My Two Cents – Idol Advice

I am not a singer. Not on a stage and not even in the shower. However, I have watched American Idol for many years. In the spirit of the saying that “those who cannot do, teach,” here’s my five pieces of advice to Idol contestants present and future.

Song Selection: When defending a song selection, never say you picked it because you like it or it means something to you. Sure, that connection might help in your emotional interpretation, but you should pick a song based on how good it makes your voice sound. A voice that sounds good can win the competition. A song you like will please your mom. Your mother cannot make you a recording star.

Stay Silent: Do not talk back to the judges. Not because it’s not respectful, but because America doesn’t like it. And they are the ultimate judges. This can be tough — Ryan will try goading you into giving the judges feedback. Resist the temptation. Smile and nod your head. If Tim Urban did one thing better than any other contestant this year, it was this. Learn from him.

Read the Internet: True, you will read lots of hurtful things. Really, really hurtful. Ignore most of them. People get really insensitive when they can comment with only a screen name to ID them (not our readers, of course). But you’ll also pick up on the things that make the majority of viewers dislike you — things you can change. I’m talking about cheesy theatrics, a la Big Mike. Or rambling self defense, like Siobhan. If you know about it, you can change these things before all the votes are in.

Be “On” All the Time: When the camera is on, you need to be as well. Don’t sit on the safe stools and text. Don’t grimace if you don’t like another contestant. Voters want to believe you are a super nice person. If you are the only one not to hug the contestant going home, it will be discussed in infinite detail the next morning. Count on it. So yes, you have to act a little. But isn’t performing a bit like acting to begin with? If you can’t handle this, you sure aren’t going to be able to fill stadiums.

Be Realistic: Compete as if you’re going to win, but also recognize that only ONE PERSON wins. Luckily, in the last few seasons, losing doesn’t mean you’re not going to have a great future in music. Just look at Jennifer Hudson and Chris Daughtry for your inspiration. But when you are sent home, do it with class — smiling and thanking everyone for the amazing experience. That moment can be the tipping point between having a post-Idol career or appearing in a “where are they now?” retrospective.

One last thing — in your exit interview, don’t go on and on about your vast number of fans. It just sounds pompous. It’s OK to thank the people who supported you, just don’t act as if you are the new King (or Queen) of Pop, not yet.

Of course, you can follow these rules and still lose. Even though people vote based largely on looks and personality, it’s ultimately a singing competition. That’s why I stick to the shower, where the only votes I get are from the soap and the shampoo. Even then, I rarely win…

Patricia Morris Buckley —Staff Writer
pmb@thetwocentscorp.com