lastdecember said:

"Halfway There (But Not Getting Close)" should be the name of the song.

Lenny Kravitz Slams Fame Game Culture

"Rocker Lenny Kravitz has criticised reality TV shows such as AMERICAN IDOL for producing a generation of fame-hungry youngsters who don't want to work for a living. The "Let Love Rule" singer is convinced today's celebrity culture has a negative effect on kids - who all grow up wanting to be "famous" but don't want to work hard in their careers.

And Kravitz insists many young people see TV talent contests as an easy way to fame and fortune. He tells Britain's Glamour magazine, "(These shows) are a reflection of our society. You hear kids saying that they want to be famous, and when you ask them what for, they don't know - they just want to be famous. It's like there is this lack of passion in the doing of something that that might bring you riches. When I was little, I never said I wanted to be famous, I said I wanted to be a musician. I mean, I understand why people like (these TV shows), but will you find a Bob Dylan or a Bob Marley on there? It is what it is."


http://www.absolutepictur...hp?id=7859

Timmy84 said:

I really dont know what happend to him, he seems to be going backwards each release, he cant even do ballads anymore the right way. Someone should lock him in a room with Richard Marx, the only dude that can still write a BALLAD without making it some mid tempo slick sounding shit. You'd think MR.HELLO would never lose the art of writing on his piano, but he did, maybe his ex beat it out of him

Timmy84 said:

You see thats where the issue is, i would not have so much of a problem with this show, if it wasnt for the Freak-a-Zoids that get air time on the show during auditioning, and also if the common goal of the show is to just be a "star" for a day, no one is really teaching how to grow as an artist, no one is making this kids write or play or put a song together, they are fed everything from week one, then when they make the top 8 they are given what the shows producers feel are the right brands for them. The major issue is that once this show had its first year or two, the thing should have been cancelled, its like something that needs to be taken out back and shot. And its not for the talent on the show, its more for its premise, its played out, we all know the drill

lastdecember said:

But wait! If we're going to put the USA media on blast for all of this reality TV crap (American Idol, Survivor, etc) that is making any idiot a "star", why not put the UK media on blast for doing the same thing (X Factor) on a much worse scale.

There's merit to what he's saying... But you know... a lot of rockers, that get a lot of respect now, started playing guitar because they want to get chicks.

lastdecember said:

That frying pan must have been something LETHAL!

Timmy84 said:

Well umm... Brenda knocked the music outta him? Lionel's desparate attempts to be hip is quite fun to watch tho!

I can't blame the producers of the show... it's supply and demand... people are eating it up... so they're selling it...

I'm surprised this "fad" has lasted so long though...

brooksie said:

He's gonna be 60 in ten days.

coolcat said:

I too am surprised that this reality stuff has lasted so long. It's all such a formula and has been for a long time. I guess it's because it's cheaper than scripted tv.

There's merit to what he's saying... But you know... a lot of rockers, that get a lot of respect now, started playing guitar because they want to get chicks.

vainandy said:

Baptised was not a good album

You see thats where the issue is, i would not have so much of a problem with this show, if it wasnt for the Freak-a-Zoids that get air time on the show during auditioning, and also if the common goal of the show is to just be a "star" for a day, no one is really teaching how to grow as an artist, no one is making this kids write or play or put a song together, they are fed everything from week one, then when they make the top 8 they are given what the shows producers feel are the right brands for them. The major issue is that once this show had its first year or two, the thing should have been cancelled, its like something that needs to be taken out back and shot. And its not for the talent on the show, its more for its premise, its played out, we all know the drill

There's merit to what he's saying... But you know... a lot of rockers, that get a lot of respect now, started playing guitar because they want to get chicks.

Thank you.. reality check! I'm sorry but American Idol didn't invent this and many artist, musicians, and singers chose to become entertainers in order to become rich and famous. I guess it's noble if people chose their respective professions for sublime reasons but many don't.

As far as Mr. Kravitz, I've never cared for his music.

coolcat said:

Yeah but there is balance. Lots of artists started out as nerds trying to get laid but grew into real artists because when asked "what are you going to say to the world" they were forced to answer. AI contestants and winners are not asked this EVER because they are manufactured from the beginning. Their only purpose is to be methods of mass distraction - just another personality for people to watch. They are no more real than characters on a sitcom. People don't listen to their music, they look at them doing music.

TD3 said:

American Idol has nothing to do with music. Music is just a backdrop. American Idol is a business model. It has been applied across the board to hatch shows like "So You Think You Can Dance" "America's Next Top Model" "Top Chef" and practically any other competition based show that doesn't contribute to the craft that it exploits. The show is a formula, created solely to get people to watch people "doing stuff" so that the t.v. stations can get advertisers to spend money with them and to try to take away from people going to the internet and watching people "doing stuff" instead.
I too, have never cared much for Lenny's music...but dude has his head in the right place when it comes to certain aspects of life.

I do agree that AI has little to do with music and everything to do with the reality show formula. But is it hurting the music business? Like you said, people don't look to AI for their music... It is just another reality TV show to most people. I do think it can be harmful to young people looking to develop an interest in music, thinking that the American Idol way, is the way to go...

TD3 said:

American Idol has nothing to do with music. Music is just a backdrop. American Idol is a business model. It has been applied across the board to hatch shows like "So You Think You Can Dance" "America's Next Top Model" "Top Chef" and practically any other competition based show that doesn't contribute to the craft that it exploits. The show is a formula, created solely to get people to watch people "doing stuff" so that the t.v. stations can get advertisers to spend money with them and to try to take away from people going to the internet and watching people "doing stuff" instead.
I too, have never cared much for Lenny's music...but dude has his head in the right place when it comes to certain aspects of life.

TonyVanDam said:

They're just as guilty. In fact POP IDOL was the one that INSPIRED American Idol and convinced Paula Abdul to come back again. :lol;