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What’s even more disturbing is the popularity of such programs.  It’s apparent we, as human beings, thrive on watching others being judged, laughed at, put down, hurt.  People are being compared to what’s unnatural, not every day living.   

But especially disturbing to me are the televised, highly-staged talent contests that let celebrity judges and then good old America vote on you destiny.

With shows such as American Idol, “judges” sit on a panel, listening to contestants perform.  Note to self: Silicone, plastic surgery, hair with no split ends and make-up perfectly intact. Seriously?  Some contestants perform with enormous hope, others a bit hopeless.  What’s even more disturbing, are the producers ability to throw someone in the mix, with not-so-natural talent, as the sacrificial lamb. Even in the comfort of my own living room, I’m embarrassed and sympathetic.  There appears to be no empathy, no consideration.  Judges have been known to walk off, laughing uncontrollably at self-conscious contestants.  

We’re all judged enough in real life.  I don’t understand the need or the necessity to go on national television, appear before a small group of experienced professionals, to encounter certain critical regurgitation.  Seems every where we go, we’re exposed to what’s sexy, ideal, who’s talented and who’s not.  Who really is the authority?  I think performing in a seedy bar would be convincing enough.  

In the beginning, did The Rolling Stones played harmoniously?  Probably not.  I’m certain Jim Morrison (The Doors) wouldn’t set foot in front of the false intentions of harsh Simon Cowell or busty Mariah Carey. Can you imagine such raw talent being groomed under the direction of a small few? What direction would Morrison have gone with the judges pumping him full of their ideas of what success should be?

I recently read a statement by Dave Grohl, original member of the 90’s grunge band, Nirvana and founder of the popular band, the Foo Fighters.  It’s candid, but truthful.  

“When I think about kids watching a TV show like American Idol or The Voice, then they think, ‘Oh, OK, that’s how you become a musician, you stand in line for eight fucking hours with 800 people at a convention center and… then you sing your heart out for someone and then they tell you it’s not fuckin’ good enough.’ Can you imagine?  It’s destroying the next generation of musicians! ...Musicians should go to a yard sale and buy an old fucking drum set and get in their garage and just suck. And get their friends to come in and they’ll suck, too. And then they’ll fucking start playing and they’ll have the best time they’ve ever had in their lives and then all of a sudden they’ll become Nirvana. Because that’s exactly what happened with Nirvana. Just a bunch of guys that had some shitty old instruments and they got together and started playing some noisy-ass shit, and they became the biggest band in the world. That can happen again! You don’t need a fucking computer or the internet or The Voice or American Idol.” - Dave Grohl

Here! Here!  I’m with Dave. 

Maybe I’m a bit old school, but I’ve always believed if there’s something you really want, nourish the inner calling by trying, practicing, experimenting. Feel free to get it wrong before you get it right. Have fun while learning from mistakes, figure out what works, what’s successful.  I never imagined one’s quest for success and acceptance would be made via ignorant television. If you want to sing, act, write, paint or perform, do it...minus the judges, cameras and television audience.