The Riley Factor

No offense but I can't stand this show anymore. I think these people are very hollow for trying to become famous like this. Sure it's funny at the beginning when Simon tells those wankers like it is, but being a person that tries to write music, it's kind of ghey watching people just trying to become famous singing other people's songs. I'm sure that when they win the record company already has their whole path carved our for them, as far as what songs will be on their album and their image, etc. Thats not what music is about...these people aren't idols...they're mostly lame, like me.

guess what, your right. they already do have things all planned out for them by the record company. and i dont know that they do write ANY music on their own, except for on the first season (which i didnt watch) kelly clarkson i think wrote her first song...but i totally could be wrong but i swear i remember hearing that somewhere.

you know what though, i agree with you that it is lame when a musician doesnt write their own music EVER, but on the other hand these people are more talented then i am when it comes to being able to sing so i dont know that i think they dont deserve to become famous because they cant right their own music.

its a toughy cause i love all types of music and alot of the music i love is extremely corny i will admit it. but i place different values on certain musicians. like for instance, alanis writes all her own stuff, and although i love the way she sings, she may not be the best vocalist out there, but i still think she is like way more talented then say britney spears or someone along those lines that probably never wrote a lyric in her life, probably can't play a single instrument and pretty much just sings what she is told to.

i think people should remember those sorts of things though, because if we did people like n'sync wouldnt get way more credit and be a hell of a lot more "popular" then say, Our Lady Peace. its just not right man...

I never thought into it too much. I'd say an American Idol should be arrogant and pretty much think he/she is way better than everyone else. Also, he/she should be extremely attractive, because we're so shallow nowadays. Hmm, what else. I suppose they should be regarded solely for talent, and any sort of intelligence (whether present or absent) will make no difference in what people think of them. Oooh. They should be very quick to jump to conclusions without thinking things through, be very envious of others while envied, and finally they should be easily swayed by public opinion. That about does it. The American that the majority of Americans can idolize. Cause I know if I had to pick someone to idolize, that's exactly what I'D aim for...

I'm sorry, but truthfully I think alot of people can be trained to sing. And American Idol has shown us that there is no lack of talented singers in this country. Thus, to base a music career off of the fact that they have a good singing voice is utterly retarded. That's not talent. Its much easier to train someone's voice to sound good than it is to teach someone to write good music. Plus, I'm getting sick of reality TV shows that consist only of beautiful people thrown into unbelievable situations that always have dramatic twists at the end.

Ow, my neck hurts, I can't type anymore...

Why does typing make your neck hurt?

Apparently you've never actually SEEN how Steph types...

i agree with you to an extent steph, like for instance a person that writes as well as performs their own music SHOULD be considered much more talented then someone who maybe is just a good vocalist. But i dont think that just anyone (with some training) can become a good vocalist. yes, with training and practice you can always improve, but those two factors i dont think can create talent where there wasnt already some. that would be like saying with lots of training anyone can become a professional athlete...i agree with practice you can become much better, but not good enough to be considered great at it unless you already had talent in that area.

So, i guess my view point on this is that, yeah these so called "american idols" are more talented then the average person, and they should get their props for that, but they shouldnt be held in such high regards as a true musician who can not only sing, but play instruments and write lyrics and all those good things that a truly talented musician can do.

No, John, I had the pain in my neck prior to typing. It's name is Brett. And it appears to be permanent.

Also, I saw what you were saying Ang, I'm just saying look at Britney Spears. You can tell that voice took years of coaching, and its still not all that hot. I just think these people should focus their lives on more likely career paths instead of wasting time on something that less than 10% of Americans are making millions on.

thats funny you mention britney spears cause me and kate were talking about her this morning. i think people place more value on britneys looks then they do on her actual talent, and well thats a shame that we do that.

That's America for you. I could almost swear someone put a spell on this entire country to make them stupid. I have exhausted myself trying to come up with another conclusion, but that's all I have. Thus, I give up before I give myself an aneurysm.

There are plenty of famous singers who have never written any music. There are many people who have written wonderful music and have never sang. By the same token, there are those that only write lyrics. Just because you don't do all three shouldn't matter.

One first has to have an aptitude for music. If you have that, you can be taught how to play an instrument and you'll play it well (with practice), you can also be taught music theory and write beautiful music, but...if you can't sing...you can't sing...no matter how much training you have.