I watched American Idol last night (well, someone has to): on this occasion, a stereotypical mix of a hackneyed idea (Beatles week, old British red phone box plonked in the middle of the stage) and yet the vocal talent generally shining through and the dross painfully exposed.
I’m not an “either/or” when it comes to talent shows. I think they have their place but, to state the bleeding obvious, most artists come to public prominence and acclaim by all the other routes that do not involve American Idol, The X Factor et al.
Yet arguably the most distracting and extraordinary performance last night was the tear-stained, self-indulgent “I-can’t-do-this-anymore” pity party from Jennifer Lopez, a judge for goodness’ sake. Cue predictable hugs from her fellow panel members Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler.
Take a look at the bigger picture. This was being broadcast as country after country in the Middle East continued in unrest and turmoil, part of the struggle of long-oppressed people for basic freedoms and a job. Girl, unlike in much of the world, as far as I know nobody died not getting to the final 24 of a talent show or having to decide, for what I assume is a huge pile of dosh, who does. When it comes to globally known dance music superstars, surely a key part of the job description is smiling, making us happier, distracting us from our woes, not inappropriate public outbreaks of sobbing over relative trivia. Keep the hyperventilating for behind closed doors, please.
Enough misery already. Let’s accentuate the positive: the forthcoming JLo single, On The Floor, is a great upbeat dance track that reinterprets the lambada and makes up for what I hope are the temporary lachrymose excesses of a talented and beautiful woman.
I like the edginess that Pitbull adds to this song. I understand that the official release date in Britain is late next month (March 27, 2011). Enjoy:
mlksounds 