While I have learned to dislike these talent shows that funnel new talent into ‘The Machine’ that loves to co-opt and often thereby reduce the full measure of talent and creativity to a corporate function… there are people who sometimes transcend the ‘sell your soul to the company store’ mentality. As painful as it was to watch enough shows to write this Blog, I have found these are just a few who LOST the packaged factory gig and all the while played the game and won. Sooo Cool….
Jennifer Hudson placed 7th on American Idol, which means she lost to other seemingly more talented individuals, right? Nope. Academy Award winner, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild award, and a Grammy. Movies, TV Shows, a friend of President Obama, kind of tells you ‘Corporate Music Machines’ missed the boat. The hit single ‘Spotlight’ went Gold and the list goes on. ‘And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going’ has become her signature song, don’t miss it!
Alanis Morrissette was 14 years old when she lost on Star Search (the precursor to American Idol) in 1988. Still, she went on to record two dance pop albums as a kid, she’s managed 16 Juno awards, 7 Grammys, and assorted critically acclaimed albums. ‘Jagged Little Pill’ was but one (also the title cut), which included ‘You Oughta Know’, ‘Hand In My Pocket’, and ‘Ironic’ was on the Billboard 200 for 12 weeks and the Top Ten for 72 weeks. She’s had roles on ‘Sex In The City, Curb Your Enthusiasm, American Dreams, Nip & Tuck, and Weeds, to name just a few. Alanis starred in ‘Dogma’ and played the role of ‘God’ which was produced and directed by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon (who also starred in the movie). So much for losing Star Search, huh?!?!?
Chris Daughtry came in 4th place in Season Five of American Idol. Sounds less than impressive, huh? Then, why is he the 3rd most successful in terms of record sales after only Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, both big WINNERS on Idol?!?! Offered the position of lead singer for the band Fuel, he declined and formed his own band, ‘Daughtry’. ‘It’s Not Over‘ was nominated for a Grammy. ‘Home’ is country-pop-rock to my ears. Somewhere between Bob Seger and Bon Jovi, Chris Daughtry touches you right where you live, somewhat reminiscent of ‘Nickelback’. He’s got incredible range and big power and dynamics that speak to you.
