An Idol at a Time

With today’s growing audience for pop reality entertainment shows, one cannot help but consider these young and raw talents and their future in the music business. There is the American Idol, the most popular search for young artists who would want to make it big in the music business, plus a lot more TV shows similar to this—a whole season of perfectly molding the most talented, young, and fresh artists on that side of the planet, and showcasing the winner on the season finale. Yes, this may be the “in” thing in television, but this is also a new approach in searching for the best of the best.

 

These shows have one goal in common: to mold raw talents into a much deserved spotlight, by giving them a chance to learn more about their music, discover their hidden talents, meet new people—the list just goes on and on. For many, this is a chance for them to share what they have to others; for some, a life changing challenge that beats all odds. Either way, one thing remains the same: winner takes all.

 

In this somewhat harsh reality of show business, people have already mixed the music business with TV, making it a whole new era of “real” entertainment. Every week, a few will get cut off, and the best of the artists will remain, fighting for the “Idol” title. To get to this, there will be a lot of practice, enhancements, and of course, emotions. With a fast paced approach (because the show usually runs for only a couple of weeks) these young talents without experience whatsoever in the showbiz industry breaks their routine and show what they got in front of the cameras.

 

As the show progresses, so are the fans. At the end of each season, only one winner will get the chance to perform for several other shows, not mentioning the contract with a big music production label, their first album, and concerts across the state. Definitely, this is a dream come true for any young artist. But the question still remains: what would be the future for these young ones? And what is life after the glaring, almost blinding spotlight?

 

Many recording artists made it big through the traditional way-- working hard, playing extensively until they can't play no more. Comparing to the “Idol” scenario, we can say that this “Idol” shine may not last as long as others, maybe because it was all just about the TV rankings, and not the real music as it should be. But this should not affect other people, especially those who are in for the music. Yes, show business made its way to intertwine with the music business, but sometimes that's just how it all works-- more business, more money.