Quote:
Originally Posted by Flat357
The best talent in the respective countries are normally found in bands playing the circuit , so why on earth havn't they started a band idol ?
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They had one here this winter, I believe it was called "America's Next Top Band", and it was run by the American Idol production group. It was hosted by some guy I had never heard of, and judged by two guys I had no idea who they were and Sheila E.
The bands ranged from a bunch of kids that were trying to be rocker dudes (I mean like 10 years old) who annoyed the hell out of me to a Christian jazz big band that I had actually seen in concert before. Most of the performances would have gotten boo'd off of a local "Battle of the Bands" stage. There were 4 groups that reliably performed interesting, excellent music. I think that the 3 best bands made it to the end, and I couldn't disagree with the winner even though it wasn't my favorite band. I also think they're the least potentially marketable of the 3, so I don't know that much will come out of them.
The two guys ragged on the jazz big band, regardless of the performance. They were the most polished, and sounded professional--something most of the others never managed yet received praise. Only Sheila E had any consistency in her criticism as she didn't play favorites. I have no idea how they judges were coming up with their critiques, and I didn't enjoy them.
American Idol is about the personalities, and people fall in love with the people and not the voices. That's why they do 3/4 of the show on stories about the contestants, and not singing more songs. It's impossible to get the same level of intimacy with bands, and I think that will keep the "band" show format from succeeding.