Chris Sligh Advises the Season 8 Idols

That $200,000 talk is really intriguing. Kris and Adam got more though, right?

Moved my post from the headlines thread:

It was so thought provoking! I love Sligh. Out of any idol, I really think he is probably the best songwriter so far (I am talking about his pre- idol stuff). Well, that made the top 10 anyway, still think Josiah Lemming has that in the bag.

I also read somewhere else today that Jared Cotter ( can’t remember his season, maybe 6th?) co-wrote the big hit ‘Down’  that’s on the charts right now for Jay Sean. Pretty impressive for a guy that dressed like Carlton Banks and didn’t know that Bob Marley originally sang ‘I Shot The Sherriff’ .

ETA: Know by Half Past Forever( Chris’ pre-idol band) is a great song :
http://www.myspace.com/halfpastforeverband

http://frommymindtoyoureyes.blogspot.com/2009/09/to-idols-realistic-look-at-your-career.html

This is the ‘bible/handbook’ for all idol finalists after the tour is over.

Kris and Adam got more though, right?

Probably.

You know, the tour was a little longer in Sligh’s day (around 60 shows), so the average Idol may make less than $200K now. He may also be including the show revenue (they get paid union scale once the start filming the Ford videos).

I think Matt has already been woking along these guidelines. He has been booking himself and writing music.

60 shows !?!?

I think that part in the article about “the next JT” was about Matt.

This was a really good read. He sure wasn’t trying to be “nice”, but he’s trying to be really helpful and a friend.
I dunno why people are criticizing him for saying he’s top 2/3 in his season. Honestly, other than Jordin who’s doing better than him? Oh yeah… no one!

I liked that advice about merch and picking the 15 towns… sounds like a smart plan. Also, get people who tell you the truth. That’s probably harder to find, trusting people is a bitch, but yeah, that would be the best. People who are honest and aren’t there just to make you happy.

I think that part in the article about ‘the next JT’  was about Matt.

Well, he also mentioned mad piano playing skills… hehe.
I think Matt is working along these lines, but yes, he has to think of his place in the music industry and he needs to find some skilled song writers to co-write with. I am still thinking that he might have co-written something with Kris while on tour.

guy who came in 10th place is the 2nd or 3rd most successful from his season and top 5 most successful over Season 6 & 7?

…and 1st most vain.

I dunno why people are criticizing him for saying he’s top 2/3 in his season.

He said more than that – he said he is in the top 5 over season 6 and 7. Really? Big-headed much?

Terrific read – for both Idol wannabees and their fans.

Chris Sligh from Season 6 has wrote a really good blog of ‘advice’  for Season 8′s Top 10.

http://frommymindtoyoureyes.blogspot.com/2009/09/to-idols-realistic-look-at-your-career.html

This is the ‘bible/handbook’ for all idol finalists after the tour is over.

Ditto

He said more than that ‘“ he said he is in the top 5 over season 6 and 7. Really? Big-headed much?

He sounds confident and really proud of what he did… but other than the Davids who is doing better than him from season 7? I will say, lets wait and see what happens to Jason. But Brooke, Michael, Carly, Syesha… haven’t hit the way Chris has yet.
I think the season 7 guys are doing just fine, and much better than season 6… still, Chris has toured more than them and he has that hit song, plus some music of his own. I think I can see where he’s coming from.

chris was also dropped from his label just like blake was

I dunno why people are criticizing him for saying he’s top 2/3 in his season. Honestly, other than Jordin who’s doing better than him? Oh yeah’ ¦ no one!

I think he is absolutely right in his advice. I’ve said as much in the past and got a little bit of a beat down by folks, however I just don’t care for the arrogance in the tone of his writing. To say he is in the top 5 of not one, but 2 seasons (6 & 7), I’ve gotta scoff at that. It takes a little time, more than one year to dig in and make a run in the music industry. I think Chris short changes season 7. He has a year on them. IMHO season 6 was one of the weakest seasons.

Plus I always have issues when someone states that they are more successful. Afterall there really isn’t one definition of success. Taylor is a good example. Yes, he won and was then a commercial failure. Something tells me that he is just plain happy doing what he is doing and not answering to the label. Taylor may consider himself a success as long as he is paying the bills and is happy with the music he is making.

The important part of his message is not how he rates himself in the succes scale but what he is saying the non signed idols should do if they want to make it. It’s some really good advice. We have both Anoop and Matts that have signaled that they want to continue persuing a music career without being signed. This is for them. I think Michael and Danny (and all of them) should read this too. Seems like Michael and Matt have already understood some of this already. Matt needs to think where he will fit though, I think that’s why he is not signed yet.

60 shows !?!?

The tour used to run until the end of September…

Sligh is probably talking profits. He wrote a pretty major hit for Rascal Flatts, one of the biggest names in country music. Having said that Jared Cotter ( he was season 6 also) is probably going to surpass that. Here Comes Goodbye didn’t make the top 10 mainstream chart, but “Down” is already at #5. Of course Cotter was one of 4 or 5 writers on that song, so not sure how that pans out profit-wise.

I don’t think it was a real stretch to say he was the top 2-3 in season 6 or the top 5 in both 6&7. I would say it was Cook, Archuletta, Jordan, Sligh, and maybe Castro, depending on what happens when his song is released.

He sounds confident and really proud of what he did’ ¦ but other than the Davids who is doing better than him from season 7? I will say, lets wait and see what happens to Jason. But Brooke, Michael, Carly, Syesha’ ¦ haven’t hit the way Chris has yet.

Indeed, but since people like Brooke and Michael have only just released their albums, Castro has yet to, Carly may be hitting it big with her new band, it’s odd for him to say what he says. If this is the way he wants to go, i.e. they haven’t done as well as he is doing YET, then he is selling himself short, he can count as the top 5 over Season 6, 7 and 8 given that Kris and Adam haven’t released anything worthwhile yet. Yes, how true, Chris Sligh is doing way better then Kris and Adam. Here’s one guy who has an ego in direct proportion to his size.

I do wonder how he managed to think he did better than Sanjaya though – a big advance on his autobiography, just been on another reality TV show, and I don’t even keep tabs on what Sanjaya does. Oh and I forgot – Melinda Doolittle sold more albums than Chris did.

I think his advice is on point. He is dead on.

I don’t care how he ranked himself. Since I can’t see any of these people’s bank accounts, I won’t worry about it.

Interesting that he only seemed to count Adam and Kris as the only ones who would make any real money this year. Did he leave out Allison on purpose? Hmm…

tinawina- i noticed the Allison snub too. She is a real wildcard, that one. Outside of the AI bubble (message boards and Slezak, pretty much)- I just don’t know if she can pull it off. Plus I think he is counting her as one of the people he is talking about not being original. She has constantly been accused of being either Kelly or Pink 2.0

All Chris had to do was leave out the distracting part where he compared his success to the others from Seasons 6 and 7 and his blog would’ve been perfect. It’s fine to consider yourself a success and I’d say that by most objective measures he is. But he kind of puts down what some of the others have done and people just aren’t going to like that. It’s too bad because his advice is great.

But hasn’t that always been the story of Chris Sligh? Smart guy who always manages to combine intelligent comments with the wrong thing to say making people less likely to want to listen to him?

The advice may be useful but Sligh is still a big headed douche.

Yeah, count me amongst those who find him big-headed (Melinda hasn’t been doing much? Really?). I would say that he hasn’t been doing badly for a 10th place finisher… but for a 10th place finisher. And don’t even get me started with the folks of season 7 (who’ve only had a year and yet I’d argue that at least four of them are doing better than he is overall).

But his advice is potent nonetheless. It’s worth the read, if you can get past the self-centered attitude and the occasional ad hominem that really was probably meant to be “real” but could have been more constructively put (and that should be the point, no?)

(For what it’s worth, I don’t know what he knows about profits, but if we’re talking general success in the industry I’d put him below Cook, Jordin, Archuleta, Brooke, Michael, Melinda, and probably a few others if I’m being really scrupulous. Heck, even contestants like Amanda are touring in their own right. I think he’s underestimating what others are doing, really, and I don’t think he realizes he’s as invisible to them as they’re invisible to him.)

Interesting that he only seemed to count Adam and Kris as the only ones who would make any real money this year. Did he leave out Allison on purpose? Hmm’ ¦

He didn’t mention Danny either. I think that the entertainment industry is used to Idol winners and runner-ups being a reasonably big draw. So, if their manager calls up Leno or Regis, they get an automatic “Yes”. If it’s a lower finisher, the show probably says “Who is that again? Send over their stuff and we’ll see” (exception being Daughtry who made a LOT of press for his SHOCK BOOT). Also, with the corporate gigs (which pay really well), some corporate booker is more likely to think that a winner or runner-up will be a draw even if they haven’t heard of them. Plus, these things are supposed to pump up the crowd. Getting the 3/4/8th finisher might not be seen as inspiring the crowds.

Any of the Idols can make it (Jennifer Hudson finished in 7th and she’s probably the 1st or 2nd most successful from her year), but the winner and runner-up have it a little easier. They both still need to work their a$$es off, though (and even then they can fail, too).

I think Sligh’s season learned the lessons the hard way. There was a lot of talk that year that everyone of them would be successful based on how successful the Season 5 crew was (9 out of 10 released albums, 4 albums went gold and something like 6 of them debuted in the top 10). A lot of people accused them of even not trying that hard to go further in the competition. Reality came home to roost that year.

tinawina- i noticed the Allison snub too. She is a real wildcard, that one. Outside of the AI bubble (message boards and Slezak, pretty much)- I just don’t know if she can pull it off. Plus I think he is counting her as one of the people he is talking about not being original. She has constantly been accused of being either Kelly or Pink 2.0

That could be it. She does have the smallest active fanbase and the least real world buzz of the 3. It is questionable whether she has the charisma to succeed on a large scale, since she had so much trouble building a fanbase on idol. I’ve never heard her called Pink 2.0 though, but I could see why someone would say that.

On the other hand, she is a solo female pop rocker, and of the 3, her type is the most likely to be accepted by pop radio. She was enthusiastically signed by a label that specializes in teen pop acts. They gave her a top flight A&R person. She’s working with Kevin Rudolf and Max Martin, both big pop songwriters/producers, especially the latter. No one on the radio sounds quite like her. I don’t know if I would be so quick to write her off.

Very good read! they should all read this. Work ethics… that’s what it takes to reach the make/break point

The default setting for a post-Idol career is “fail”. That has to be the assumption with the success stories being the pleasant surprises. That’s just the way it is.

Very good read! they should all read this. Work ethics’ ¦ that’s what it takes to reach the make/break point

I thought that his even larger point was that Idol wannabees need to be brutally realistic about the possible avenues to a career in music. For example, there is probably not a viable opportunity for Anoop to be the next Bobby Brown or a hit on R&B urban radio.

I think Sligh’s season learned the lessons the hard way. There was a lot of talk that year that everyone of them would be successful based on how successful the Season 5 crew was (9 out of 10 released albums, 4 albums went gold and something like 6 of them debuted in the top 10). A lot of people accused them of even not trying that hard to go further in the competition. Reality came home to roost that year.

OMG, that’s true, I forgot about that! Sligh publicly made comments about only wanting to make the tour. They all thought they were going to be signed. Wow, reality sure slapped that crew upside the head, didn’t it?

Listening to he words of “Empty Me” ( which Chris wrote and a song that I love) and you can see that Chris has learned a lot of lessons.

Hated Chris on the show, and love post-idol Chris. Wish he would write something for Phil.

Hard to determine who’s most successful though.

I think Sligh’s season learned the lessons the hard way. There was a lot of talk that year that everyone of them would be successful based on how successful the Season 5 crew was (9 out of 10 released albums, 4 albums went gold and something like 6 of them debuted in the top 10).

And that’s ironic and telling, because the only person from Season 5 who is still successful and in the mainstream eye is Chris Daughtry (and Kellie Pickler to a lesser extent).

To me the funny thing about calling Allison “Pink 2.0″ is that I could say the same thing about Adam and Kris this year, yet few have really pushed to associate similar artists as much as they have with Allison. I’d love a Pink 2.0.

I’m not commenting on Chris’ ego or where he ranks himself. His advice was very blunt and very good. Hopefully the AI8 Idols will read this and pay attention to what he’s saying. Because all of them — including the ones who actually have record deals — need to work their butts off if they want to make it in this business. And they need to be able to market themselves, surround themselves with people who know the business, aren’t yes men and have their best interests at heart. Even Kris, Adam, Allison and Danny have to be careful about just sitting back and letting someone else plan everything for them — they need to take a proactive interest in their careers — their label and management will care about them only as long as they are making money and won’t hesitate to drop them quickly if they don’t perform up to expectations.

Some of the blog does come across as dissing his fellow contestants, but I think his point was to give straightforward advice to the S8 folks just coming off the tour where they were adored by thousands, had stylists and choreographers and go-fers, etc. I hope all of them can take his perspective to heart. Love the advice to live way below their means, and save their money. It is so easy to go crazy with a big windfall, and not plan for the future. I am one who loves Anoop’s voice, but I read somewhere he was considering law school. 200K would go a long way to financing a life-long law career, and that is what I would do if I was Anoop, as smart as he is (spoken as a mom with a son probably looking at grad school in near future). The music industry is so dang fickle.

I’ve always liked Sligh, and his advice is mostly good. A hard work ethic, knowledge of the industry, and a realistic attitude towards “stardom” is essential.

That said, I think he’s guilty of imposing his definition of success on others. Take Lakisha… he mentions that she just had a baby. He left out her gig on Broadway and the fact she put out an album. Did it sell a ton? No. Did his? Not really. Perhaps her vision of success does not include touring for little or no money.

Someone mentioned Jared Cotter. I don’t think he even made the tour. Yet he had some hosting gig and is obviously still involved with the music industry if he has a co-write on a hit song.

sorry I never liked him.and this is common sense.all I can say is yes,he is fat and ugly.sorry but no I really don’t like him

I get the Pink 2.0 thing for Allison. In fact, I think she has to be promoted as something of a Pink 2.0 thing to be successful. She’s not a Taylor Swift or a Miley Cyrus. She’s not the pretty, relatable, girl next door. Millions of Idol tweens didn’t connect with Allison on the show in the same way as they’ve connected to Taylor, Carrie U. or the Disney stars.

Pink, on the other hand, has always been something of an anomaly in pop music. She wasn’t the pretty girl. She was the badass with a great voice and tons of attitude. She didn’t want to be Jessica Simpson, she made fun of those girls. Pink is the best comparison, because Allison can sing circles around other pop psuedo (or former) badasses like Avril Lavigne. I don’t know if Allison can get away with being as edgy and in your face as Pink has always been, because of her age, but it’s smart to head in the Pink direction. Just my 2 cents.

Millions of Idol tweens didn’t connect with Allison on the show in the same way as they’ve connected to Taylor, Carrie U. or the Disney stars

This is true but I still think Allison can be hugely succesful. I don’t really know how, but she is so good, you know?

They probably didn’t connect to her because she is not pageant and I hope her label capitalizes on this.

That was one of the best pieces I have ever read about Idol — or about the music business for that matter.

I hope that every Idol Finalist from AI8 reads it and thinks about Chris’ advice. Being on Idol is not a golden ticket to fame. Even David Cook, who is one of the most talented winners and has 19′s support, is working his tail off touring and promoting his music. This is a really hard business. And very few people from Idol are even able to make a living in the music business.

Kris and Adam both have a good shot — and both should have at least 1 hit album. But I don’t think there is any guarentee for their careers either. They are going to both need to make smart moves and worked incredibly hard. Many before them have had one big album then watched their careers fade — Clay, Rubin, Fantasia, Taylor.

I think that the jury’s out on both Danny and Allison, for the same reason: will they be managed so that they are successful? They both lack maturity and focus as artists. One should expect that from Allison because she is only 17 and doesn’t appear to have a stage mom or dad running her career. But Danny needs to grow up artistically — I hope he does.

Of the rest, I put my money on Michael Sarver and Matt having a shot. They both seem to have the determination and work ethic needed. Now it’s just a matter of if they stay on track and have enough talent.

Allison connected enough on Idol to make it to 4th place… not too shabby. Her chances of success are the same as those of Kris and Adam, IMO. They all have to have the right material. Anyone who relies on their Idol fanbase alone will not make a huge splash in the music industry.

Chris definitely gave the Idols good advice, but I have to agree with the people who think he’s big-headed. And as for Allison, I think she can be successful (at least I hope she can because she’s my favorite!)

I had actually forgotten who this was. I do remember he was arrogant on the show. Why didn’t he just leave all the crap out about how he “ranked” on the success scale. Is it earnings he is looking at?
I would say the top FOUR of this season have a legitimate shot of doing really well. They are all signed and working on their album immediately, not two years from now. I don’t think they are going to have to rent a crappy apartment and travel in a van with one muscician. (You know, Allison is in Sweden working with Max Martin right now.) I think Jive is investing a little time and money in her.
The rest of the article about working hard, REALLY hard and the realities of the music business are valid. The advice pertains to all facets of the entertainment industry. It is harder(looking at percentages) to make a living on Broadway than to do the same in professional sports. Knowing how hard Adam worked in LA, while living in crappy apartments and working retail, gives me some comfort. I do beleive he understands the risks and work involved more than the others. We’ll see…

Allison connected enough on Idol to make it to 4th place’ ¦ not too shabby. Her chances of success are the same as those of Kris and Adam, IMO. They all have to have the right material. Anyone who relies on their Idol fanbase alone will not make a huge splash in the music industry.

Well, Syesha made it to 3rd place, and she didn’t have a large active core fanbase either. But she still doesn’t have a recording career, you know? That said, I think Allison has a real shot at sustained pop radio success. Still I wouldn’t sneeze at Kris and Adam’s fanbases. They have an advantage over Allison in that they both will be able to build a nice cushion of album sales over Christmas. That alone will buy them more time with thier labels… ask Archie and Cook how that worked out for them. Allison is going to have to work harder to make a dent than those 2. That said, I think she’s well positioned to do just that.

Sligh’s self-assessment of his success level doesn’t bother me. By many standards he’s right: just like Diana and Constantine have redefined what success means outside of the AI bubble by becoming theater stars in NYC, Sligh has entered the Nashville songwriters establishment. He probably made good money off that Rascal Flatts song, and will make more money that way in the future. He’ll likely be making a full time living in music/entertainment long after others from AI are back where they started.

I think Sligh’s blog is a dose if reality people coming off the show need.

Even though Chris comes off slightly arrogant, he does give some good advice. What he’s basically saying, is it takes a lot of hard work. If the idols think people are going to be knocking their doors down after the tour, they are way off base. The top 4 are the most recognizable from this season (8), and the remainder will have to work twice as hard as the others. There aren’t any guarantees, but, what Sligh has going for him, is his songwriting ability. He’s very good. Kris may not have the octave range of Adam, but, possesses mad songwriting skills as well as playing instruments. And, his talent to interpret a song and pull his audience into it, is awesome!

I still think season 5 has had the most successful idols of any season. Sure, Taylor was dropped, but, I suspect, he, like Bo Bice having played every dive and club in the south were a little harder to work with and mold. Neither were pop stars and the machine didn’t know what to do with them. Both are happier now with their own labels and working their tails off to pay their bills.

Season 7 contestants are the runnersup in my book as far as the number of idols who will make a splash. The jury is still out on season 8.

Studio57
September 20, 2009 at 11:00 am
I think that part in the article about ‘the next JT’  was about Matt.

I think he hinted at both Matt and Anoop, I think both would benefit from reading this piece.

I only remember this guy from the teletubies and el divo comments to simon. So how many hit songs exactly has he written?. I never heard the rascal flatts song but are there more?. cos if he is right abt being top 5 over 2 seasons then the idols are not doing well at all. and that’s just sad. but hope it’s not ONE song that’s making him scream successful.

I think Jive is investing a little time and money in her.

Only if you consider spending her future royalties “investing”. All that comes off the top of her cut. If her album doesn’t sell enough recoup the costs, Jive will whip up a quickie Spanish-language Christmas CD to recoup a little more and tell her, “thanks for playing” on the way out the door.

The ones who have 19E behind them have the best shot at actually making a living at music. They have the support right now.

Although I’m wondering if either Danny or Allison are going to be MANAGED by them (or did they just get the record deal). Because, if not, they’ll have to find their own management – and it’s HARD finding decent management.

I mean, we all bag on 19 all the time; but they DO have the experience and the connections that these kids need. I just think that sometimes they care more for certain clients than they do the others.

And even if you’ve got 19E, they still need a strong work ethic, some smarts and some common sense. I think both Adam and Kris have that. Allison is still a kid so…who knows with her. But it seems like Jive REALLY believes in her so that’s a good thing. Danny, sorry, he’s very green and naive.

As for the others, I think a few of them will be able to make a good living (even if they don’t make it big). Anoop, Giraud and Sarver seem to have a strong worth ethic and a sense of realism.

I don’t really have a read on Scott. Lil doesn’t seem to have a realistic view of things and Megan seems flighty, stubborn and lacking in focus.

He didn’t mention Danny either.

Chris Sligh has his own thread on VFTW and he actually posts on it. He may be the only Idol who posts on that site. Anyway, he mentioned somewhere in that long-ass thread that he thought Danny’s best chance for music success was in the Christian music venue and he would love to write him a song. He also said that he hoped Danny would not choose the Country venue because he didn’t think that was a good fit.

Chris has given the Idols some good advice. I hope they read it and take it to heart.

The ones who have 19E behind them have the best shot at actually making a living at music. They have the support right now.

ITA. The 19M and/or major labels ones have the best shot. The others can settle down to a nice career on the indie level if they play their cards right (i.e. listen to Sligh lol). If they are attractive and/or well spoken enough, or if they have any acting ability, they can slide over into other aspects of entertainment industry. But really, you need to move somewhere the action is and get into the mix as soon as you can. Then work your tail off.

Not everybody from AI8 stands to get much from Chris’s advice. He’s mainly talking about “paying dues.” Adam for one has already done a lot of that. My guess is he could give Chris a few pointers.

I think Chris offered some good advice, but I do agree with some that say he is imposing his own definition of success onto others. I think for many success is being able to do something that you enjoy and make a decent living out of it. It doesn’t have to be about selling the most records, or being the most famous. Sometimes I think those people end up being the least happy….just my opinion.

Someone mentioned Season 5 being unsuccessful after that first year out. It just reminded me of what Elliott Yamin had to say a few months back:

People always rag on Taylor [Hicks] and how he’s doing Grease on Broadway now. I hear that shit all the time on the radio. But here’s the bottom line: everybody’s working. That’s a great tribute to my particular season ‘” they’re all doing something in this business, which isn’t easy. This is the toughest industry to be in, hands down. And whether you like these characters or not, none of them are back to where they were before the show. There’s something to be said for that in this day and age.

I tend to agree with Elliott.

Chris did post that about Danny trying CCM, basing it mostly on Chris’s personal experience, and that of Phil Stacey. Chris also said though, that he thought of Danny as a friend, and believed Danny had one of the top voices ever by a male finalist on AI.
There are no guarantees what will happen, but Danny does have a very good and distinctive voice, a much much larger fanbase starting out than Phil or Chris ever had (or both of them together, for that matter), a major record label contract with 19R/Sony Nashville, and consistently good reception for Danny’s ability to perform live in large venues in the recent tour. Some of those attributes arguably have much more in common with Carrie Underwood as a past example (though obviously without the buzz or PR push of the winner) than Chris or Phil at this point in Danny’s post-AI experience.

I see Chris’s advice as most applicable for the lower tier finalists who don’t have something lined up yet (Lil, Anoop for example), but not all that meaningful in its entirety to the ones with major record deals. How they fare will be based on factors that don’t parallel the Chris Sligh / Phil Stacey experiences. I think that’s true for Allison, as well as Kris, Adam and Danny. Although Allison’s fanbase from the show is known to be smaller than the top 3 guys, it has to be miles broader than that for Chris when he left the tour.
Apart from general good advice like working hard, not letting their egos go wild, learning as much as they can, etc – what will matter for those who are signed with big labels is getting good material to sing, what they bring to it, and having good backing for PR, appearances, pushing for radioplay, etc.

Chris’ analysis is spot on and for most of the top 10, reality has probably already set in. I can’t imagine what a letdown it must be to go from having thousands of fans screaming your name one night to being back home wondering what the heck you’re going to do with the rest of your life the next. I’m thinking of people like Sarver, Anoop, Lil, and Megan specifically from this year’s bottom six. It’s depressing just to think about it.

The one exception may be Scott MacIntyre. He seems to have realistic goals and is already following the Chris Sligh formula. Scott has booked a couple of shows and is taking his Idol notoriety and sort of recycling back to what he did before the show. I think he will be moderately successful as he is very focused and has a solid plan. We’ll see.

I love what Sligh wrote about Haley! Who?

One thing I love about Sligh is how blunt he is. No pulling punches for this dude. As a result of his hard work, he may well have a career that will last a lot longer than some of the people whose names are more recognizable. Good luck to him!

larc
September 20, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Not everybody from AI8 stands to get much from Chris’s advice. He’s mainly talking about ‘paying dues.’  Adam for one has already done a lot of that. My guess is he could give Chris a few pointers.

Sligh’s advice wasn’t really directed at the top 2, or even Danny or Allison. He’s talking to those unsigned by a major label or unmanaged by 19 (which might include Danny And Ally, we don’t know). I think he was speaking mainly to the bottom six.

I’m thinking of people like Sarver, Anoop, Lil, and Megan specifically from this year’s bottom six. It’s depressing just to think about it.

I don’t think it’s depressing. They all had the opportunity to live out a fantasy, spending a year on TV and on tour being pretend stars enjoying the illusion that fans actually care about them. Plus, they got a nice year’s wages. They’ve had their 15 minutes. That’s not depressing.

re: ‘The one exception may be Scott MacIntyre. He seems to have realistic goals and is already following the Chris Sligh formula’

I agree, Scott (who really impressed me in concert) seems to be in a different category than the others who are not yet signed. From anything I’ve read, Scott doesn’t seem to have been actively chasing a record deal per se; maybe he prefers to stay in control through an indie route for his own recorded music? He has spoken about pursuing opportunities to build his career in songwriter/publishing, and there’s that book deal he talks about.

Chris is giving very good advice to the idols. It is going to be hard for them after touring and performing in front of 10,000 people to find out that it is just fleeting fame for many of them. Those who follow his advice will have a better chance of making a career in music.

Incidentally, I believe that song-writing is the key to long term success. It is the songwriter, not the performer, that gets royalties every time a song is played on the radio. If you can get a few hits under your belt you will have royalties for the rest of your life.

I think he gave very good advice and I think that advice is best for those who don’t have a record label as well as those who aren’t following the pop route. The genres which cater to the teenagers and top40 crowd generally fare much better, especially as they usually get a lot more buzz. With a decent enough album, Allison will probably be fine. With a very good album, Matt G will still struggle (which is frustrating because I thought he was one of the most talented his year).

I think Chris’ view of his success relative to others is a bit skewed. Until a few minutes ago, I was only aware of his blogs…I didn’t realize he had a good music career. Season 6 is also not a very good example… I could barely sit through more than 1 episode of that season…it was not an exciting year. It’s a shame that Melinda isn’t doing better, but the music industry has very superficial standards for women and we’ll leave it at that. It’s a little premature for him to say that he’s doing better than everyone in season 7 except the Davids, since most people are just getting started, especially Jason and Carly. I would also never leave Syesha out of the equation yet. She has the potential to be another JHud…not just because she’s doing the Dreamgirls musical but because she seems to possess the right combination of looks, talent, ambition and a strong work ethic. There are arguably 5 people from season 5 that are doing better than Chris Sligh (Daughtry, Kellie P, Elliot, Taylor, Katherine…and I think I’m missing someone else). He probably has a point if you consider the first 4 seasons though.

Despite those problems with his article, I think he gives very good advice. If the idols can ignore the slightly arrogant tone, I think they can get a lot out of it.

I do find Chris somewhat arrogant but his advice is sound. I have to say that I really didn’t find anyone that original in Season 8. It’s not like I’m such a big music expert, but I wasn’t impressed. I TiVo’d it, and zoomed through most of the season.

Adam fans make me laugh….Adam might have paid his due on the “broadway” stage but not really…. He never “made it” big on stage, hence his need to audition on a reality show. He also had some music out there (as we found out) but it was never released & even when it was with people who wanted to cash in on his stardom, and all his fanbase love, & exposure on A.I., they still didn’t sell. He also didn’t even surpass David Archuleta’s top 100 chart record while on A.I. Adam knew he would have an advantage & he’s an actor on stage with Broadway type of experience so everyone else would look like an amateur. He knew what buttons to push & he did & he was successful for the most part, but he still didn’t win and I suspect Kris won by a huge margin over Adam. There are in fact many Adam Lamberts on stage both on Broadway & Vegas. Those people are really good but there is someone just as good around the corner & I don’t have the burning desire to buy their music, if there is something to buy. Neither Kris Allen nor Adam Lambert are unique. I loved Allison, but even she is not unique. I am impressed by her voice at 16 but…

There is nothing new under the sun. I bet, if asked, most of season 8′s older contestants feel they have paid their dues. Though Chris wasn’t my favorite in season 6, I actually thought he had a really good voice & was very talented. I wonder how he might have fared if he was slim & good looking. People are funny that way. I think all these contestants and/or winners need to realize that after the Idol tour they may be in for reality check.

It appears that Chris Sligh has not changed much since Season 6. But he makes a number of excellent points. The tour is over with and six of the contestants are already back home to their regular lives. I hope they all read Sligh’s blog because I am not sure all of them have realistic goals. There’s only been one Jennifer Hudson so far and she did not get her record deal until she got the role in Dreamgirls.

Although I’m wondering if either Danny or Allison are going to be MANAGED by them (or did they just get the record deal). Because, if not, they’ll have to find their own management ‘“ and it’s HARD finding decent management.

Has there been any confirmation yet on who is being managed by 19 from Season 8?

I think his overall assessment is on target although I did chuckle a little at his assessment of himself. I guess it’s hard to self-evaluate.

It’s a little premature for him to say that he’s doing better than everyone in season 7 except the Davids, since most people are just getting started, especially Jason and Carly.

But based on past seasons he made a good point. The reality is the vast majority of those who loved Jason and Carly during the tour will NOT buy their CD or care about them two seasons later when the cd comes out. It’s no exaggeration to say 98% of AI fans are incredibly fickle. So in that sense it isn’t premature. And it isn’t a slam on Carly and Jason. It’s just reality. His statements can be backed up in facts via the experiences of idols from seasons 1-6.

His advice is good. His definition of success is clearly spelled out: paying your bills in the music or entertainment business and having some left over. Based on that standard he is clearly in the upper third of idols from seasons 6 and 7. Getting hung up on the “I’m in the top 5″ statement misses the entire point of the blog. I’m guessing the idols themselves will get the point whereas fans of those who feel their favorite was slighted by Sligh (heh) might focus on the stuff that doesn’t feel as much like a bucket of water to the face.

Chris Sligh …. his feet match his mouth.

His advice is excellent. I hope they all read and heed it.

OK, beginning disclaimer-I’m a huge Chris Sligh fan/friend and have been following him since he left American Idol.

Things I’ve learned about Sligh over the last 2 1/2 years: he’s extremely savvy about the music business and he is an extremely hard worker. He also has a healthy self esteem, but hey, a performer needs that, right? : ) And I figure someone who co-wrote a #1 hit for Rascal Flatts has a right to that, as he’ll be reaping the benefits of that little ditty for years to come. He has a beautiful voice, but his songwriting will be his bread and butter in his old age.

Chris doesn’t sugarcoat, and he absolutely told the truth. I hope all the Idols will read it. Even a record deal is not a guarantee. Just ask Taylor. The music biz is way different than it used to be and you’ve got to approach it smart.

If you have an Idol you’re a particular fan of, tweet him/her the link. You’ll be doing them a favor.
http://www.frommymindtoyoureyes.blogspot.com

Well, I think the S8 guys are hard workers. Megan said she is putting together a band, Matt is writing on material and trying to book performances, Scott is working on material and self producing, Michael and Danny got signed and is working on that and Danny has a concert thing booked. Anoop has that fair thing. Lil is really the only one that we haven’t heard anything about.

I think his most important advice for them is to think about where they belong in the music industry, because the rest they seem to already be doing.

I don’t think it’s depressing. They all had the opportunity to live out a fantasy, spending a year on TV and on tour being pretend stars enjoying the illusion that fans actually care about them. Plus, they got a nice year’s wages. They’ve had their 15 minutes. That’s not depressing.

It’s like “Flowers for Algernon”.

I’m guessing the idols themselves will get the point whereas fans of those who feel their favorite was slighted by Sligh (heh) might focus on the stuff that doesn’t feel as much like a bucket of water to the face.

I don’t think anyone is really getting hung up on his self comparison. A few weeks ago I said that I thought the idols were somewhat delusional & got a few retorts.

Other than this season, the only Idol I’ve ever cared about or purchased a CD of… is Kelly. The rest, are not even on my radar. I’m not invested in anyone, so how could I feel slighted? I just didn’t care for his attitude. There is one component that Chris left of in his definition of success… loving what he does.

I know Matt Giraud (like all the others) is holding out hope for a record deal. That may or may not happen; but in the mean time I bet he could make a REAL good living as a studio musician with his piano playing. Or go on tour with some bands.

I don’t dislike Chris Sligh, but he may need to keep some perspective about his own level of success also. His only big success after a few years now is having one song, that he co-wrote, sold to Rascal Flatts who made a big hit of it. That’s a great achievement, but I’d have to credit most of the result to the huge popularity RF brought to Chris’s song. He’ll need to sell a lot more songs to top artists to have a successful long-term songwriting career.
As far as Chris’s success in touring, he must be doing some very small gigs; he tweeted about one recently that was a few miles away from me, and I’d never even heard of a venue in that town. Had to be just a small club.

But hasn’t that always been the story of Chris Sligh? Smart guy who always manages to combine intelligent comments with the wrong thing to say making people less likely to want to listen to him?

Yep, I agree. Chris always manages to undercut his talent and insight and shoot himself in the foot somehow. He *does* have interesting points to make in this blog, but he says everything in such a pompous, asswipe tone that I don’t want to listen to him, and I expect the likes of Matt, Anoop and Sarver (who I take to be his intended targets) won’t, either. Telling us all that he’s at the top of the success ladder is just him letting his insecurities coming to the forefront one mo’ time. Yes, Chris, you’re good enough, you’re smart enough, and gosh darn it, people like you. You don’t need to pretend you’re in the top 5 over two seasons. ‘Cause anybody with a brain knows that claim is specious at best and mean-spirited vanity at worst.

For one thing, Sligh is not such an established star or all-around success story that he can give advice from on high. Give him a couple of years, see if he’s still doing well, and THEN see what he has to say. Actually, if he’s scrambling to pay the rent a few years down the line, I might find his advice more interesting. I bet people like Tamyra Gray and Justin Guarini could tell you a lot about what not to do, with the wisdom of a few more post-Idol years under their belts. I’d like to hear from Blake or Chris Richardson in, oh, 2012 or something.

Well, I think the S8 guys are hard workers. Megan said she is putting together a band, Matt is writing on material and trying to book performances, Scott is working on material and self producing, Michael and Danny got signed and is working on that and Danny has a concert thing booked. Anoop has that fair thing. Lil is really the only one that we haven’t heard anything about.

Right now I think booking is really easy. What Chris (and his ego) is describing is what happens after everyone has forgotten exactly how they remember the idol’s name. He’s made some wonderful points.

RE: Adam.

Adam might have paid his due on the ‘broadway’  stage but not really’ ¦. He never ‘made it’  big on stage, hence his need to audition on a reality show.

I’d don’t laugh at this, but I think you miss the point. It is not so much that he has paid his dues and can now sit back..it is more that he knows he needs to pay his dues & that it is not over yet. I imagine he has seen friends make it and then fall, so IMAO he is not as naive as some of the other contestants coming off the show. Yeah.. and he still needs to work his ass off to make anything of himself, they all do.

Adam fans make me laugh’ ¦.

If there is anything on earth this particular blog thread is NOT about, it’s the kid who won, the kid who finished second, or the fans of either kid.

Chris Sligh was explicit in his blog when he said that the only Idol wannabees he was not talking about were the wannabees signed by 19E. His whole point is that the Idol franchise is designed to promote 19E signed artists and that it is everyone else who needs the advice he is offering. It has nothing to do with “Adam fans” (whatever that means) making someone laugh.

I think that the jury’s out on both Danny and Allison, for the same reason: will they be managed so that they are successful? They both lack maturity and focus as artists.

Allison lacks focus as a artist?Really.Highest finish for a rawker chick on idol ever and only 17.Well lets hope she will focus on what kind of image she wants to put out.
What is funny is lots of people saying chris is wrong “he is in top 5″ of 6 and 7 but nobody has proved him wrong so far.I think that was his point.He is “1 of the top” and he still is working his butt off.The best part of what he said is SAVE SAVE SAVE.I can sum up every thing he said in 1 fact.Kellie pickler made more money then daughtry last year and he sold more albums.Kellie still works her ass (fine as it is) off and is on her bus more then not.
If you don’t think idol hardcore fans don’t let go look at all the people still saying well they just need more time or chris has been out of idol a year longer.Adam knows the game but can he be a male lady GAG GAG?kris is very good singer song writer type but how many of them out there all ready?Allison i think has the most talent for any idol ever(adam was not close to her talent at that age)she is a woman,she has a rawk edge and there is a void right now.Will she make it who knows but jive is setting her up to and that makes me happy.That is all go back to bashing mr sligh but he is smart look who is talking about him again.lol

While I was reading Chris’s blog I kept thinking that I hope Matt G is sitting up and paying attention. Matt has said he plans to stay home because he feels like he has the exposure now and getting a contract will happen if its going to happen.

That was an eye opener of a blog and everyone who doesn’t already have a contract should be sending Chris effusive notes of gratitude.

ethic. There are arguably 5 people from season 5 that are doing better than Chris Sligh (Daughtry,

Kellie P, Elliot, Taylor, Katherine’ ¦

Bucky has a solid career in country music. He’s not a country superstar, but he’s making a living. His second album is due out in November. I saw one of his first concerts after his album came out and it was so much fun.

Ace had a co-write on “It’s Not Over.” He did Grease, put out an album that didn’t sell great (but he likely retained a good profit margin) and co-hosted Idol EXtra. He’s going to be in an indie movie with Cyndi Lauper and is writing songs for it. I have heard he’s also writing songs for others, but don’t have any details.

Lisa Tucker had a role in one of those Nickelodeon shows.

But Sligh didn’t claim to be more successful than Season 5.

I looked at Jared Cotter’s myspace and his bio says that he co-wrote 6 songs on Jay Sean’s album. The show he hosts was the Sauce, and he still has projects with Fuse.

I’m not sure that the Idols of Season 8 think they are going to be stars. I think Megan said in her interview with Slezak that success to her would be doing her own thing, even if meant singing in a coffee shop.

Highest finish for a rawker chick on idol ever and only 17.

Well, not to dis Allison, but Nikki (who?) was considered a rocker chick and she finished 3rd and got signed to 19R/RCA. She even dyed her hair a shocking red. I’m not saying Allison will suffer her fate, I’m just pointing out that rocker chicks have gone further on this show.

I’m not sure that the Idols of Season 8 think they are going to be stars. I think Megan said in her interview with Slezak that success to her would be doing her own thing, even if meant singing in a coffee shop.

I’ve thought a couple have shown signs of being a bit delusional… mainly Lil, Scott and perhaps Anoop, who I think has little to no chance of being a contemporary R&B artist. I think Megan and Matt have it about right. I think Sarver needs to get his ass to Country immediately if he is going to have any shot… he too needs to walk away from his R&B dreams.

You assessment of the season 5 people is spot on to me. They are doing well for the most part. And don’t forget Kevin Covias, the actor!

I imagine he has seen friends make it and then fall, so IMAO he is not as naive as some of the other contestants coming off the show.

ITA. I think that is one thing Adam and Kat McPhee had in common. They both knew how the industry worked before they ever stepped on idol.

I found Chris to be arrogant and off-putting on the show. Nothing has changed my mind since. His advice merely amounts to common sense, regardless of the industry in which your goals lie. It’s not all that simple to be really successful as an attorney. You have to do a lot of grunt work and put in a lot of hours to get ahead. And that’s true of most fields. However, I do think that the importance of hooking up with really good management cannot be overstated.

If there is anything on earth this particular blog thread is NOT about, it’s the kid who won, the kid who finished second, or the fans of either kid.

Look at me being all nitpicky again. Here is what Chris said on the subject:

“So, my message to Season 8. You’re not going to be successful. You’re not going to be millionaires (with the exception of MAYBE Kris and Adam).”

I think he’s saying there that Kris and Adam might be millionaires/successful, but that it’s not a given. And I think he’s right. Even the winner and runner-up cannot rest on their laurels. Now is the time to solidify the position they have and work, work, work. They, as much as any of the other contestants, need good songs. They need to network. They need to slog. They are in the best position, but their success is not a given. Look how many winners and runner-ups have been dropped by their labels. Sure, Kris and Adam have to scale some of this advice. They don’t need to tour with one musician, yet. But, they shouldn’t tour with a cast of thousands either until they are more sure of long-term success. They need good managers. They need good money managers. They need to surround themselves with people who are not “yes”-men. They need not to spend their money like it is water.

I love that you referred to “Flowers for Algernon,” Kirsten! Aw. Poor Algernon.

Meanwhile, I love the idea that the music biz is changing rapidly because of the Net and Facebook and Twitter and iPhones and something that will be invented tomorrow to turn it all on its head again. (Sligh kind of alluded to that without coming right out and saying it.) There are ways for people like Elliott to make a lot more money with his own label than with a major, and ways for people like Justin, Kim Caldwell, Syesha, Diana, Constantine, A-Fed, LaKisha, etc. to do just fine without hit records, and for somebody like Anoop to go to law school and come out the other side as a 21st century music manager with a new paradigm for the whole biz. (Hint, hint, Anoop! Don’t go to law school to do insurance defense or something — start your own management firm!)

I’ve got a very talented musician nephew (who does a lot of studio work when he’s in LA and gets paid very, very little, so don’t be thinking that’s a way to roll in the dough) currently in a van with three other musicians, touring rinkydink places and printing t-shirts and trying to get their band off the ground. It’s what Daughtry, Cook and Hicks did before Idol, and there are still tons of guys like them out there, trying to score at least enough for gas and beer money off their gigs. There are stand-up comedians out there doing the same thing. And actors and dancers and singers auditioning and waiting tables and hoping to get cast in something that pays enough to make next month’s rent. Or maybe to get lucky and marry somebody with a real job.

It is, unfortunately, the way of the world in the performing arts, and anybody who has tried to make their way in that world before Idol knows that very well, I suspect.

On the issue of billing yourself as the Somebody 2.0, that’s a double-edged sword. In the current world of branding and marketing departments wagging the dog, they really push you to define yourself very specifically and give yourself a niche. It’s high concert and oh-so fun to say you’re Pink meets J-Lo with a twist of Rocky Horror. But they also don’t want you to be too much like somebody else. So as soon as one network has a hit with a vampire show, there are tons of vampires on your airwaves. As soon as there’s one Bridget Jones’ Diary or DaVinci Code, you’re choking on chick lit and multi-national conspiracies that go back centuries. One Carrie Underwood begets a million Kelly Picklers and Taylor Swifts and Julianne Houghs. It’s kind of like you have to do it, but then you have to prove you’re different once your foot is in the door with the marketing department.

I mean, we all bag on 19 all the time; but they DO have the experience and the connections that these kids need.

In 7 years, 70 singers have been Idol finalists and gotten a unprecedented about of exposure to an weekly TV audience of about 30 million people (about 50 million individuals over the course of the average season). Some large number of people (maybe a few hundred thousand) are committed enough to vote for the winner. Why isn’t there a real megastar from Idol (Carrie is the closest but not a megastar IMO.)

Is there a flaw in the whole 19/Idol star-making process? Why haven’t they found a megastar in 7 years?

- It could be that the whole process, including the fans, does not identify the most talented people, just the most likable people — it’s a popularity contest.

- It could be that 19 screws up people’s careers — tries to force artist into bland, commercial pop music — even when it doesn’t suit them.

- It could be that Idol gives people a boost but that most of the winners and top finishers don’t have the talent to have a sustained recording career.

- It could be that 19 in only interested in the Idol franchise and not any of these singers individual careers — Season, Tour, Album Release all must happen before the next season starts. Focus on the new kids.

But I believe that Idol just domonstrates that it is almost impossible to plan or “manufacture” stardom. It also shows how difficult it is to predict who will be a star and, once gotten, how ellusive fame really is. But isn’t that why we all keep watching? Just for the hope, the slim chance that a real star will emerge. Don’t some of us secretly wish that our new fav will be that star?

madnessinmotion- didn’t Jason Castro pretty much “stay home”? i think he did and he ended up getting a major deal. There are going to be exceptions for every rule, I don’t think we need to take Slighs advice as word, but it is a pretty damn good advice guide.

I’ve thought a couple have shown signs of being a bit delusional’ ¦ mainly Lil, Scott and perhaps Anoop, who I think has little to no chance of being a contemporary R&B artist. I think Megan and Matt have it about right. I think Sarver needs to get his ass to Country immediately if he is going to have any shot’ ¦ he too needs to walk away from his R&B dreams.

I would agree about that. Idol alums do not have a good track record with R&B. Even winners like Ruben and Fantasia have had a hard time sustaining careers as top recording artists.

Getting hung up on the ‘I’m in the top 5′ ³ statement misses the entire point of the blog.

And the point of the blog is just to say what a wonderful, hard-working, clever person he is. Seriously, anyone needing those advice has problem already, my mother could have told anyone those things – live within your means, work hard, learn about the the business you are getting into, what’s so special about that?

The only useful bit of information is getting 200K from the tour, apart from that, a load of common-sense stuff done is a self-congratulatory tone. And no, I don’t think him having written a minor song done by someone else is that big a deal, and that’s what he thinks a big success is eh? Is that song even platinum?

I think EVERYBODY on S8 should read his post. The advice is pretty spot on, very realistic and helpful…the music industry is changing but the bussiness part of it is still very cruel, being signed is an advantage but what really matters is what they’ll make of it…

Nikki McKibbin was not a rawk chick she was a wannabe.She never came off as real rawker even simon said she was a copy cat.If you want to count her as a rawker ok but she still has nowhere near the talent Allison has and never will.I don’t live in the idol world that if you have supertalent you make it.Allison will have to work her butt off just like kellie pickler does.I do like her chances for making it but you may not its ok with me.I don’t get a cut of her album sales but will buy her first 1.

If you want to count her as a rawker ok but she still has nowhere near the talent Allison has and never will.

I would never claim that Nikki was as talented as Allison. Just that she was sold as a rocker chick.

after reading this thread my very insightful long and complicated opinion :I hare chris sligh;( HATE .someone I don’t know.

after reading this thread my very insightful long and complicated opinion :I hare chris sligh;( HATE .someone I don’t know.

Hee. I like him. That doesn’t mean I don’t think he has a healthy ego. The truth is that the people that have been successful are the ones that work their butts off…

The only useful bit of information is getting 200K from the tour,

I agree with that, but can we really trust that figure? Is Sligh once again self-aggrandizing by inflating the figure? I think Elliott in S5 mentioned something in the 250K range, and he was a third place finisher. I think Ruben in S2 talked about 5K a show, and that would’ve made him 300K, and he was the winner. And, you know, caveats here, because my memory is lousy, and Elliott could’ve said 150K and Ruben could’ve said 3 thou per show.

My guess is that this season, #10 makes less than $100,000 and #1 makes less than $500,000. Just a guess. 19 is notoriously cheap, and I can’t see them shelling out more than that.

That’s awesome, Chris Sligh. You go, Chris Sligh. <3

But seriously, this guy is incredibly realistic. There are a lot of gems in this article. Some stuff, like living below their means, is advice that ALL of the idols would do well to take. And the idea of the tour merchandise and shirts… that's some useful advice that they can start using immediately. Ditto on not being cheap American Idol versions of other artists and developing their own style.

Overall, he just gives great perspective on what Idol is and what it isn't. You can look at it from the perspective of what you're NOT getting from Idol–instant fame or success, stardom– but also what you DO get… if the Idol alumni look at themselves in comparison with other wannabes, instead of stars, they're so lucky. $200k or whatever in the bank, the Idol name, some name recognition–that's great. So with THAT attitude in mind, they should really work hard and work smart and get a good career out of it all.

He's so blunt! I mean, he assessed the success of his fellow Idols! I love it. And contrary to what people are saying, I DON'T think he's vain. It's not vain to be realistically aware of how well you're doing and say it, and I'll take honesty over false modesty any day.

He illustrated his main point of "don't buy into the AI hype" very nicely.

I would agree about that. Idol alums do not have a good track record with R&B. Even winners like Ruben and Fantasia have had a hard time sustaining careers as top recording artists.

True. I think it’s because idol tend to push to the top the people who lack they very thing you need to make it in contemporary R&B… edge (and smoking hawtness for the girls lol). It is hard to win without some degree of warm fuzziness. I think Syesha is the closest they’ve ever come to producing someone who could make it on contemporary urban radio.

I wonder, if Adam is successful, will they be more open to letting contestants who are openly sexy and/or edgy on stage?

As for Sligh, while I do agree his advice should be common sense, every year for some contestants it seems to ellude them.

I bet people like Tamyra Gray and Justin Guarini could tell you a lot about what not to do, with the wisdom of a few more post-Idol years under their belts. I’d like to hear from Blake or Chris Richardson in, oh, 2012 or something.

I agree with you on most of that (like wanting to hear from Blake, Chris R, etc. in 2012 [as well as wanting to hear from Adam in 2012 now, but that's besides the point]) but I’d like to point out Tamyra and Justin had some awful luck being on the first season. Runners-up don’t have to wait until the winner’s debut album (the next April, midway through Idol 2!) to put out a single or album any more, which is bound to help people now. Plus Tamyra has done some writing and acting since, but is kind of cold lately.
Mostly I think Sligh’s advice for the contestants is good, but his ego is bigger than he is. One of the top 5 of season 6 and 7 combined…way too early to tell on EITHER season. Once 5 years have passed, we’ll see who sticks around.

But based on past seasons, he made a good point about how the vast majority of those who loved Jason and Carly during the tour will NOT buy their CD or care about them two seasons later. It’s no exaggeration to say 98% of AI fans are incredibly fickle. So, in that sense it isn’t premature

.
I agree with that part and I agree with his dim view of an idol’s future. My only point is that his argument of being more successful than Jason or Carly or anyone from season 7 is a little unfair given that they are just getting started. The only reason he used season 7 as an example instead of season 5 (which would have been more realistic, given that they’ve had time to establish themselves) is because a large chunk of people in season 5 are doing better than him and his argument would lose credibility. I just think that he would have made a better point if he hadn’t used himself as an example of success and if he hadn’t been a product of one of the least popular idol seasons ever (I’m basing this on tour stats and enthusiasm of fanbases….not casual viewership)

luvadamlambert
September 20, 2009 at 2:40 pm
after reading this thread my very insightful long and complicated opinion :I hare chris sligh;( HATE .someone I don’t know.

Young grasshopper just think if this year in school everyone wanted to be your friend.The whole school stops when your in the room or hallways.teachers fight over teaching you,bus drivers fight over driving you to school. Cafeteria workers make you special food everyday.A year goes by now you are just another student back where you started.HOW HARD WOULD THAT BE?

Interesting read by Chris. The only controversial part was how he rates himself. But I guess if you say Jordin is the only really successful one from her season and add the two Davids..you could argue he’s in the top 5 of those two seasons. I guess.

I hate piling on S7 but neither Brooke, Micheal Johns or Jason has set the world on fire with their music. Ditto Carly. Maybe in a year, or two or five but right now not.

Anyway, the rest of it is a great read. I especially think the statement that 98% of the audience will forget about them once the new season starts is totally on the money.

This is really for the ones not signed by 19. The four signed ones will get decent promotion (hopefully) and the top two should get very good support. But the others (sorry) are probably going nowhere fast without tons of hard word and luck. That’s just the way it is in Idolville.

Didn’t Jason Castro pretty much ‘stay home’ ? i think he did and he ended up getting a major deal. There are going to be exceptions for every rule, I don’t think we need to take Slighs advice as word, but it is a pretty damn good advice guide.D

Jason stayed home after the Idol tour ended? I think he lives in LA now right?
Anyways I am still hoping and praying Matt pulls a Castro sooner or later. I believe he has talent in spades and so much to offer. With a major label behind he him he could have a big career.
Also Matt twitted a week ago important people from a label were in the audience watching him and he seemed to give his fans a hint something was going to happen and that it was only a matter of time.

Crossing fingers for you Matty G! You deserve it so much.

I wonder, if Adam is successful, will they be more open to letting contestants who are openly sexy and/o edgy on stage?

I think Idol will be open to it, but I don’t think a contestant with too much edginess/sexiness will ever win. Richard Rushfield had an interesting opinion on this a while ago.

Chis Sligh has edited his blog post and added in the following two comments:

ETA: Someone brought up Jared Cotter (went home top 16 night my season) who had a big hit with Jay Sean called “Down”. Props to him…my post was focusing on the top 10 of each season, but in reality, this success would put him to the top of our season – plus he has the hosting gig…Jared was one of those that was going to be successful no matter what – he got what Idol was and he got who he was.

ETA: I saw this somewhere else and knew my post was missing something -

Ninthly (and finally): Freaking love what you do. When you don’t love this anymore, when the pain of travel and the hurt from non-success hurts more than the joy you feel when you rock people live, quit. Go get a “real job”. Love what you do. Do what you love. Period.

I’m not sure what pulling a “castro” means. It’s great that he got signed but if 90% of his fans have moved on to Idols from the new season, that’s not so great.

madnessinmotion- didn’t Jason Castro pretty much ‘stay home’ ? i think he did and he ended up getting a major deal.

No, he didn’t. Even before the tour ended he already had a website. After the tour he traveled to LA and NY, had meetings. He had a few gigs, I remember him playing in Tulsa with some Cook friends. Jason started writting, and recording. Then he had a deal.
Far from staying at home.

Even though some of the things Chris says are more for the 6 who are not signed, I think the other 4 could read this too. Just cause they’re signed doesn’t mean they have it easy. They still have to work. Go to radio stations and sell their work. Go on tour and work for it.
I wonder if one of the reasons Jordin hasn’t been able to gain much of a fanbase is the fact that it looks like everyone does the work for her. The girl has been around for a long while and has yet to get her solo tour… just doesn’t seem like she’s really working hard for it.
Now, granted she’s doing ok. But yeah, I think even those signed with 19 have to sweat and sweat a lot.

Why isn’t there a real megastar from Idol

Well, how many megastars are out there? It usually takes years to reach a certain level.
I guess we can see from that perspective, or like someone said, we can look at the people who have been on the show and see how many have a different life now and are in the industry. Many of them. If they get to live from it, I don’t think it’s bad and it’s another win case for AI.

I think Chris is giving great advice. He, as well as, other past Idols are not on my radar. Clarkson, Daughtry, Cook, Underwood, Hudson and Archuletta to a lesser degree all have viable careers. Not everyone will be a “star”, but still can have a lucrative career in music. I respect the “working” actor more so than the “star” with no substance. Doing what you love to do and the ability to make a living from it is what’s it’s all about in all our lives.

As far as, Danny is concerned, I think he might get the KLC promotional package. I’m not sure if that feeling is tempered by risidual dislike I had for him or a sincere belief. I do believe it didn’t bode well for him not being signed right away. It just makes me feel that 19 wasn’t all that interested in him. They’ll make an album and see if his fanbase responds. His sales weren’t all that spectacular post-idol, which is very telling.

Adam, as far as, I’m concerned will dabble in all areas of the performing arts. There will be a varity of incarnations of Adam. As I’ve said, he’s a triple threat and might eventually act in television/movies. He definitley will return to Theater. Adam as recording artist is just the beginning for him.

I see Kris having a long music career. He’s hard-working and has a deep love for music. He’ll always be making music whether it’s for an audience of 20 or 20,000. He’s got solid musical training behind him, an abiltiy to write music, the willingness to learn from others, and a strong work ethic. It’s in his (and fate’s) hands. I see good things here.

Allison is young and has a killer voice. It all depends on marketing/promotion. I loved Pink the first moment I heard her voice. Allsion blew me away on the Tour with Barracuda (not a fave song of mine). Her demographic is a bit harder to pinpoint for me. Old school classic rock lovers, young guys/girls who love hard rock? I’m not quite certain…

My family is getting antsy. Gotta run before they hide the computer.

All Chris had to do was leave out the distracting part where he compared his success to the others from Seasons 6 and 7 and his blog would’ve been perfect. It’s fine to consider yourself a success and I’d say that by most objective measures he is. But he kind of puts down what some of the others have done and people just aren’t going to like that. It’s too bad because his advice is great.

Chris, Chris, Chris…..thanks for playing! You always have interesting things to say, but then your knack for egotism rears it’s ugly head, and eyes glaze over, and the message is lost.

But hasn’t that always been the story of Chris Sligh? Smart guy who always manages to combine intelligent comments with the wrong thing to say making people less likely to want to listen to him?

Yep.

It’s like ‘Flowers for Algernon’ .

Yep, depressing.

If there is anything on earth this particular blog thread is NOT about, it’s the kid who won, the kid who finished second, or the fans of either kid.

I could kiss ya! But don’tcha know that it all leads back to Adam, and Adam’s fans, even when it doesn’t?

I would agree about that. Idol alums do not have a good track record with R&B. Even winners like Ruben and Fantasia have had a hard time sustaining careers as top recording artists.

But how many in any genre have gone, or will go double platinum. That’s a good thing to have on your resume, past, present or future. I wouldn’t count either of them out yet, because in the R&B community they are still much loved and admired. Winning idol doesn’t insure much but for a year people know your name, and your face. After that it’s about working your ass off. The fact that Ruben and Fanny were unlikely stars to begin with, that they are still working in the business, a lot long than Sligh by the way, seems like they are a success by his rubric.

Danny is not getting the KLC treatment. She recorded her album in four days and it was released immediately after the tour. I think her promo consisted of one performance in bowling alley. Her treatment was ridiculous.

Danny seems to be getting some decent support from Sony Nashville.
Does anyone know who 19M will be managing? I haven’t heard any official word yet and that’s always a big sign on who gets the most support.

Allison lacks focus as a artist?Really.Highest finish for a rawker chick on idol ever and only 17.Well lets hope she will focus on what kind of image she wants to put out.

What does order of finish have to do with having artistic focus?

Allison has a great voice and she is capable of singing a lot of different kinds of music. But she hasn’t really said what direction she wants to take musically — her artistic direction was not part of her LA Times 4-part interview, and in the more recent Yahoo.com end of tour interview she continued to use a vague pop/rock label and sounded a bit passive about the whole thing.

Will Allison’s album be synth-pop/rock, pop-punk alternative (ala Pink), updated classic rock (Heart and Pat Bennetar for the 21st century)? I expect a pop/rock album with some Max Martin pop/rock synth-dance stuff on it — because that seems to fit the current market. One thing is a pretty good bet, I am not expecting an Allison Iraheta rock album. I would like to hear that album, but I am braced for a pop-rock radio-friendly album.

“Danny is not getting the KLC treatment. She recorded her album in four days and it was released immediately after the tour. I think her promo consisted of one performance in bowling alley. Her treatment was ridiculous.

Danny seems to be getting some decent support from Sony Nashville and will have some time to put a good album together.” —JPfan

I’ll concede, perhaps a bit harsh on my part, but I’m still not getting good vibes on the Danny front. Maybe Country fans will respond to his music. I’m not holding my breath.

Excellent advice – am sure Lambert agrees with it all – probably could have written it. And looking at Lambert’s career so far, it’s obvious that (as in Simon’s words) he wants to “win.” That’s the reason he’s so grateful to his fans – they’ll provide the “base” for eventual success. The guy is very smart and savvy and wants to drop an album that’s a commercial hit – not some “Broadway” compilation (that “Broadway” epithet is getting so old – only someone ignorant of what Lambert can do would keep spouting that). In addition, Lambert’s come up the hard way in the music business – if anyone knows what it is to slog away, it’s he. So, if outstanding talent and drive are the keys to success, the guy should make it big. It’s someone like Anoop, who has a fine voice, but no experience or apparent drive, who may disappear pretty quickly.

I don’t know who Chris is, (didn’t watch the show back then), but I’m guessing that this is good advice, not just for those who are unsigned, but also for even those who are already signed from season 8.

I thought of Adam when I read:
“First off: surround yourself with people who will be real with you. People who will tell you your music sucks, if it sucks. People who will tell you when you’re being an idiot. People who will keep you grounded. ”

Flaming headdress, anyone?

Someone here said:
“His definition of success is clearly spelled out: paying your bills in the music or entertainment business and having some left over.”

I think that’s a good definition of success, (and one that Megan used, too), and if they all can achieve this, they really are successful, especially in this economy. They might not get to carve out the exact career that they wanted, (Matt might have to play piano in someone else’s group, Anoop might have to give up R&B and maybe do backing vocals — (just giving examples, Alison, and that doesn’t mean that I know what I’m talking about. LOL.), and even Adam or Kris might have to be flexible on the genre of music that the record), but if they can make a living at it, they’re fortunate. (Wow, was that a long sentence, or what??!!)

I didn’t follow Taylor, (or the show back then), but I’ve read in various threads here that he’s making in the 6 digits. Hey, to me, that’s very successful. He’s getting to make his living in a field that he loves, and is making a decent income. Sounds like success to me!

Sure, I’m hoping that my favorites become super stars, but I know that if they don’t get dropped by their labels, and get to make a 2nd record, they’re doing well.

But how many in any genre have gone, or will go double platinum. That’s a good thing to have on your resume, past, present or future. I wouldn’t count either of them out yet, because in the R&B community they are still much loved and admired. Winning idol doesn’t insure much but for a year people know your name, and your face. After that it’s about working your ass off. The fact that Ruben and Fanny were unlikely stars to begin with, that they are still working in the business, a lot long than Sligh by the way, seems like they are a success by his rubric.

Yes, that’s why I said sustained a career as a top recording artist. I do not dismiss their continued success at all.

As for someone’s comment about Carrie Underwood not being a megastar, I will agree she’s no Madonna. But she’s new to the game and an A-list recording artist, a member of the Opry (big honor) and hella successful.

ETA: I don’t have high hopes for Danny in country. I am open to him proving me wrong. I think he was told to go country by 19 or get out. I think his interest in the genre is disingenous, and I think the country music world will respond in kind. We shall see.

I am not a huge Danny fan – but after seeing him on the tour – I think he has a really good voice – he could be big on radio if he is handled correctly and makes good decisions on his side. He doesn’t seem very savvy which could really hurt him.

With the right songs and promotion – I think any of the top 4 could be wildly successful – maybe more than one – hopefully.

There doesn’t seem to be anything controversial here. He has told them:
1. you’re not as “big” as you think you are
2. work hard
3. don’t waste your money.

I’ve been hearing that from my parents since I was little. They will either be the kind of person that believes in working hard and smart or not. Not sure Idol experience will change that.

Oh, and props to Sligh for recognizing Jared Cottor. OMG. Remember this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gFU_zyBPYo

LOLZ. The whole hand over face weirdness. But good on him for doing well after.

It’s not the first time that I read comments from Chris about the difference of his success and Blake’s success.

I don’t really care at all about S6, I really enjoyed idol that year simply because I didn’t root for anyone, I was team Simon. It certainly was the weakest season so far.

Having said that, I do hope that the non-signed idols read his advice, it all comes down to business and marketing skills, getting your name out-there, starting from zero, like a young company would do.

Although, I don’t really know if people like Lil or Megan could follow his advice, considering they are also young mothers, that’s their natural priority.

Chris seems really happy and satisfied with his way of life, that’s what really matters.

I won’t dare to make any predictions concerning Adam, Kris, Allison and Danny, I just hope they don’t get too confident, ever.

Danny is not getting the KLC treatment.

KLC treatment? What does that mean?

Adam on tour in a “Flaming Headdress”? – now you’re talking, babe. Spend big bucks for that one.

Danny seems to be getting some decent support from Sony Nashville and will have some time to put a good album together.

Danny also seems to have a much bigger fanbase than KLC and despite the internet hate towards him, he seems to have a lot more respect as a vocalist than KLC ever did.

The fact that Ruben and Fanny were unlikely stars to begin with, that they are still working in the business, a lot long than Sligh by the way, seems like they are a success by his rubric.

This.
ETA. KLC = Kristy Lee Cook. Signed by 19E (I think) and Arista Records. Given leftover songs for her album, which was recorded in 4 days. Had almost no promotion except something on Utube that I think she put together herself. Sold very little. Dumped by record label shortly after. In an interview, KLC felt that she got shortchanged…more attention given to artists like Carrie. I’m paraphrasing but I can’t remember the interview.

nevermind

Jared co-wrote “Down”? Wow….that’s news to me.

And although Sligh offers some reasonable advice, that blog post of his still reeks of self-obsession

KLC treatment? What does that mean?

It means buying a bunch of songs that have been kicking around Nashville for years, recording them in near record time, then dropping her six months after the album drops with zero pre-release publicity.

Honestly, how much build-up could they have given with the album releasing two days after the last Idol concert. I remember hergiving a radio interview about three weeks after the release. Kelllie Pickler was on an acoustic/meet & greet event fly around the country the weeks before her album dropped.

As far as Chris Sligh’s blog, I’ve always found that Chris rarely does anything that will not further his music career. His stated purpose of being on Idol was to get name recognition, to further a music career he knew wouldn’t include 19E or Idol.

I think the season 8 bottom 6 need to step away from the idea that they have to get signed and make a CD. Even well-established artists have CDs that are tanking. Making a CD is not the end-all, be-all. Making a living is.

But everyone wants to be the star. And they’ve been pampered and lauded and adored for the past year. It’s been a very unnatural setting for them, so most of the bottom 6 are probably thinking that opportunity will drop into their laps because they are JUST THAT GREAT. (Scott is probably the exception to this. He thinks he’s great, but he’s not waiting around. He’s thrusting his greatness anywhere he can.)

A CD from any of the bottom 6 would be a very expensive undertaking for probably very little return. But there are lots of ways to make a living in the entertainment industry that pay better than whatever they were doing before and may be more personally satisfying.

Like someone said, Matt could make a decent living as a session musician, piano player/back up singer in an established band, Vegas/cruis ship act, etc. It might not be glamorous, but it pays the bills and it beats selling tires at Sears.

Sarver is home-towny, personable, warm and well spoken. Honestly, I think his public personality is better than his singing. He should be looking for interviewing gigs on the country music channel or leading tours at the Grand Old Opry or something. I agree with the person who said that he’s gonna have to dump his dreams of R&B in order to be even moderately successful. Or he can keep them and struggle. But as a man with a family, my guess is he’ll be smart and go in the direction he’s been pushed. But I see his “people skills” being a better career asset than his singing.

I had the opportunity to talk to Anoop a couple of times and be present at a couple of the APs where he stayed for more than 45 seconds. HIS personality isn’t going to do him any favors. Sorry Alison.

Lil is the one I worry about the most. She seemed the most directionless and vague. And her talent isn’t anything that’s going to set her apart from any of the MUCH more talented R&B ladies from past seasons. If Melinda Doolittle can’t make it…. Critical aclaim doesn’t pay the bills and Lil had precious little of that all along.

I go see a lot of 80s acts/bands whose trajectories were once sky high (Rick Springfield, the English Beat, ABC, etc.). My husband always laughs and mumbles about “how the mighty have fallen” yadda yadda. I respond that they are doing what they love and making a living at it. It’s all they know. It’s not like they are suddenly going to become accountants. They take the gigs they can get and don’t get misty for the good old days (at least in public).

The bottom 6 need to take off the rose colored Idol glasses and get real. The average person can hardly NAME more than 2 or 3 non winners from any particular season. Season 8′s bottom 6 need to grab whatever opportunities they can and stop waiting for Clive to call.

OutlandoGirl : The bottom 6 need to take off the rose colored Idol glasses and get real. The average person can hardly NAME more than 2 or 3 non winners from any particular season.

THIS!!! You speak the truth, my friend.

There’s a lot of good points in his blog (although I think nothing that the idols don’t already know but they should still read it for good measure) but I could’ve done without the arrogance. I mean, he could well be in the top 5 of the successful tier in S6 & S7 but it’s not something that you can prove. Also, sure, he has a writing credit in a song for one of the biggest country groups, but can he sustain this songwriting/producing career? Maybe it’s a one off thing. What if he can’t sell more songs? Selling one song doesn’t make a songwriting career. So I think he needs to sell more songs in order to be considered as a real successful songwriter/producer. I think he should wait a couple years before he can claim that. If he sells more songs to big artists then fine. But if this is the only song he ever sells, I’d think the people who sold more records than him are still more successful than he is.

For those saying this is simply common sense stuff any of the idols would already know, I’d suggest looking at their track records. Very few of those from the bottom half of the Top 12 ever organize their own grassroots club tour immediately after the AI tour ends, despite being free to do so. Very few pull together an EP and get it up on iTunes before the next season starts. They do a show here and there, blog vaguely about writing for an eventual album and…well, four or five years later they are doing the same thing. Some move to LA, NYC or Nashville. Most stay home. It’s like if they can’t have the same sort of rush and success brought to them that the AI experience did, they don’t want to bother. Sligh is trying to break them out of that complacent, spoiled attitude by reminding them that they are NOT stars and now have to start from scratch. Sligh learned this humbling lesson and dug his way out of that hole. He has a right to be proud of that fact.

As far as Giraud, Anoop, and the rest go, we’ll know this time next year if they took Sligh’s advice. The AIers who are still around years after their season (Kim Locke, Elliott, Diana, Constantine, Bo, etc) took the bull by the horns themselves. As a result, it is pretty unlikely they’ll be forced to take a job at Target to support themselves anytime soon.

I think his point was to give straightforward advice to the S8 folks

I agree but wouldn’t advice from someone a bit more successful be helpful? I mean c’mon Chris Sligh? really?

Kris and Adam both have a good shot ‘” and both should have at least 1 hit album. But I don’t think there is any guarentee for their careers either. They are going to both need to make smart moves and worked incredibly hard. Many before them have had one big album then watched their careers fade ‘” Clay, Rubin, Fantasia, Taylor.

This is true for mainstream artists too, not just AI artists. Staying relevant in the music industry requires constant hard work. It can be done but you have to really want it.

The one I’m worried most about honestly is Kris. He’s said himself he’s a procrastinator. I know he has the talent but does he have the drive and ambition to really make it in music? I hope he does because I love his sound!

Allison connected enough on Idol to make it to 4th place’ ¦ not too shabby.

While being thrown under the bus weekly by Simon no less!

Chris Sligh has his own thread on VFTW and he actually posts on it. He may be the only Idol who posts on that site.

That speaks volumes to me. VFTW is full of jerks.

Not everybody from AI8 stands to get much from Chris’s advice. He’s mainly talking about ‘paying dues.’  Adam for one has already done a lot of that. My guess is he could give Chris a few pointers.

Yep and I bet Adam already gave plenty of advise to his fellow S8 contestants that they are much more likely to appreciate and use over some fat douche sitting behind his computer basically saying “i’m better than you are and probably always will be”

Adam fans make me laugh’ ¦.Adam might have paid his due on the ‘broadway’  stage but not really’ ¦. He never ‘made it’  big on stage, hence his need to audition on a reality show.

Adam never tried to “make it big” on Broadway. He never auditioned for a Broadway play hell he’d never even been to NY until after the finale. He had a decent part in The Ten Commandments and received the bulk of the good reviews for his stint as Joshua. He was the understudy in Wicked and was earning $1800 a week doing that which IMO isn’t anything to sneeze as.

He also had some music out there (as we found out) but it was never released & even when it was with people who wanted to cash in on his stardom, and all his fanbase love, & exposure on A.I., they still didn’t sell.

They released ONE song, WANT, and his fans pretty much boycotted the entire thing which probably forced them to shelve the CD knowing his fans weren’t going to support something that Adam didn’t endorse himself.

He also didn’t even surpass David Archuleta’s top 100 chart record while on A.I.

I believe I remember reading that Adam had a better debut than Archie with his Mad World song following the finale. It debuted at #7 on the Hot 100.

here is the quote from Billboard (it took some digging)

Runner-up Adam Lambert debuts on the Hot 100 with four tracks, with his take of Tears For Fears’ “Mad World” leading the charge at No. 19 with 115,000 downloads. Lambert’s chart showing bests the three songs placed by 2008 runner-up David Archuleta on the list a year ago, while his sum for “Mad World” is significantly better than the weekly downloads moved by Archuleta’s top track “Imagine” (71,000)

Adam knew he would have an advantage & he’s an actor on stage with Broadway type of experience so everyone else would look like an amateur. He knew what buttons to push & he did & he was successful for the most part, but he still didn’t win and I suspect Kris won by a huge margin over Adam.

If Kris won by a huge margin over Adam where were all those people when it came time for the concert? Every review and almost every recap I’ve read indicates the crowds were overwhelmingly there for Adam. Now no one needs to get into the whole “why didn’t Adam win” mess again. No one cares at this point. moving on.

There are in fact many Adam Lamberts on stage both on Broadway & Vegas. Those people are really good but there is someone just as good around the corner & I don’t have the burning desire to buy their music, if there is something to buy.

It’s odd… if these people exist where are they? Why is the media acting like Adam is the hottest thing to come around in more than a decade? Personally I tire of the dismissive attitude shown towards Adam. If he’s a dime a dozen then clearly the music industry, particularly Brian May, Meatloaf, Slash and various others, needs to be clued in that all they need to do is head to Vegas and/or Broadway to be impressed.

Neither Kris Allen nor Adam Lambert are unique. I loved Allison, but even she is not unique. I am impressed by her voice at 16 but’ ¦

Well unique is in the eye of the beholder I suppose. In all the years I’ve followed music I’ve never witnessed someone with Adam’s charisma, stage presence and certainly not his voice.

Allison is amazing for a 17 and shows a maturity well beyond her years. and Kris has a very unique quality to his voice.

the KLC treatment. She recorded her album in four days and it was released immediately after the tour. I think her promo consisted of one performance in bowling alley. Her treatment was ridiculous.

I really didn’t pay that much attention that season. But what did the record company have to gain by this. It makes no sense to me.

Anyone know if KLC is still trying to do music? Or did she go back home and get a real job?

jetsrule128
September 20, 2009 at 11:18 am
chris was also dropped from his label just like blake was

Hmmm, he forgot to mention that, didn’t he?

How many of the AI contestants even know who Chris Sligh is, let alone want to read his advice? Chris is still a passive-aggressive windbag. He’s got a great voice, though.

I agree but wouldn’t advice from someone a bit more successful be helpful? I mean c’mon Chris Sligh? really?

I suspect bottom tier AIers want any advice they can get. Listening to and learning from the experience of one of the only (the only?) 10th place finishers to make a viable career definitely won’t hurt.

The AIers who are still around years after their season (Kim Locke, Elliott, Diana, Constantine, Bo, etc) took the bull by the horns themselves.

That begs an interesting question.. I wonder if we sat and made a list of the idols who are still working 3 years on… starting with Season 5 back… how many of those people did not already work in the industry and/or were related to industry folks coming in? I’m talking the non-winners here. Out of that list, Only Kim Locke and perhaps Bo were actual amateurs, and even Bo had some experience as a regional act. Diana, Lisa and Kimberly Caldwell were all child performers. Justin Guarini maybe? It seems you need to know what to do and do it fast. Perhaps the people with previous first hand knoweldge of the business fare the best?

chris was also dropped from his label just like blake was

But apparently he’s been able to pay his taxes…

I have to agree with Leome in that if we are going to talk about Jason, he never went home after Idol. If anything he followed a lot of what Chris said. He befriended musicians in LA (some of this was as early as when they were rehearsing for tour). They took him under his wing and introduced him to other songwriters and industry people. He flew to LA the day after tour to start taking meetings. He did some smaller gigs. I’m not sure how Jason got involved with Atlantic, but despite Jason’s demeanor I’d argue he worked his butt of to make the most of what exposure Idol gave him instead of sitting home waiting for the phone to ring.

That and I’d also argue the claim that Jason has lost 90% of his fanbase since Idol. Obviously Idol fans are fickle. That is the nature of the show. But at the same time Jason himself has done an amazing job (and now Atlantic) keeping many of his Idols involved and interested. I’m not saying Jason will be uber successful because honestly who knows how his album will do, but if you look outside of the S8 bubble for a few seconds you will see the dude has fans. Just because not all fanbases post at MJ’s doesn’t mean they don’t exist.

Again I’m not saying Jason necessarily will set the music world on fire, but I think it’s a bit ridiculous to write him off before his major label debut is even released.

The fact of the matter is that Adam Lambert has achieved absolutely nothing in the real world to put him in a position to advise others. The same can not be said for Chris Sligh, even if his accomplishments are somewhat modest according to some standards.

Despite all the hype and media adulation and having everyone from Idol and 19 proclaiming he’s the greatest Idol alumni to ever exist, Adam didn’t succeed in selling his coronation single to radio or to viewers. He didn’t succeed in selling his pre-Idol material. Despite having much more of his Idol material available on I-Tunes than had ever been the case before, he did not even come close to matching David Cook’s Billboard records. If he really is the best thing to ever happen to Idol, why didn’t all that stuff happen for him? Shouldn’t the media adulation have made it easy?

Now, Kris didn’t do any of that, either, but it just goes to show that with no successful coronation single they are all starting off in the same place, and will have to work to get anywhere.

Personally, I’m not convinced Anoop is suited to be a solo artist. I think he should look into creating an R&B/hiphop group with several of his old Clef Hangers buddies and 1 o 2 female members from the Loreleis. The harmonies would be killer and he wouldn’t have to shoulder the pressure of the business all on his own.

Out of that list, Only Kim Locke and perhaps Bo were actual amateurs, and even Bo had some experience as a regional act.

Before Idol, Elliott was working in a pharmacy, did some part-time DJing and sang in karaoke bars. Was that amateur enough?

Jason Castro sort of surprised me. He gives us this laid back attitude, but he did work hard and it paid off. He continued to write, he had meetings, went to LA, and got himself a major label. I wish him well. Lazy, he is not.

Adam didn’t succeed in selling his coronation single to radio or to viewers.

Because it’s not his coronation single to sell, he didn’t win remember?

You can’t compare Adam to Cook who did win and whose single was obviously pushed to the radio, and even if we’re comparing Kris Allen and David Cook, it’s still kind of apples and oranges because in all its cheesiness, TOML is a million times better song than No Boundaries with an easier melody to follow and sing along to.

As for the pre-AI stuff, Adam did not have actual albums available online, just mp3′s here and there on Youtube and MySpace.

If we’re going to talk about paying his dues, I think Adam has definitely paid his dues. And he has lots of experience trying to make it in LA as a recording artist so I think he can give some helpful advice regarding the process. And at this point, I’d say he has achieved more than Sligh already (he will be on the soundtrack of a major motion picture, he has a major record deal with one of the biggest labels out there, he was on the cover of RS magazine, etcetera) but to each his own.

The only useful bit of information is getting 200K from the tour, apart from that, a load of common-sense stuff done is a self-congratulatory tone.

I agree with that, but can we really trust that figure? Is Sligh once again self-aggrandizing by inflating the figure? I think Elliott in S5 mentioned something in the 250K range, and he was a third place finisher. I think Ruben in S2 talked about 5K a show, and that would’ve made him 300K, and he was the winner. And, you know, caveats here, because my memory is lousy, and Elliott could’ve said 150K and Ruben could’ve said 3 thou per show.

My guess is that this season, #10 makes less than $100,000 and #1 makes less than $500,000. Just a guess. 19 is notoriously cheap, and I can’t see them shelling out more than that.

Chris said, “$200k now doesn’t mean you will make remotely close to that next year.” I think Chris was probably combining the money made from the tour with the money earned from being on the AI show in that 200K figure as the total a lesser idol (10th to 6th place finisher) earns during his/her first year as an Idol alumnus. The top 5 earn more.

Chris’ advice to the idols is grounded and realistic. For those already signed, it’s a way to burst those ego bubbles and get themselves focused on sustaining their career. For those unsigned: same thing, except they will need to work extra hard to make it somewhere, as he did.

Chris may not be a mega-star, and he himself admitted it in his blog, but he does have credentials to be saying what he is saying, because he has achieved decent success in the business. Sucess doesn’t always have to be solely identified with fame. Success=being able to make a good living out of making music and sharing it with people.

Out of the current S8 bottom 6 crop, Scott and to a lesser extent Matt are on the right path. But then again, they are also the instrument-playing songwriter types, which gives them an advantage over those who are just singers. Scott’s hard work, appointments with professionals and self-promotion will get him places. He’s alreeady booking decent gigs as we speak and will use the profits off the tour to finance his upcoming CD. He always did that. As for Matt, he is also booking shows, though being more outgoing as far as trying to reach the right people wouldn’t hurt.

Anoop is the confusing one. He’s got the NC State Fair gig coming up, and is planning to move to LA to pursue “music for music’s sake”, but what exactly is he aiming for? His definition of success in the interview with Slezak sounded delusional, and he hasn’t displayed that much work ethic or passion to get what he wants. We’ll see.

Megan, Lil and Michael: I have no hope for them as far as music goes, but I hope they remain happy.

Despite all the hype and media adulation and having everyone from Idol and 19 proclaiming he’s the greatest Idol alumni to ever exist, Adam didn’t succeed in selling his coronation single to radio or to viewers.

Adam didn’t have a coronations single…..Kris did because he won. Remember Kris was singing the song on tour and had to drop it because he could not sell it.

I don’t know’ ¦.Celine Dion and Barbara Streisand seem to have remarkably well for people who don’t write their own songs.

That’s an interesting point. I think that the musical climate has changed nowadays. I’m not entirely sure that the young Celine Dions and Barbara Streisands would do as well today. What keeps them going are their fans from the 70s-90s. They are also doing well based mainly on their old material….their new stuff isn’t tearing up the charts. Barbara could put out an entire album of covers and it would do well because of her voice and her legacy…I doubt many other artists could do that.

With the Britney era, there seems to be an even bigger emphasis placed on sex appeal, making it harder for females to have longevity. Madonna is one of those rare artists from the 80s who has managed to not fall behind in that department. However, I do wonder how the Britney Spears, Jessica Simpsons and Miley Cyrus’ will do in 10-20 years when people are not as interested in throwing music their way. I’m not crazy about Taylor Swift but I think she has a better chance at longevity because she can write her own stuff and she’s also in a genre of music that tends to value their veterans a bit more. I don’t really have a point….just a bunch of musings….

If Kris won by a huge margin over Adam where were all those people when it came time for the concert?

In season six, Blake was hands-down the most popular Idol and got an overwhelming reception at the concerts. A much bigger reception than Jordin. Two years removed, Jordin is the one with platinum album and hits, while Blake has disappeared from the mainstream music scene altogether.

Point is: Reception on a summer concert tour means nothing when it comes to vote counts nor post-season success.

I thought Sligh’s advice was realistic and spot on, even if his own assessment of himself was a bit exaggerated in his favor. I especially like the part about moving to a big music city right away and not to blow your tour money. Guys like Giraud and Lil and Anoop need to take notes, because that really is a great reality check.

Sligh is SPOT ON when he says nobody is going to care about them once the new season rolls around. That’s how it happens every year, unless you have a rabid fanbase and have some mainstream success post show, as people like Kelly, Carrie, Daughtry, Cook, and Archie have had; they’re all still relevant because they’re music is still out there and / or they are touring and staying busy. I mean, David Cook (aka: Mr. Work Ethic) has a platinum album, platinum singles, toured to over 120 shows so far, yet is still writing for his upcoming album; an album which he already plans to release next year. That’s how you stay on the grind. So if some of these guys, especially those who don’t have a record deal, think they can just sit around and wait for a record deal to fall into their laps, they’re sorely mistaken. The ones who don’t have a major record deal right now are likely not going to get a major record deal. They’re best bet is to go with an indy label, make numerous appearances, book shows, and write / record constantly. Luckily we live in The Digital Age, so people will have easy access to their music. But they’ve got to take advantage of what they have at the moment. Put the money and fame to good use.

Hopefully the Idols get to read it.

Before Idol, Elliott was working in a pharmacy, did some part-time DJing and sang in karaoke bars. Was that amateur enough?

My original statement said “did not already work in the industry and/or were related to industry folks”. Elliot had a big time cousin who helped him set up his indie deal. No need for the ‘tude. LOL.

Because it’s not his coronation single to sell, he didn’t win remember?

Not to stray too far OT but not winning hasn’t stopped runners-up from successfully charting coronation singles in the past. Five out of eight runners-up released coronation singles simultaneously with the winner, and most performed reasonably well at least for a few weeks after the finale. Unlike Diana DeGarmo, Adam did chart briefly, performing roughly as well as Kat McPhee:

Clay – peaked at #1 and spent 15 weeks on the Hot 100
Diana – did not chart on the Hot 100
Bo – peaked at #2 and spent 7 weeks on the Hot 100
Katherine – peaked at #60 and spent 2 weeks on the Hot 100
Adam – peaked at #72 and spent 2 weeks on the Hot 100

I think the original poster was simply making the point that the hype surrounding Adam does not exempt him (or any former Idols, including the winners and runners-up) from Sligh’s primary message.

David Cook (another extremely talented and popular Idol with huge industry and media support coming off his season) has often quoted something Bryan Adams told him: “Don’t stop working until you want to stop working.” Meaning as soon as you stop grinding it out, the industry will forget you, and if you plan on coasting you’d better be ready to pack it in for good. Hopefully all of the S8 crew, if they want a career of any level in this industry, will heed both Sligh and Adams’ advice.

Wiredforsound I think I love you!!!,

Not to stray too far OT but not winning hasn’t stopped runners-up from successfully charting coronation singles in the past.

Yes but I think that’s beside the point I was trying to make – the original poster said that Adam failed in selling his coronation single and I don’t know why he would be expected to sell that single when it’s not really his. It’s the winner’s single and the winner didn’t even perform it on tour anymore, 19 didn’t even push the winner’s version on the radio as it went nowhere on the charts. On Adam’s part, it was released on iTunes but that was it, he didn’t perform it again after the finale performance night, he didn’t have it attached to his name at any capacity, there was no promo whatsoever that NoBo was an Adam Lambert song. In my mind, Adam can’t fail at selling the single when he didn’t even attempt to sell it at all.

Anyway, this is getting too OT, so I’ll leave it at that

Really interesting blog. I think it takes a combination of tremendous work ethic, talent and relevance. These are some of the things that can be controlled by an artist. Some of the things that are outside an idols control are timing and management/label support. If you have the first it can make the road to success smoother but the later is always a crap shoot.

Chris makes a lot of valid points. I think the idols that have and continue to be successful always have these thoughts in the back of their minds.

I concur with ladymadonna’s post.

Sligh’s advice clearly exempted Kris and Adam so why talk about them. They’re in a completely different situation than the ones not signed by 19.

And for a 10th place finisher, Chris did alright. His advice makes alot of sense for the ones in a whole other league that the top 2 who get talked about here plenty. The fact that no one will be taking about the others much in the future is part of their problem. They’ll have a heck of a time getting promo other than on specific Idol blogs for example

Good advice from Chris Sligh but too much self promotion/adoration. Don’t quite get how selling only 15,000 albums total for his debut and writing one hit song for a very popular group that almost any song would be a hit, ranks him as the #2 or #3 most successful for Season 6 (worst season in my opinion) and top 5 of Season 6 and 7. Yes Chris is making a living with his music and that is a good thing but so is Melinda and doubt she is finished. Blake definately sold a lot more albums and is trying to make a comeback. I wouldn’t put Chris in the top 3 of Season 6 nor would I put him in the Top 5 of Season 6 and 7 with Cook, Archie and Jason who has a major record deal. Plus Chris is a member of VFTW and posts there which I totally don’t get. However, good advice nonetheless for all of the Idols, including the top 4 who have major record deals.

Plus Chris is a member of VFTW and posts there which I totally don’t get.

I tend to think Chris has more time on his hands than he’d like to admit.

I tend to think Chris has more time on his hands than he’d like to admit.

That’s the way it is sometimes with people who are quick with advice.

Because it’s not his coronation single to sell, he didn’t win remember?

ladymadonna: Not to stray too far OT but not winning hasn’t stopped runners-up from successfully charting coronation singles in the past. Five out of eight runners-up released coronation singles simultaneously with the winner, and most performed reasonably well at least for a few weeks after the finale. Unlike Diana DeGarmo, Adam did chart briefly, performing roughly as well as Kat McPhee:

Clay ‘“ peaked at #1 and spent 15 weeks on the Hot 100
Diana ‘“ did not chart on the Hot 100
Bo ‘“ peaked at #2 and spent 7 weeks on the Hot 100
Katherine ‘“ peaked at #60 and spent 2 weeks on the Hot 100
Adam ‘“ peaked at #72 and spent 2 weeks on the Hot 100

This is comparing Apples and Oranges – To be comparable, they would have had to release “Mad World” and “NoBo” as a single — and not have sold “Mad World” during the season on iTunes.

Clay’s #1 CD Single contained his cover of “Bridge over Troubled Water” (Paul Simon) and B-side “This Is the Night”.

Bo Bice’s CD/Vinyl/Digital Single contained “Inside Your Heaven” and his cover of “Vehicle”.

Adam’s NoBo was the only one of these 5 released ONLY as a digital single. Plus, it was not promoted. Not only wasn’t it put out for radio airplay, Adam only performed NoBo 1 time — in the final. Also, NoBo was a bad, bad song. Even worse than the other corination songs.

He (Adam) also had some music out there (as we found out) but it was never released & even when it was with people who wanted to cash in on his stardom, and all his fanbase love, & exposure on A.I., they still didn’t sell.

This music wasn’t released because Adam made a deal with both Wilshire Records and with J. Scott G. not to release the material they had from Adam’s session work. And Adam’s fans didn’t buy Want because 1. he did not endorse the release, and 2. because it was a peice of crap scrapped off of a demo recording session.

Well I do think there is a good point to be made about Adam’s post-AI sales. For someone who is supposedly far and away the most popular, he didn’t kill on ITunes. And his biggest songs were no more behind him than Archie’s and Cook’s were. So I think that it is a fair point that he may not be as popular as it seems he is.

When you are on idol, I think you are playing for the favor 3 audiences… the media, the music industry, and the fans. Adam (along with arguably, Allison) won the media and industry sweepstakes. So that gives them a bit of a cache that might not reflect itself in sales to idol fans immediately. Though Adam’s sales should still be strong, just not as strong as his hype might suggest.

I think the idols left that have curried some favor with any one of those 3 audiences probably have the most to work with. Anoop has a fan following. Matt has the idol media and strong concert reviews. Megan probably has some industry attention coming her way, just off her looks. Lil has none of the above I think. Ditto Sarver and Scott. But they have cash, so I bet they can get something going for themselves anyway. And isn’t Lil from Nashville or Memphis? Both are music towns. That’s half the battle right there. She doesn’t even have to move, and she has family to help with childcare. I hope they all play it smart.

Well I do think there is a good point to be made about Adam’s post-AI sales. For someone who is supposedly far and away the most popular, he didn’t kill on ITunes. And his biggest songs were no more behind him than Archie’s and Cook’s were. So I think that it is a fair point that he may not be as popular as it seems he is.

That is a good point. I honestly thought Adam had a chance to do extremely well on itunes that first week after the show, but I found his numbers to be underwhelming. Especially for the most hyped contestant ever to be on Idol.

I do think part of what Chris is talking about applies to Kris and Adam. they’ve got to constantly be working and promoting.

When you are on idol, I think you are playing for the favor 3 audiences’ ¦ the media, the music industry, and the fans. Adam (along with arguably, Allison) won the media and industry sweepstakes. So that gives them a bit of a cache that might not reflect itself is sales to idol fans immediately. Though Adam’s sales should still be strong, just not as strong as his hype might suggest.

I’ve always thought the interest in Adam and Allison had less to do with Idol fanbases and more to do with their potential to appeal to non-Idol music buyers as that is what is needed (or else most Idol alumni would be doing a lot better than they are now). Having said that, comparing S8 to S7 is hard to do because they took all of the stuff off iTunes before right away last year and didn’t have album collections as well. Adam stayed in the iTunes pop charts until they pulled it. Who knows what sales were like during the show as we couldn’t see there either, except for that small leak.

I do think part of what Chris is talking about applies to Kris and Adam. they’ve got to constantly be working and promoting.

I think both Kris and Adam are quite aware of this, probably more so than some of the others. I still think it applies to both of them the least since they have they at least have management, but they will be working their tails off.

Very few of those from the bottom half of the Top 12 ever organize their own grassroots club tour immediately after the AI tour ends, despite being free to do so. Very few pull together an EP and get it up on iTunes before the next season starts.

The odd thing is that I don’t recall Chris Sligh doing either of those things himself. He certainly could’ve been touring in 15 cities near him (wherever that is) but I don’t think he did much of anything noteworthy before the next season started.

The old put it out quick and dirty vs. take your time to make it good dilemma applies here, too. If you haven’t been writing before AI, it’s unlikely you’d have anything to sing in a set at those 15 honkytonks or for your EP.

Doesn’t matter, though. The underlying advice — to work your butt off and know that it all comes back to YOU, not your management or your agent or your label, to promote your career — is still good, and yes, that applies to Adam just like it applied to David Cook and Jordin and Carrie and Kelly and Clay and Bo and Elliott and Archie and Justin and both Kims and Ruben and everybody else. If what you want is to be a princess and sit on fluffy cushions while people wave palm fronds in your general direction and peel your grapes, well, you need to be born Paris Hilton. Everybody else has to work for it.

I also think the advice to move to LA or NYC or Nashville and find a cheap place to live is kinda naive. Nashville, fine, but it costs major bucks even for a crappy place in LA or NYC. You’ll be living in Parsippany or Oxnard and still paying through the nose. But, hey, whatever.

Well I do think there is a good point to be made about Adam’s post-AI sales. For someone who is supposedly far and away the most popular, he didn’t kill on ITunes. And his biggest songs were no more behind him than Archie’s and Cook’s were. So I think that it is a fair point that he may not be as popular as it seems he is.

If I was absolutely crazy about Adam, I would have bought anything & everything I could find & I wouldn’t care that he didn’t endorse it. If it was a piece of crap–how come? Why would such a season performer like him even do a crappy song? He had done that song just prior to being a contestant & then says that’s not “him” today. Right. Regardless, I would also have expected that radio would be still playing his A.I. songs till this day but that’s not the case. Almost from the beginning, Kris was getting way more radioplay even though all you hear is Adam Lambert in the media & even A.I. considers Adam the real winner. I don’t expect Adam to beat Cook’s record of 11 songs on Billboard 100, (not to mention Cook’s iTunes sales for all his A.I. songs being over 1 million downloads) but Adam didn’t even beat David Archuleta’s record for Billboard 100.

There are far too many people putting very high expectations on Adam. Yes, he was popular on A.I. but the season is over, the tour is over. He was getting some radioplay of Mad World (which I loved) & now he isn’t getting any radioplay that I know of. I would have thought a lot of his A.I. songs would be on the air right now – getting people hyped up for his album.

I’ve always thought the interest in Adam and Allison had less to do with Idol fanbases and more to do with their potential to appeal to non-Idol music buyers as that is what is needed (or else most Idol alumni would be doing a lot better than they are now).

I think Daughtry and Jennifer H. are exclamation points to this. I think that it took 19 a little while to switch gears from making the winner a star to really evaluating the entire ‘cast’ and picking potential.

ETA: To date I haven’t heard ANY of the idols from S8 on the radio. Oddly the only song I’ve heard is ‘Want’ on Muzak.

As far as radioplay, the only AI song I remember of David Cook’s being played on radio before his album was Time of My Life. I heard Light On, the single from his album right before the album was released. I heard Archie’s “Crush” before his album. I never heard any other of either ARchie’s or David Cook’s AI songs played on the radio. Since neither Kris nor Adam have released their singles for their new albums, I’m reserving my judgement on that issue.

This season, I’ve never heard Kris or Adam on the radio. Never heard “No Boundaries” by either or “Heartless” or “Mad World”. The only place I’ve heard “Mad World” is on television and in the movie theater in the Flash Forward promos. I know Heartless has been played in some markets, though. Kris doesn’t even perform “No Boundaries” on tour because of audience and critic reaction to it. Bad song that couldn’t sell. Their singles from their albums are going to be what sells them, IMO. I don’t even think “No Boundaries” is going to be on Kris’s album.

As far as sales, I don’t know how many Adam sold during the season. I do know that when the leak happened, he had 6 of the 10 most sold, Kris had 3 and I believe Danny Gokey had the other. Mad World, at that time, was the #1 selling song. This is per the NY Post story that MJ ran.

The song “Want” was a demo, it was never meant to be released by Adam as a single. It was a songwriting demo, not a single for release by him.

I’m just wondering why this has turned into an Adam issue. When asked by Slezak about his career aspirations, his answer was “I wanna buy a house, by singing and performing.” I don’t remember him having these lavish expectations, in fact, in other interviews he’s talked about the fact that the work was just beginning and he knew that chances for success are iffy. He’s spoken often of his chances for failure, and seems to be realistic with expectations. I’m sure he would take Chris’s advice to heart, as should all the idols.

I’m just wondering why this has turned into an Adam issue.

It hasn’t. He came up as part of the analysis of all their chances through the lenses Sligh has bought to our attention, so he got discussed a bit. He’s the most popular idol on here this year so he will tend to be the one analyzed the most. It doesn’t mean much more than that. We’re still prety much talking about what Sligh said.

Well I do think there is a good point to be made about Adam’s post-AI sales. For someone who is supposedly far and away the most popular, he didn’t kill on ITunes. And his biggest songs were no more behind him than Archie’s and Cook’s were. So I think that it is a fair point that he may not be as popular as it seems he is.

Where is the comment that says Adam is “far and away the most popular”? David Cook’s post Idol iTunes sales performance was very impressive, and there is a good arguement that neither Kris or Adam is as popular as David Cook.

David Cook – 16 American Idol Performances on US Chart; highest was “Dream Big” #15

David Archuleta – 3 American Idol Performances on US Chart; highest was “Imagine” #36

Adam Lambert – 7 American Idol Performances on US Chart; highest was “Mad World” #19; 13 videos on the iTunes US Chart; digital album on the US Chart #33

I think because of how 19 changed the available iTunes products and the popularity of Adam’s videos, it’s really hard to compare 2008 to 2009.

We’ll all know how popular Adam is by the end of the year, because the real proof will be after he releases his singles and album, and starts to tour.

If I was absolutely crazy about Adam, I would have bought anything & everything I could find & I wouldn’t care that he didn’t endorse it. If it was a piece of crap’“how come? Why would such a season performer like him even do a crappy song?

Look at the Adam fansites and you will see many posts saying support Adam and DO NOT BUY “Want”.

Adam was paid to sing a back-up track on “Want” for someone else’s recording. He was a paid session singer trying to pay his rent.

Where is the comment that says Adam is ‘far and away the most popular’ ? David Cook’s post Idol iTunes sales performance was very impressive, and there is a good arguement that neither Kris or Adam is as popular as David Cook.

Huh? I’m just talking about the general idea that Adam’s the most popular one this season that has been floating around. It is not a direct attack or anything. Are you arguing that no such perception exists? Because I would call balderdash on that. LOL.

Please remember I have no horse in this race. I like Kradison a lot. I want them all to do well.

My only point was that Adam’s hype might be inflating perceptions of he size of his actual idol fanbase. He does have hype, because the media and industry folks love him. And good for him. He’s going to be fine either way.

Q3
How did 19 change up the iTunes this past season. I didn’t care enough last year to download anything. Needless to say I didn’t pay much attention.

Plus Chris is a member of VFTW and posts there which I totally don’t get.

Chris is not a regular poster on VFTW. The reason he went there to begin with was to defend himself and later to defend Danny. That took some major balls.

I’m not really sure where one posts, no matter how infrequently, has anything to do with the validity of their advice? I would think that someone who has “been there and done that” is good enough reason to offer advice to his peers. Hopefully, they will listen.

koshka: How did 19 change up the iTunes this past season. I didn’t care enough last year to download anything. Needless to say I didn’t pay much attention.

The biggest change was that they made albums of Season 8 Favorites for Adam and for Kris. This is the first time they did that. Since Adam sold over 70,000 digital albums of his Idol Digital Album, that would reduce the number of digital single he sold — there is no reason to buy Mad World and buy the Album with Mad World on it.

Chris is not a regular poster on VFTW. The reason he went there to begin with was to defend himself and later to defend Danny. That took some major balls.

Yes, and he has also defended Idol in general. Took a lot of guts to defend Danny when no one else was.

Will Allison’s album be synth-pop/rock, pop-punk alternative (ala Pink), updated classic rock (Heart and Pat Bennetar for the 21st century)? I expect a pop/rock album with some Max Martin pop/rock synth-dance stuff on it ‘” because that seems to fit the current market. One thing is a pretty good bet, I am not expecting an Allison Iraheta rock album. I would like to hear that album, but I am braced for a pop-rock radio-friendly album.

I don’t think at this point in her very young career she has that kind of power. That doesn’t mean she lacks focus. The reality is that even if she has a very clear idea of the type of alternative rock album she would like to make (which she has said before is what she would want), it’s unrealistic to think that Jive wouldn’t want her to go the more commercial pop/rock route, specially at her young age. Perhaps if and when she establishes herself as a relatively successful recording artist she’ll have more freedom to make exactly the type of album that she wants. I just don’t think it’s a problem with her not being focused, it’s simply a matter of commercial viability and the kid could certainly make a killing with a solid pop/rock album. She definitely has the talent and voice for it and has the advantage of time; she’s young, she’s still learning and developing and getting better. She loves classic rock and alternative, but she seems to be fully aware that for a first album she’ll have to compromise and find that middle ground that will allow her to have enough commercial success to keep on making music.

Just for the record – first week album sales as far as I can gather -

Chris Sligh – 4000
Michael Johns – 5000
Kristy Lee Cook – ~9,500
Brooke White – 10,000
Melinda Doolittle – 11,000

Idol chatter doesn’t give the sales figures for those outside BB200 anymore, so we don’t have any idea what the latest sales figures may be, therefore can’t compare with the number that is available for Chris Sligh. But if the first week numbers are any indication, Chris Sligh cannot claim to be a greater success album sales-wise than any of the season 7 idols who had an album out. So he is basing his claim on being top 5 over Season 6 and 7 with just a minor hit song which as far as I can see isn’t even certified gold yet, and that’s his claim to success?

The biggest change was that they made albums of Season 8 Favorites for Adam and for Kris. This is the first time they did that. Since Adam sold over 70,000 digital albums of his Idol Digital Album, that would reduce the number of digital single he sold ‘” there is no reason to buy Mad World and buy the Album with Mad World on it.

Thanks Q3
Or in my case…. I just bought everything week after week so there was no need to repurchase anything.

Re: Allison. I heard her describe her album as early P!nk. I’m not sure what that means since I’m not familiar with her early work. I must say though I am in love with her latest album.

If I remember my VFTW lore. Chris was a member of VFTW before idol. Someone can correct me if I’m wrong. I also think he said “Hi Dave” on air. One of the founders of VFTW is a dude named Dave.

I think it’s hard to predict what will resonate with the buying public. Sometimes you have the right song at the right time with the right promotion and it clicks. Look at Elliott’s single. It blew up at just the right moment. And he worked his tale off.

I think the state of radio is a little different than when Elliott hit it big. PD’s aren’t choosing the songs as much it seems that corporate entities chose the play lists. But if you have the big label support it makes it much easier

snuffles
September 20, 2009 at 1:03 pm

The ones who have 19E behind them have the best shot at actually making a living at music. They have the support right now.

Although I’m wondering if either Danny or Allison are going to be MANAGED by them (or did they just get the record deal). Because, if not, they’ll have to find their own management ‘“ and it’s HARD finding decent management.

I mean, we all bag on 19 all the time; but they DO have the experience and the connections that these kids need. I just think that sometimes they care more for certain clients than they do the others.

Isn’t the fact that 19E Logo appears on Allison’s official (right under the Jive logo) site a sign that she is managed by 19?

I liked Chris’ blog. Even if it’s only a reminder, everyone who hopes to make it in entertainment can benefit from the reminders.

Kristen answered my question below.

Another thing people have to remember- Cook and Archuletta sang THREE more songs on the show than Adam and Kris because of how they did the top 5 differently this year. ( one of those three songs was a song they had to repeat from earlier in the year)

Anyway- MJ’s article about the leak:

http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/tv/idol_itunes_shocker_SeyA2Jt8kUdhaxrhuyc3eO

Q3- I know I am late to the post here, and maybe someone mentioned it already, but isn’t the biggest change in Itunes the fact that Season 7 released all songs once the season was over ( making it very easy for Cook or Archuletta to hit #1 on various songs) and Season 8 released songs all through the season?

That was kind of Season 6. They released songs on the AI site during the season and then immediately after the finale, released the winner and runner-up songs to iTunes. About two weeks later they released everybody’s songs iTunes.

For Season 7, the released songs to iTunes each week (same as this year), but yanked all but the finale songs the week of the finale (Wednesday night), so all the songs only had a half week to chart (which makes Archie’s and Cook’s BB numbers even more impressive). S8, they followed the same policy, but did not remove the old songs during finale week.

Duplicate post

Thanks for clearing that up Kristen- I will revise my post so there isn’t a lot of duplicate responses

For Season 7, the released songs to iTunes each week (same as this year), but yanked all but the finale songs the week of the finale (Wednesday night), so all the songs only had a half week to chart (which makes Archie’s and Cook’s BB numbers even more impressive).

Interesting. I wonder how this played against the drop in viewship for the show. Just thinking out loud.

Isn’t the fact that 19E Logo appears on Allison’s official (right under the Jive logo) site a sign that she is managed by 19?

Why do I remember someone saying that they are contracted to their record companies through 19R. Management is separate and that’s under 19M. All are under the 19E logo.

Am I misremembering?

Am I misremembering?

Nope, you got that right. They can be signed to 19R and not be signed to 19M. Many Idols have been in that situation.

Chris Sligh or anyone from Season 6 giving advise to the Season 8 talented group is laughable. Chris Sligh finsihed 10th on the weekest season of American idol. It was weak for its musical talent, as well as, its attractiveness of the Top ten finalist. I was so happy that Season 7 and 8 has brought out so many talented and attractive performers. Chris Sligh was a “troll looking” man with very weak vocals. His fan base was made up mainly of Southern Evangelical supporters. This group has obviously targeted American idol as a way to proselytize their relgious ideas and influence American popular music. Chris Sligh would not have come close to the Top 12 this season…..to Compare his vocals to Anoop’s, Matt’s, Kris’s, Adam or Michael’s is just not being relalistic.

Jordin Sparks, a young lady with a great voice, looked like a linebacker in a dress.

Blake Lewis was a bitter, self indulgent gay man.

Melinda Doolittle was a misshapen plain woman with a great voice, that brought her evangelical message to AI and found a fanbase of fans over 50 and religious zealots.

Lakisha Jones was a sweet and wonderful woman with a beautiful voice. At the time she auditioned she was obese and a self-conscious perfomer. Wow, what a wonderful transition she has made with her opportunities on Broadway and physical makeover.

The bottom six of Season 6 wouldn’t win any karaoke contest held anywhere in the United States.

Really loved hearing a more realistic prospect analysis from someone who is making a good living after finishing 10th on Idol. I don’t think everything he said was trivial, it wasn’t for me and I don’t think it was for all the Idol this year.

Some of the advice is good. The claim of being 5th most successful seems way strange to me. I’d have to put Michael Johns (for one) above him based on Michael’s mini tour in the Phillipines, Christmas single, sound track for the dvd, hit single (25 on the ac chart), tour with Brooke, tour with David Foster, benefits and red carpet sightings, all in his first year after the tour. Haven’t seen Chris at any of the Hollywood functions or extra appearances on Ellen.

6 of last year’s 10 have records out (Jason’s soon), Chikeze did a Christmas tour, Syesha is getting ready to tour in a play and Carly is fronting a band. Ramielle is the only one who’s dropped out of site. Kinda think they’re doing as well as Chris thinks he’s doing.

Here’s a clip from the “not as successful as Chris Sligh” duo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnBL9y1m24g

“They can be signed to 19R and not be signed to 19M. Many Idols have been in that situation.” — Kirsten

Kris, Adam and Allison all have 19 logo on their official sites. It directs you to the 19 site, David Cook, Daughtry, Carrie Underwood and Jordin Sparks names are listed when you click on Projects. The Spice Girls are there as well. LOL

Does anyone know who is managing Kradison? At some point David Cook managed to wrangle some time off — was it over the holidays? I recall he stated he negotiated for at least a week off. I hope Kris, Adam and Allison can have some time to breathe as well.

The biggest change was that they made albums of Season 8 Favorites for Adam and for Kris. This is the first time they did that. Since Adam sold over 70,000 digital albums of his Idol Digital Album, that would reduce the number of digital single he sold ‘” there is no reason to buy Mad World and buy the Album with Mad World on it.

Another thing people have to remember- Cook and Archuletta sang THREE more songs on the show than Adam and Kris because of how they did the top 5 differently this year. ( one of those three songs was a song they had to repeat from earlier in the year)

Ok, I’m not being clear here. None of this matters to the point I was making. The key here is that the ITunes stuff can give you a clue to the relative popularity of the idols within a season. In other words, Is Adam the most popular with the most selling power in Season 8? If he was, shouldn’t he have handily outsold Kris like Cook outsold everyone else his season? Is the pattern similar? And I would say it isn’t. They seem more equal to me than that. He was playing on the same field as the others his season, and since Cook and Archie both did well even though their most buzzed about performances came earlier it shouldn’t have slowed Adam down that much. Not that he should have matched their sales per se, but he should have matched that general pattern if he was the biggest thing by far this year, if lots of people were just voting against Adam and not for Kris. That’s what I mean.

I think Adam is popular, but I don’t see evidence of this huge advantage over Kris, I just see more hype for Adam. Like I said, I think it is a good thing for Adam. I think the perception can contribute to some inflated expectations of some, mostly in the media I think.

Chris Sligh or anyone from Season 6 giving advise to the Season 8 talented group is laughable. Chris Sligh finsihed 10th on the weekest season of American idol.

But that’s his whole point. It isn’t about raw talent. It isn’t about placing whatever on American Idol. It’s about going out there and making smart choices and getting connections and taking advantage of every minute of your fifteen minutes to get a viable career going. It might be a good reality check for this season’s Idols, and for fans with overinflated expectations for their success.

ETA: …Blake is gay?

“”His fan base was made up mainly of Southern Evangelical supporters. This group has obviously targeted American idol as a way to proselytize their relgious ideas and influence American popular music. ”

Serious question. Do you know anything at all about the roots of American music? Or the importance of the church in developing many genres of music in the US. And how exactly does singing kareoke covers lead to the spread of any religious ideas?

Obviously, Chris failed to do his part in the CHRISTIAN CONSPIRACY. Since he finished tenth. And Melinda’s fanbase was made up of Christina zealots!!11 Thanks ….for the inside info. I just thought it was a below par season.

Kris, Adam and Allison all have 19 logo on their official sites. It directs you to the 19 site, David Cook, Daughtry, Carrie Underwood and Jordin Sparks names are listed when you click on Projects. The Spice Girls are there as well. LOL

Does anyone know who is managing Kradison? At some point David Cook managed to wrangle some time off ‘” was it over the holidays? I recall he stated he negotiated for at least a week off. I hope Kris, Adam and Allison can have some time to breathe as well.

They may still be with 19 (after all that’s where they end by default) but I don’t think they will all still be there one year from now.

From what I understand after following several discussions on the subject, the most important thing is not being managed by 19 but being supervised directly by Simon Fuller. He is the one who managed the Spice Girls and who has Carrie, Daughtry and Cook under his wings right now. I think he has a lot of weight on the Idol related appearances like getting the elimination song or getting the videos played on the tour. At this point I am almost sure Fuller is betting on Adam to be his cash cow this year.

I feel like the others will almost be better off looking for another management agency since they could be overlooked by 19, I wonder if that’s the real reason why Archie picked another agency.

This group has obviously targeted American idol as a way to proselytize their relgious ideas and influence American popular music. Chris Sligh would not have come close to the Top 12 this season’ ¦..to Compare his vocals to Anoop’s, Matt’s, Kris’s, Adam or Michael’s is just not being relalistic.
The bottom six o Season 6 wouldn’t win any karaoke contest held anywhere in the United States.

I don’t claim to know whether the season 6 Idols, who are Christians, had proseletyzing in mind when they auditioned. That is for them to answer. None of them came on being “preachy,” like some accused Danny Gokey, whom I also love, of being. Considering that several of them are Christians, I know they made it a point to pray to their God for guidance and felt they should go for the opportunity. And because I am a Philnatic, I can speak best on Phil’s experience to date. His quest had started with missing a friend’s wedding due to being in the Navy and that friend telling him that the only way he would forgive him was to audition for Idol. That friend was also very encouraging. Phil went for it, after he and his wife prayed about it and had sought counsel of both their parents, as they are pastors. Had he felt that it was not the way to go, I’m sure he would not have, and would have stayed in the Navy rock band, I’m sure. He himself said that he didn’t think anything would come from his Idol audition; but he made it to #6 out of about 103,000 people. He knew that he would be “used” by God, if you will, wherever he would be with his career, because he has endeavored to first and foremost honor his God.

And I disagree that Phil could not win a karaoke contest. Even Simon once said that he thought he was a good karaoke singer. But for those who know him, and who have heard him sing, like at the 232nd anniversary of the Navy; at Carnegie Hall; at a skating fundraiser for Scott Hamilton; on the Christmas cd of the Young People’s Chorus of New York City; in his church and at the many other events he has performed at, he is anything but karaoke. He has not made it in the 2 singing groups at Lee University for nothing; they loved him at the Grand Ole Opry; and he would not have been pursued by Michael W. Smith’s management for a recording contract if they thought that his rendition of Michael’s “There She Stands” at a tribute for Michael was karaoke. Even Michael said Phil touched him. Sorry, but Phil can sing the phone book, let alone karaoke.

And as far as Chris’ advice: good advice, Chris. And you are not forgettable to me. Keep at it, brother, and thank you, too, for being a good friend to Phil. I know you all try to bounce ideas off each other often.

Blake is gay? LOLZ. So are Taylor, Ace and … oh, Adam Lambert. Heh.

ETA: Blake has been playing/DJing some gay events. I don’t think he’s gay, but either way, good for him.

The bottom six of Season 6 wouldn’t win any karaoke contest held anywhere in the United States.

Yet those bottom 6 made for a more interesting tour, IMO. Perhaps it was the group numbers, etc. I was really bored until the top 4 this year.

Taylor – gay? Who says? Ace Young just got married. So why are you saying he’s gay?

Taylor ‘“ gay? Who says? Ace Young just got married. So why are you saying he’s gay?

Sorry. I don’t think either is gay. It used to be a big joke that all guys on Idol were gay back in Season 5. Just unsuccesfully making a joke.

the 2nd or 3rd most successful from his season and top 5 most successful over Season 6 & 7?

Really? I don’t think so. Season 7 alone, includes Cookie, Archie, Brooke, MJ, Carly, Jason, and Syesha, who are all doing quite well. Season 6? I think that Jordin, Blake, Melinda, Phil, Lakisha, and Sanjaya have all had some success and continue to do so.

I don’t think a top 10 christian single is all that exciting, the field is probably not as hard to crack and HAC, AC, pop, and CHR. And co-writing a hit song with Rascall Flats, that’s cool, but I think Chris Sligh is overly full of himself to label himself as the “top most successful” in any capacaity. None of the other idols self-label themselves like that, or are so pompous as to give advice to idols from other seasons, unasked. I didn’t care for him on the show and nothing he’s doing or saying now improves my opinion of him. This self-congratulation just makes me like him less.

He is the one who managed the Spice Girls and who has Carrie, Daughtry and Cook under his wings right now.

He also managed Amy Winehouse through her first album and the recording of her second, the one that blew up. She left him soon after the recording phase ended. He managed Annie Lennox through her comeback phase, when she recorded that worldwide hit album that put her back on the map. That is why she’s always on Idol. Heh.

Simon Fuller is not perfect, bu the has connections and experience working on large scale recording careers. If anyone scores him this year, that person is lucky as hell.

I bet money if its gonna be anyone, it will be Adam.

Still, even being managed by 19M but not Fuller can work out well. They’ve done right by Pickler, and they sure have stuck with Rueben. Its just not as much of a secure place as being with Fuller directly.

Relating this back to Sligh’s post, I think he’s right that 19E uses Idol mainly as a vehicle to promote their properties. Daughtry, Cook, Carrie, Rueben and Pickler have all made multiple appearances and you can count on seeing or hearing them at some point every year. The rest can get on for promo, usually only in the season directly after theirs ends unless they are doing very well, like Kelly. After that it become real iffy. All the more reason to try to have something in the works before the next season ends for the non signed contestants.

Simon Fuller is supposedly setting up a tour for Adam in the UK for 2010. So you may be right Tinawina, if Fuller manages anyone, it’s Adam.

To clarify what I was trying to say, the regilouis folk in the south do vote as a block and soon identify….those who are “Christian” according to their beliefs. Season 6 Jordin Sparks, Melinda Doolittle, Phil Staceyand Kris Sligh all had performed in Evangical Christian sponsored settings. And most where there did because of the support of this fan base. Also, I commented on Blake because I don’t think his being gay is secred and neither is his ill humored personality. I personally, if it matters, support all gay causes such: gay marriage, gay adoption, state and Federal benefits for gay partners and their families and legislation ending discrimination based on sexual preference.

Simon Fuller is not perfect, bu the has connections and experience working on large scale recording careers. If anyone scores him this year, that person is lucky as hell.

I bet money of its gonna be anyone, it will be Adam.

Adam mentioned at some point (it may have been in Twitter) when asked if he would be going to the UK, “Simon is working on that.” The questioner thought he meant Simon Cowell, but Adam corrected it was Simon Fuller.

Wonder if this could be a hint that Simon Fuller will be managing Adam?

Hazehel
September 20, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Just for the record ‘“ first week album sales as far as I can gather -

Chris Sligh ‘“ 4000
Michael Johns ‘“ 5000
Kristy Lee Cook ‘“ ~9,500
Brooke White ‘“ 10,000
Melinda Doolittle ‘“ 11,000

Idol chatter doesn’t give the sales figures for those outside BB200 anymore, so we don’t have any idea what the latest sales figures may be, therefore can’t compare with the number that is available for Chris Sligh.

Here is a list from a month ago with Idol sale numbers.

Adam mentioned at some point (it may have been in Twitter) when asked if he would be going to the UK, ‘Simon is working on that.’  The questioner thought he meant Simon Cowell, but Adam corrected it was Simon Fuller.

It wasn’t Adam, it was a fan who had come to see him from England, one of the Lambrits. She recounted her conversation with Adam at an after-party meeting. Apparently she asked if he would be visiting the UK and he said that Simon was trying to set something up. She asked him “Simon Cowell?” and he told her that he meant Simon Fuller, that Simon Cowell doesn’t get involved after Idol ends.

Simon Fuller is not perfect, bu the has connections and experience working on large scale recording careers. If anyone scores him this year, that person is lucky as hell.

I bet money if its gonna be anyone, it will be Adam.

I would too, and that makes me very happy =)

Another thing people have to remember- Cook and Archuletta sang THREE more songs on the show than Adam and Kris because of how they did the top 5 differently this year. ( one of those three songs was a song they had to repeat from earlier in the year)

They may have sang more songs but when they sang multiple songs in a night we only got 1 studio version, this year there were studio versions for ALL the songs.

Another thing people have to remember- Cook and Archuletta sang THREE more songs on the show than Adam and Kris because of how they did the top 5 differently this year.

They worked them like dogs in Season 7 — especially the two Davids. Three weeks of semi-finals with EVERYONE singing every week (yea!); more songs during the top 12 competition, no lip-synching, two different coronation songs for each of the finalists, more extras — like the guitar hero commercials and the Guru Pitka stuff. Even the Ford commercials were more intensive. Plus, Cook never repeated a song.

Season 8 got off easy.

They may have sang more songs but when they sang multiple songs in a night we only got 1 studio version, this year there were studio versions for ALL the songs

That still makes me mad; and it was always the less popular song that was made into the studio version too. Eeerggh! What I wouldn’t have given for a complete version of Baba O’Riley or All I Really Need Is You.

Ramielle is the only one who’s dropped out of site.

I heard she was trying to build a career in the Philippines.

Melinda Doolittle was a misshapen plain woman with a great voice, that brought her evangelical message to AI and found a fanbase of fans over 50 and religious zealots.

I loved Melinda and I’m neither over 50 or religious. I didn’t notice any underlying prosletizing. All I noticed is that she is arguably the best singer to ever come out of Idol.

I don’t know how this thread became an Adam thread, but when in Rome do as the Romans do, I guess:

I don’t think anyone outside of the Idol bubble expects Lambert to enjoy any real success. Probably sell a few CD, maybe like a Kat McPhee. He finished a distant second in a weak season, apparently didn’t have much of an Idol fanbase, and served as the warm-up act to the obvious star of the teen market on the tour. Many Idol observers compare him to Blake Lewis with the same kind of musical style and limited novelty-act appeal.

I think that 19E and Sony probably saw the handwriting on the wall and that’s why they wanted to sign Donny, who has a better shot of being the third from this season to make it big, especially with his strong background in country music (and salsa).

LOL (you’re joking, right?)

ETA:ok, now I feel bad. Perhaps you are not joking. In that case, please know, I wasn’t laughing at you. Just that it struck me as funny.

ETA ETA: Oh, sigh of relief. Was joke. Not living in a parallel universe afterall

Nice post, hwc.

As usual hwc, dry, dry, dry and LOL….much needed I might add…

The biggest change was that they made albums of Season 8 Favorites for Adam and for Kris. This is the first time they did that. Since Adam sold over 70,000 digital albums of his Idol Digital Album, that would reduce the number of digital single he sold ‘” there is no reason to buy Mad World and buy the Album with Mad World on it.

Another big difference this year is that the Season 8 Itunes m4p’s were available for purchase all summer long; whereas the last day one could purchase singles for Season 7 from iTunes was the day after its finale.

We didn’t get word of Archie’s change in management until October 8, 2008. So it’s still not out of the realm of possibility that they will not all be managed by 19M. I’m sure Kris will be fine – either way. His album will still be 19R/Jive regardless. I do hope he goes with the best management possible for him – and one that puts his interests top of mind. Wasn’t Blake with 19M his first year (post Idol)? and that didn’t seem to help him a bit. It’s the artist, too, not just the management that will determine success. Blake changed management in December of 2008, IIRC.

Another big difference this year is that the Season 8 Itunes m4p’s were available for purchase all summer long; whereas the last day one could purchase Season 7 singles from iTunes was the day after its finale.

Which just makes the AI7 and AI8 iTunes sales less comparable. That said, Adam has already sold a lot of iTunes tracks.

hwc

LOL, as a new poster here (who lurked during the AI tour), it took me a second to see where you were going with that.

hwc

LOL, as a new poster here (who lurked during the AI tour), it took me a second to see where you were going with that.

Mj is going to edit the crap outta this thread.

And in my effort to put context to the differences between the many audiences idols have to play for, I inadvertently started a whole wave of OTT silliness.

Sigh. I’m sorry.

Adam outsold Kris 50k to 25k with his idol digital album. It’s a fairly reasonable way to measure their sales, as those albums were released after the finale and numbers were never hidden.

Some of the advice is good. The claim of being 5th most successful seems way strange to me. I’d have to put Michael Johns (for one) above him based on Michael’s mini tour in the Phillipines, Christmas single, sound track for the dvd, hit single (25 on the ac chart), tour with Brooke, tour with David Foster, benefits and red carpet sightings, all in his first year after the tour. Haven’t seen Chris at any of the Hollywood functions or extra appearances on Ellen.

6 of last year’s 10 have records out (Jason’s soon), Chikeze did a Christmas tour, Syesha is getting ready to tour in a play and Carly is fronting a band. Ramielle is the only one who’s dropped out of site. Kinda think they’re doing as well as Chris thinks he’s doing.

And don’t forget that Chikezie has been taping episodes on General Hospital. He said he will be singing something on the soap opera. He also had a gig as the host on the show “Idols: Where Are They Now?” on the TV Guide Network. Not too shabby for a fellow 10th place finisher in his first year post AI.

I wonder how many times the Itunes numbers are going to be discussed? Seriously, how many times have we seen the EXACT SAME arguments. Maybe MJ could have a little section to the side of the blog for Frequently Asked Questions, only it could be called Frequently Discussed Subjects. That way we wouldn’t have to go over the same thing over and over!

I could be getting this wrong, but he sounds so presumptious.

“Not that other people haven’t worked’ ¦sure they’ve worked’ ¦but not on the right things’ ¦and they’ve had an unrealistic view of what Idol can and will do for them.”

I just got in and how did this thread become a controversial Adam discussion.
I am not going to comment anymore on all that has been said,

But just wanted to say that whoever Chris Sligh is what he is saying above is reality ! If you have the talent and the skills for the passion you are going after, you have a slight edge only. In short, hard work and consistent smart work is still the norm.

‘Not that other people haven’t worked’ ¦sure they’ve worked’ ¦but not on the right things’ ¦and they’ve had an unrealistic view of what Idol can and will do for them.’ 

Actually, I agree with you. I like Chris, admire his success, and I’m happy for him. BUT, I did say in my first post that he seems to think that his way of handling post Idol work is the only way. He quickly dismisses the work of other Idols as “not right.” I dunno. I think his basic premise of hard work, industry knowledge, and realistic expectations is sound advice, though.

I really think we need to argue for a while about whether Chris Sligh or Melinda Doolittle is the fifth most successful Idol wannabee from Seasons 6 and 7.

I don’t have any strong opinions one way or the other on that since I couldn’t stand watching much of either season.

Lindsey Parker (Yahoo Music) has weighed in on Chris’s blog:

http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/realityrocks/272986/american-idol-chris-sligh-tells-it-like-it-is/

hwc
September 20, 2009 at 11:43 pm
I don’t know how this thread became an Adam thread, but when in Rome do as the Romans do, I guess:

I don’t think anyone outside of the Idol bubble expects Lambert to enjoy any real success. Probably sell a few CD, maybe like a Kat McPhee. He finished a distant second in a weak season, apparently didn’t have much of an Idol fanbase, and served as the warm-up act to the obvious star of the teen market on the tour. Many Idol observers compare him to Blake Lewis with the same kind of musical style and limited novelty-act appeal.

I think that 19E and Sony probably saw the handwriting on the wall and that’s why they wanted to sign Donny, who has a better shot of being the third from this season to make it big, especially with his strong background in country music (and salsa).

Hehehehhehee

I love me some AL but I think there are peeps who could hear a conversation about the biblical Adam and Eve and use it as an opportunity to make it all about Adam Lambert, and how much more special he is than that lame “first” Adam…

Anyhoo…

To me Sligh’s entire blog boils down to these two paragraphs:

In other words, your days of being a star are over. But that’s all right – so are mine. And I’m one of the most successful for my season of Idol. I’m not a star. Chances are I never again will be.

But here’s what’s awesome. I’m not a star. Few people know my name anymore. But I get to do music for a living. And I make a healthy living doing it. It’s hard work. The late nights and early mornings sure do suck after a while. At 31 I wish I didn’t have to travel in a van any more. But I did 137 shows last year. And that paid my bills and I even had some left over. And this year I’ll do a few more shows than that. And that pays my bills with a little left over. And my writing career is helping me put money away. So…for those of us Idols who few care about any longer, there is hope.

The message is clear: you probably won’t be a star but you can make a living if you are willing to accept working hard and getting very little recognition for it.

tinawina
In other words, Is Adam the most popular with the most selling power in Season 8? If he was, shouldn’t he have handily outsold Kris like Cook outsold everyone else his season?

Adam was at the top of the ITunes sales for the season 8 contestants during the show. His songs were selling consistently well. Mad World sold 100000+ after the final and that song had been out for over two months. It seems to me like 19E is investing a lot of money on Adam, judging by top producers he is working with. They are business making business decisions to maximize their return on investment. They do not base their decisions on votes, they base them on dollars earned. They know which contestant of season 8 has sold the most albums, music videos and songs on itunes.

Here is a list from a month ago with Idol sale numbers.

That list is pretty much useless because it’s just a compilation of last known sales figures – for example, the figure for Michael Johns was one released more than a month before it was compiled, the real figure by the date of compilation might have already doubled that.

Note that the figures given there for Chris Sligh is only 15K, but Chris Sligh is claiming significant more sales. The reason he can do that is because he is likely including sales from shops not counted in Soundscan and sales at venues like concert shows, the figure he has is not official. He might know his own real number (probably just shipment number and not real sales figure) but he won’t know the real number of other idols which are likely much higher than any official Soundscan ones. I’m sure he was boasting about how much more he has sold than Brooke or Michael when he was comparing apples and oranges and less than honest. The hubris of that man is truly amazing.

Adam was at the top of the ITunes sales for the season 8 contestants during the show. His songs were selling consistently well. Mad World sold 100000+ after the final and that song had been out for over two months. It seems to me like 19E is investing a lot of money on Adam, judging by top producers he is working with. They are business making business decisions to maximize their return on investment. They do not base their decisions on votes, they base them on dollars earned. They know which contestant of season 8 has sold the most albums, music videos and songs on itunes.

I think we can only compare what 19E is investing in Adam, or Kris, or Allison as individuals to each other and to the others from their season.

Each season is different. The only comparison one can truly make from season to season is in terms of 19E’s reactions as to how they’ll handle the entire season. Their overall strategy. For instance, Season’s 7 Itunes sales were strong, so they decided to give Season 8 a bigger, longer presence on Itunes. And, why did they not do the same for Season 7? Well, because they were basing those actions on Season 6, which was a far weaker season than 7. So … they “lost” money in Season 7 by not giving them a stronger presence on Itunes and who knows whether reacting to *that* during Season 8 was a smart decision or not. They were dealing with a whole set of different contestants who, in total, may or may not have given them the bang for the buck the latter could have.

American Idol, like the U.S. government, is always fighting the last war. Let’s see how they adjust things for next season. They’ve already shown their hand by switching back their semi-finals round to what they had in Seasons 4 – 7. There’s already acknowledgement that that didn’t work for Season 8.

And, bringing this back to Chris Sligh’s advice. There are aspects of his advice which are timeless: hard work, good people, save money, don’t procrastinate, etc. But, as the industry itself changes, there may be other aspects of his advice which might not be as relevant. Each group of Idols has to react both to the deal they are or aren’t offered by 19E as well as the environment they are let loose in and the competition.

First, I thought the main parts of Chris Sligh’s blogs are very good. He met with JC after the show last year and I can bet he gave Jason the same advice and you know, Jason took that advice and I think has a very good shot at a viable music career. I hope Chris hooks up with Matt G too. Matt totally deserves to be signed IMO but he needs to get out of Kzoo. Like yesterday!

Regarding Adam. There is even advice in there that would be good for him. Like nurturing that 2% fan base. He still needs to feed the masses as he goes about hopefully conquering new territory.

I think it is really interesting how 19e is treating Adam a lot like an artist with a proven track record. I am really anxious to see how all this comes out. I am a huge fan but I will be crushed if his first single/cd is bad.

“American Idol, like the U.S. government, is always fighting the last war. Let’s see how they adjust things for next season. ”

Sassy, Thank you. Finally, an explanation that makes some sense of TPTB apparent cluelessness during Season 7!

I didn’t know AI from a hole in the ground until last year, and I was amazed at the obscene amount of money they left on the table at the very end, by chopping off the iTunes accessibility – less than a week – 3 days for the season, and three days for the Finale songs. So many people came looking to buy afterwards, and could not.

Topping this with limited studio versions after Top 10 – one per show – and comparing that to Season 8, all the videos, and performances up all summer, had me shaking my head at WTF they were thinking the year before!

Now, I finally get it, thank you. They weren’t even in the present – they were still in Season 6 mindset. Not very flexible, are they?

I might have stayed and at least checked out Season 8 – but they lost me with their Top 36 and eons between individual performances (among many other shenanigans) – I never became very interested.

IDK if you will see this – the threads have moved on – but I appreciate your thoughtful analysis of why there was such a SNAFU.

I don’t know how this thread became an Adam thread, but when in Rome do as the Romans do, I guess:

Adam fans hijacking this thread is SERIOUSLY ANNOYING. And the only reason it happened was because I was busy yesterday.

I’m going to start banning people who insist on taking these threads off topic.

And in my effort to put context to the differences between the many audiences idols have to play for, I inadvertently started a whole wave of OTT silliness.

Sigh. I’m sorry.

It’s not your fault Tina. No worries

I think it’s a good idea to have Simon Fuller managing you mostly because he’ll make sure you get plenty of face time during the next season of A.I., at least if you were the winner. No doubt he will have Adam on A.I. as he did Archie. However, Fuller has to be careful with that kind of stuff I would imagine. Isn’t it the point on A.I. to “win” & that it matters if you win? It certainly is more lucrative to win. The winner actually does see a monetary benefit in that they “win” promotional money. That promotional money pays for the artist’s share of putting out a video for instance, while the others have to put out their share taken from their profits.

However, 19M dropped Jordin & I think she has done so much better after she got her own management. I’m not sure who managed her, but I doubt Fuller did. Go figure?

Though Chris Sligh is definitely arrogant, he did put out some sound advice once you throw away all the other stuff. I thought it was sound & realistic. Cripes, I remember Reuben (who won) had IRS problems & I read that so did Blake Lewis.

As far as knocking down Season 6, I’ll only knock on Sanjaya but then this season we had Norman Gentle. Calling people fat, or picking on something or other about them is kind of being two-faced. Nobody dares pick on Adam & there’s plenty of material there.

Some of his advice might be okay but I can’t really hear it after he makes arrogant claims about himself and annoints himself one of the most successful of season 6 or 7, etc. After hearing that, I don’t want to hear anything he has to say, and I wouldn’t blame Idols for feeling that way too.

I guess he thinks he is smarter than everyone else. Does he really think that no other AI contestant has looked at the statistics?

There are other career avenues out there. Even without a major record deal, I bet the AI experience is a godsend for many contestants. And I’m sure for some, it’s the realization of a dream come and gone or changed or realized. But we all figure that stuff out whether on t.v. or the real world.

Chris sounds bitter to me. I guess that is why he wants to ground other people in his reality. He thought he would be a superstar! Sorry sucka. I wonder why you don’t care to the mention AI’s success stories.

Oh… I guess Chris is the only one with drive and ambition. Pity all the others….