There’s a long preview of American Idol 14 in today’s USA Today. Here are a couple of interesting passages from the article:
Judge Harry Connick Jr repeats what fellow panelists, Keith Urban, said in a recent interview. That Idol is looking for stage ready performers this year, and that the recent Top 48 showcase at the House of Blues in Los Angeles helped them choose a charismatic Top 24:
“[The HOB showcase] was very specifically designed to see them in a situation in between being alone in an audition room and being on that huge Idol stage. It was to see them in a small environment, packed with people, to see how they looked in front of an audience. We learned a lot. In my mind, I knew who was going to crush it — and they crashed and burned. And the ones that I thought were going to come in second, they destroyed it. It was immensely helpful to us.”
The process seems to have had a big impact on the decision making. But, the search for superstar material began early in the process, said Harry.
“In the auditions, (we were) looking for kids that are more ready for what this is. There were a lot of talented kids last year (who) didn’t do that well on the show, whether it’s because of nerves or lack of experience. What we all tried to do was find kids that would be more ready for the American Idol experience… If you’re going to be an entertainer, you have to be able to perform on cue.”
The panel was looking for kids with personality, too. I can think of a few kids that are just goofballs and they love to have fun,” he said, “We didn’t have whole lot of that last year, kids that give you unexpected answers.”
Fox executive, and Idol executive producer, David Hill, on bringing Big Machine Records honcho, Scott Borchetta, on board to mentor the contestants:
Previous mentor and recording executive Jimmy Iovine “was terrific, and Randy was terrific, but for these kids to see the guy who took Taylor Swift from a 16-year-old and help turn her into a world figure is like having Michelangelo walking into a sculpting class.”
Borchetta said he is looking for contestants who want to WIN:
“We want more than just the best singer. We want the best artist. Do they have the desire to go and do the things it takes to do this for the rest of their lives? Do they really want to be a big, successful artist? If we can shift the psychology, which we’ve already started, to: ‘Hey, just coming to Hollywood, that’s not the victory,’ (then) somebody’s going to win this and have a real opportunity to change their life.”
Borchetta also believes changes to Idol’s format were necessary. What worked 13 years ago, doesn’t necessarily work today. “You can’t just put on some of the crazy artists just for shock factor,” he said, “In the beginning, it was such a shock that people tuned in. Now, it just feels mean-spirited, so they’ve stopped doing it.”
“You get a TV moment every week. That’s so exciting, because if we do it right, we will have the next American Idol,” said Borchetta. “We will get the next Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood.”
It will be interesting to see how much effort and manipulation it will take to make sure the “right” contestant wins Idol. Will Borchetta put his money where his mouth is? Will he provide the eventual champ with a terrific winners song, great A&R and post show promo? It really seems like the producers want to get back into the business of making superstars. Will Borchetta be able to pull it off?
American Idol 14 premieres on FOX Wednesday, January 7 at 8/7c PM.
Via USA Today
Read More:
American Idol 14 Mentor Scott Borchetta – Making Sure the Best Artist Wins
Scott Borchetta Calls American Idol “Great A&R Opportunity”
American Idol 14: Scott Borchetta to Mentor, Release Winners’ Music
