BeatNonStop A Weblog by Chris Macias Bee pop music critic Music geek (n. myü-zik 'gEk) 1: A person who proudly wore KISS commemorative pajamas in third grade. 2: A person who owns multiple copies of the same album, still buys vinyl and has a room dedicated to 2,000 or so CDs and records. 3. A person who wrote a five-part series about traveling with a local band in their stinky van - and loved every minute of it. 4: Chris Macias, the Bee's pop music critic, serving Sacramento's music scene since 1999.

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May 24, 2007

Not mad, just bored

So the new "American Idol" has been crowned and – big surprise! – Jordin Sparks is the Queen Bee of Season 6. But I’m sure you knew this already. As for me, I'm glad that this latest "American Idol" juggernaut is in the books … well, at least until the "American Idols Live" concert extravaganza comes to Arco Arena on July 25.

In yesterday’s Bee, my pal and colleague Rick Kushman wrote a column about the validity of “American Idol”-mania, and says that us haters need to start “letting go of the anger.” Well, I wouldn’t say that “American Idol” makes me so mad that a vein pops out of my forehead or anything. To me, “American Idol” is simply played out, more formulaic and boring than anything. Recent ratings for “American Idol” show that others may be feeling this way, too.

It’s not that I’ve been down on “American Idol” since Day 1. I was pretty much hooked on the first season, and, yes, I even phoned in some votes because, you know, it would’ve been soooo lame if that goofy Justin Guarini beat Kelly Clarkson. I was also a regular viewer for the second season, but after that, I’ve just tuned in less and less. By this latest season, I was barely viewing in bits and pieces. The reason is that “American Idol” has become too predictable: the feigned fights between the judges, the ever-present red Coke cups, the embarrassing Ford Focus commercials. And Lord help me if I have to hear one more power ballad again …

“American Idol” still remains hugely popular, but mass appeal doesn’t mean something is inherently good. Think of it this way: Milli Vanilli and Vanilla Ice sold millions of records, but does that mean they were great by any standards? And hey, how about that Hootie and the Blowfish. As for “American Idol,” its legacy will be that it produced a handful of superstars – some “American Idol” winners are even struggling with their careers - and more also-rans to fill People magazine’s “Where Are they Now?” features for the next few decades. By the way, anyone heard from Justin Guarini lately?

Posted by cmacias at 12:12 PM | Comments |