

enough to justify the sales of a second CD release - which means nearly 97%

of artists with recording contracts fail. However, most musicians are still

obsessed with "industry" approval and think they need to be a great label.

The reality of the Ultimate''

The smartest musicians understand that building an independent career, is

the best approach. They promote, book their own shows, produce and sell

their own CDs, and establish direct relationships with fans. In so doing,

they learn the ropes and develop slowly, skills and business acumen

necessary to achieve higher levels of success.

It is misguided for artists think they need massive exposure and approval

of music industry honchos a la American Idol to succeed. This knee jerk

reasoning is based on decades-old business model is its last gasp

desperate. It's a new day. Now it's all about self-empowerment. The

musicians must claim their personal power, take their careers into their

own hands, relentlessly promote themselves and create their own lucky

breaks.

So enjoy American Idol for the unreality "that is entertainment. But the

pursuit of your dreams with the understanding that you have complete

control of your musical aspirations and development.