Australian Idol – Maker or Breaker?

Wow… Marcia Hines and Richard E. Grant go head to head. It seems that Richard has spoken out against Australian Idol, much to Marcia’s distaste. This is a tricky one. You see, I have always liked both of these people. Indeed I found Marcia Hines the only bearable part of Australian Idol, far better (and in a far better position career wise) to make appropriate comments and judgments on true music ability. Unfortunately, in this instance I must disagree with her. As far as I’m concerned, Richard E. Grant hit the nail on the head, and his words should serve as a warning to anyone who thinks Idol will make them. If indeed that were to happen, it’d be through sheer dumb luck. Given Idol’s audience, fickle as they are, the most an Idol contestant can usually hope for is to be a one hit wonder that then rapidly fades into obscurity. These hopeful musicians get their faces on television, which is a novelty in itself. Some of them may even by talented (I know, it’s a stretch, but it’s possible.)

The problem is that, talent or no talent, for “industry professionals” to say that they are talented and that they can be successful builds their hopes up totally unnecessarily as chances are they will indeed wind up back at KFC or wherever else they have been lurking up until now. Certainly, I can see the argument that without encouragement these people may not even try, but encouragement should be given wisely. Encouraging someone to complete a degree, for example, is a worthy endeavour, because with the right effort – study, hard work, persistence etc - they actually have a chance at graduating. Encouraging someone to pursue their musical career, however, is much more risky, because they can be ten times as hard working and persistent but will still most likely never get anywhere because, for one, it’s not up to them, and secondly there are a great deal of other people who also want to “make it” and are constantly in direct competition. The cards are simply stacked against them. Australian Idol might be good television for some, but that’s sadly all it is.

To read more about the altercation, visit: Marcia Hines slams ‘vicious’ Australian Idol critic