One of my friends commented on a post I had made on my Facebook page about The Voice. Actually, he was referring to my recent blog about the finale of The Voice, and my thoughts on Cher's comeback. He was appalled that I would watch such a television show, and even made a few comments about the talent - or lack thereof- on these shows. To this end, all I can say is “I like what I like.” If I like a 16-year old future country-pop star, so be it. After all, my iTunes account is loaded with everything from KISS to Taylor Swift, The Allman Brothers Band, Jimmy Buffet, Bob Dylan, Of Monsters and Men, Fall Out Boy, Charlie Daniels Band, U2, Alice Cooper, Kate Bush, John Williams
Orchestra, Merle Haggard, Lightnin’ Hopkins, everything Springsteen ever recorded, Kelly Clarkson, Metallica, The Beatles, even some Cher- from the ‘70’s, of course.
I have always been tis way. Even back in high school, “You listen to David Bowie? He’s a freak! And he’s gay! And...” Save it. I do not care either way. I am all about the music, and I love most everything Ziggy Stardust ever recorded.
So, The Voice. This was indeed my first season watching it. I had watched several seasons of American Idol, but now, I may never go back again. Simply because The Voice is so much better. First of all, the initial judging is done without the judges even seeing what the singer looks like. They have to choose based on vocals alone. If they spin their char around and see Danielle Bradbery’s adoreable 16-year old face, it’s just gravy. It was great watching as Blake, Usher and Adam spun around to see that huge voice coming from this cute little kid. I decided then and there that she was going to win. Of course, I was struggling with a couple of others that I liked, especially my friend Shawna P, but after a couple of weeks, my room mate and I both decided it would come down to Danielle, Michelle and the Swon boys- and it did.
I also like the way the judges become coaches, and give so much of their time and experience to their contestants. Much more encouraging than Idol, where you can have your heart ripped out and shoved up your arse if you ain’t careful.
Today I heard that two days after winning, Danielle has signed with Big Engine Records, the label that gave us Taylor Swift. That is so cool. The winners on American Idol are kind of owned by the corporate folks and Clive Davis, God bless him he’s great, decides what you record and how you will present your image. Kelly Clarkson has been very vocal about this. Bo Bice came in second to Carrie Underwood a few years ago, and the decidedly southern rock star was reimagined by the suits for his first album, who made into a “pretty boy” and
handed him a fistful of “formula” country songs to record. The difference between his debut and albums he would record after his contract was up is so great, it’s hard to believe it’s even the same guy.
Also, the obviously staged Idol auditions have grown old. If you believe that every one of these folks came in off the street, straight to Randy Jackson and friends and started making a noise like a garbage truck filled with beer cans, then you probably believe Cher was singing “live” on The Voice the other night, and Tom Cruise is tall. (I met the little feller, so I know!) The awful “auditions” are just a way to pull in viewers. Guess that’s all that matters. At least with The Voice, the blind auditions are not filled with obviously staged crapolla.
Okay. Enough about all that. Danielle Bradbery has one of the most pleasing voices I have ever heard. If she is this good at 16, watch out world. And Big Engine Records. Get this, a few years back the indie label sent me all sorts of advance press on a new artist they were pushing caller Taylor Swift. Did I want to do an interview? Did I want copies of her debut album signed to give away in a contest? No thanks. I passed without even hearing her. I kicked my own arse for a couple of years- which is not an easy thing to do, by the way. (Wondering how to kick your own butt? You have to stand in a chair.)
So now, I have my eyes wide open. I am waiting for a call-back even as I type. I need to corral this kid and do an interview. After all, I can see the writing on the wall. She is headed straight to that same dream spot that Taylor Swift now occupies. Mark my words. And anyone who has something to say about ol’ Buffalo liking a young, commercial country chick singer, you can kiss my grits.
-Michael Buffalo Smith
 |
| Danielle Bradbery |
I have always been tis way. Even back in high school, “You listen to David Bowie? He’s a freak! And he’s gay! And...” Save it. I do not care either way. I am all about the music, and I love most everything Ziggy Stardust ever recorded.
So, The Voice. This was indeed my first season watching it. I had watched several seasons of American Idol, but now, I may never go back again. Simply because The Voice is so much better. First of all, the initial judging is done without the judges even seeing what the singer looks like. They have to choose based on vocals alone. If they spin their char around and see Danielle Bradbery’s adoreable 16-year old face, it’s just gravy. It was great watching as Blake, Usher and Adam spun around to see that huge voice coming from this cute little kid. I decided then and there that she was going to win. Of course, I was struggling with a couple of others that I liked, especially my friend Shawna P, but after a couple of weeks, my room mate and I both decided it would come down to Danielle, Michelle and the Swon boys- and it did.
I also like the way the judges become coaches, and give so much of their time and experience to their contestants. Much more encouraging than Idol, where you can have your heart ripped out and shoved up your arse if you ain’t careful.
Today I heard that two days after winning, Danielle has signed with Big Engine Records, the label that gave us Taylor Swift. That is so cool. The winners on American Idol are kind of owned by the corporate folks and Clive Davis, God bless him he’s great, decides what you record and how you will present your image. Kelly Clarkson has been very vocal about this. Bo Bice came in second to Carrie Underwood a few years ago, and the decidedly southern rock star was reimagined by the suits for his first album, who made into a “pretty boy” and
 |
| Clones? Danielle and Taylor. |
Also, the obviously staged Idol auditions have grown old. If you believe that every one of these folks came in off the street, straight to Randy Jackson and friends and started making a noise like a garbage truck filled with beer cans, then you probably believe Cher was singing “live” on The Voice the other night, and Tom Cruise is tall. (I met the little feller, so I know!) The awful “auditions” are just a way to pull in viewers. Guess that’s all that matters. At least with The Voice, the blind auditions are not filled with obviously staged crapolla.
Okay. Enough about all that. Danielle Bradbery has one of the most pleasing voices I have ever heard. If she is this good at 16, watch out world. And Big Engine Records. Get this, a few years back the indie label sent me all sorts of advance press on a new artist they were pushing caller Taylor Swift. Did I want to do an interview? Did I want copies of her debut album signed to give away in a contest? No thanks. I passed without even hearing her. I kicked my own arse for a couple of years- which is not an easy thing to do, by the way. (Wondering how to kick your own butt? You have to stand in a chair.)
So now, I have my eyes wide open. I am waiting for a call-back even as I type. I need to corral this kid and do an interview. After all, I can see the writing on the wall. She is headed straight to that same dream spot that Taylor Swift now occupies. Mark my words. And anyone who has something to say about ol’ Buffalo liking a young, commercial country chick singer, you can kiss my grits.
-Michael Buffalo Smith
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