American Idol: Beyond The Music & Bright Lights
Do you sometimes wonder what it might be like to be a contestant on American Idol? For the few hours that we all see them on television, the contestants behind the scenes are waiting to audition, then they are sitting on the sidelines and waiting to sing. What isn’t usually seen is how their time is spent when they’re not waiting to sing or get up on stage. The contestants spend long hours in rehearsals, get very little sleep and then with their little amount of free time, they are usually left to try to relax whilst surrounded by other unfamiliar people in a place that is not their home. When they do get up on stage they are really exhausted. Can you imagine what it must be like to work so hard and then be judged as unworthy to continue?
When watching the first few shows of American Idol, we see the entire crew move from one city to the next, giving teens and young adults the opportunity to prove their talents. We tend to see long lines outside of television venues and crowds in the waiting area. We see some of them go in to perform for their chance to attain stardom. We also watch as some people “wow” the judges and come back out with their pass to American Idol and also cringe when people walk out in tears. Those thousands of people aren’t all seen by the primary judges. Due to some obvious time constraints, the contestants must first try to pass a screening process before they are admitted to appear on the show. It’s always hard to believe isn’t it? How do some of the people who ultimately stand in front of Simon, Paula and Randy make it through this far? It’s all part of the Hollywood system. The people are sent through because it is entertaining to watch their painful demise.
When the contestants first arrive there, they have probably got it set in their minds which songs might be the most and best suited for them. But they also might have a great surprise coming. They do get to choose, but only from a pre-selected number of songs. The legalities involved keep the contestants from having carte-blanche over their song choices. This is due to the fact that the American Idol has to have legal permission to actually using the songs on television. If they allow the singers to choose from an unlimited list, the show is put in danger of being sued for copyright infringement.
Another element that goes into consideration is the contract. Before the contestant can appear officially on American Idol, the singers will need to sign a contract which will state their willingness to abide by the rules. They agree not to talk to the media until they have won or been voted off the show. All contestants usually forgo their right to sign with another recording company until three months after the completion of the televised seasons. If a contestant who has been booted is then offered a contract with another company, they can also ask for permission to do so. Their motivation usually lies in taking advantage of the publicity the show might have given them. If they wait too long, they risk to lose their opportunity at attaining fame.
Thus, while American Idol can be understood as enjoyable entertainment for all of us and a great way for singers to showcase their talents, it is not all about glamor and excitement. It gives people the chance to progress in ways that we aren’t privy to and in that sense is well worth all the hard work that goes into it. All contestants less one or two in each season walks away heart-broken. The sheer bravery and determination that is required to just keep going should be recognized by all of us. Those who win and those who walk away with a chance to record with another label are not always “overnight sensations”. They all maximize their efforts for the competition. The competition itself helps to prepare them for the many hard sleepless nights and endless rehearsals they will have to endure as famous icons of the music industry. There are many of them who keep working for their dream regardless of not having made it on the American Idol. It could possibly be just one of many prospects they have available for them but it is not always a bad one and those who give it a try usually deserve a great amount of admiration for their ongoing determination and perseverence.
