tigervixxxen, he said “I don’t just strum…so I’m different from them.”  ”Just” is a diminishing word when one artist applies it to another whether or not one is part of the AI machine.  If Gaga were asked to compare herself to Katy Perry and said “I don’t just sing pop, I bring in different stylistic elements” I think most casual observers would not read that as a neutral observation that she had to make in response to the question, but rather, yes, a dis.  

More to the point, P2 needs to focus on selling himself: that means sidestepping the question about differences as much as possible and instead responding in such a way that people get excited about his music for its own sake. Five separate people in this thread have come up with better responses than the one he gave so it’s not like it’s a herculean task to craft one.

Knowing how to answer these questions in a positive and diplomatic way is a vital job skill.  A few unfortunate word choices can make for a very uncomfortable news cycle or two.  Just ask Kris Allen.

If the issue hasn’t blown up in the mainstream media (a la Kris Allen) then I see it as an issue only within the hyper critical Idol bubble, especially to those fanbases who personally perceive the slight. Perception is reality so people are free to take it however they wish, I just find it interesting that it is one of the most typically recurring Idol fanbase reactions.  

 ’Especially in these circumstances, with a medical situation that
would be at the forefront for Phillip, yet where they still have him
doing Phoners, a modicum of assistance on what to expect and how to
couch an answer, or follow talking points in an interview would be the
least they could offer their client, IMO.

Perhaps this is part of what Kelly Clarkson meant when she said no one was there for ‘her’, they were all there for the show.”

I’ve always thought that the top two should be given media training and wondered whether that was part of what Kelly meant. Problem is, I suppose, that the show *likes* controversies because they keep buzz going, so why would they ever try to help the kids avoid gaffes?

I think the top 10 should be given media training. They all have to do media after the show. Maybe even the top 24. It’s hard to hit the ground running when you don’t know how to phrase things in a positive way and maybe don’t understand that your every random word will be plastered all over the internet and discussed ad nauseum on forums.

I was and still am in total awe of the amazing job Scotty did last year. especially as young as he was/is. He was always gracious and diplomatic while still coming across as both humorous and real. That is ridiculously hard to do!

” I think the top 10 should be given media training.”

I agree.

As you say, a few, like Scotty, are just really good at it. But most aren’t likely to be.

“I’ve always thought that the top two should be given media training and
wondered whether that was part of what Kelly meant. Problem is, I
suppose, that the show *likes* controversies because they keep buzz
going, so why would they ever try to help the kids avoid gaffes?”

That’s kinda malicious, actually – in an impersonal sort of way. 19 ‘could’ help them, but they don’t appear to. Tossing them into the TMZ cesspool is just for the ‘Good TV’ aspect – only in Nigel’s mind could that pass for ‘media training.

Some of the cast are older (this year, not many), or are more comfortable verbally – for some personalities, this is a short learning curve. But the ones who are not yet there don’t just make gaffes, they can get a reputation that’s hard to shake, either for ‘foot in mouth’ disease, or as a boring interview. So unnecessary.

Geesh. The fans could write a guide, as this thread has proved – they ought to know most of the questions by heart – and which ones are traps for the unwary. It’s not as if media is going to vary much, if at all. The trick of guiding an interview with ones own talking points could be an advanced course. *snerk*

Maybe to illustrate the point, DC’s humorous satire on the interview experience, “A Ficus Flows Between Us” could be recommended viewing….and make sure the cast knows that many of these were the type of actual questions that were asked, again and again…and again…so come up with better answers than the chicken had. Heh.
(The part of the Ficus is played by a Peace Lily – with a nod to Zach Galifianakis)

Well, politeness can sure come from being raised right, but there’s really a lot more to being media savvy than just being nice. My guess is Scotty’s parents either had some experience from their own careers or sat down with some PR people.

In my experience verbal skills at a young age are predominantly innate rather than learned.  Some kids “get it” very early and communicate like little adults others rely on ums, ahs, long pauses and unfocused eyes.  Some people never get it.

Some Idolettes make off the wall statements early on…understand their oops moment and never make it again.  Others just go blithely on saying and acting the same way over and over again even though they know (but do they understand) the consequences of their words.  

You take Kelly who is presumably pretty smart and savvy and she has spent 10 years with a heavy duty case of foot and mouth, Adam instantly learns from his mis-speaks or mis-deeds, and Scotty, by nature, rarely if ever puts a vocal foot wrong.  All the media training in the world can’t change someone’s verbal personality, really.  If someone’s tongue moves faster than their brain can kick in they are forever going to be in trouble….that’s just the way it is.

” All the media training in the world can’t change someone’s verbal personality, really.”

Well, you’re definitely right about this to some degree, of course.

I’ve seen people learn some tricks to control the dangerous aspects of their personality better, though — learning to pause for a few seconds and gather your answer, consciously avoid some kinds of statements. Those things and more can be taught and learned to at least help. 

You’ll still always be you — and if you don’t have a DCish, Adamish or Scottyish personality and brain, you’ll never nagivate the waters as well as they do, of course — but there are techniques you can learn that may help you avoid your worst personal traps. And since the Idols are so young, I think it would be reasonable to put them on to some of the dangers and suggest some lifetime habits they can develop now to put themselves in the best light.