Harry Connick Jr. stopped by The View earlier this week to chat about his upcoming tour, and his experience as a judge on American Idol 14 as it heads into next week’s finale.
Perhaps alluding to some of the exchanges he’s had on the show with contestants, the singer expressed dismay at those who believe that music education somehow takes away from an artist’s “soul” and “passion.” On the contrary, education makes an artist more articulate and able to do more things. “You have to study,” he said.
After a clip of Harry’s confrontation with Quentin Alexander aired, Harry insisted that Quentin leaving the competition had nothing to do with their on-air dustup. “He…reached his time,” said Harry. “I don’t know these competitors beforehand. I meet them afterwards.” Harry added, “He’s a great young man. Extremely smart. Really creative. That was just the end of his run.”
Co-host, Nicolle Wallace, wondered if some of his critiques are too hard for young singers just figuring themselves out. Harry disagreed. “It doesn’t matter. All that matters to me is that I’m honest with them, and that I’m specifice with them.”
“You can’t say I don’t like the way you sing,” Harry said, “You have to tell them specifically what they are doing so they can improve.” He added, “If they don’t like it? That’s TOTALLY OK with me.”
“They think I’m rough?” Harry laughed, “The teachers that I had. Ellis Marsalis? I am so sugar coating it for them!”
“These kids are getting it easy,” he said.
