Simon Cowell: Genius or monster?

1. 59

   Tom_Radfordposted 14 years ago

   Simon Cowell: Genius or monster?
   
   He's made a lot of money, and he's fulfilled a few dreams. But what does his approach mean for the music industry and in particular the quality of the music we are listening to? Is it all too commercial? And is he just in it for himself while the one-hit-wonders come and go? Your comments please...

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2. 60

   EatLovePrayposted 14 years ago

   I'd say MASTERMIND..lol.., because he was able to commercialize himself effectively through various shows. It's a great strategy for him. The contestants change every season, so it's his job to judge. However, that doesn't mean he will have to fulfill all the promises he makes. Lol. So, life still goes on for him, and the cash reaches the bank. Genius plan ehh!

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3. 64

   Wayne Orvisburgposted 14 years ago

   I think he's a genius. He doesn't force people to listen to the musicians he puts out there. I think he's just supplying people with the garbage that they want.

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4. 70

   dashingscorpioposted 14 years ago

   It's impossible to succeed without helping others.
   I doubt if you could call Carrie Underwood, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudsond, or Kelly Clarkson - one hit wonders.
   These artists have won many awards between them including Grammy, Oscar, and Country Music Awards...etc
   It's probably unlikely many of these people would have ever made the splash they did had it not been for American Idol.
   
   Susan Boyle of "Britian's Got talent" fame debut CD sold 7 Million copies! It remained #1 for six straight weeks.
   Being "commercial" simply means an artists's work was accepted and purchased by the masses.
   
   Whether they admit it or not all artists want that kind of success.  No singer wants to spend his/her life perfoming in small dives, free Vegas lounges, County fairs, Cruise ships, and hole in the wall bars. Elvis, The Beattles, The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, Prince, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen were all a "commercial success" in addition to winning awards.
   
   There will always be people who feel it's hip or avant-garde to knock what the masses are buying for whatever reason. We see this in the business world as well. McDonald's, Walmart, Microsoft, Starbucks, and Ikea...etc The minute a company claims a large market share of it's business segment it becomes a target for those who hate "consistant winners". They say, "Everyone loves a winner but a lot of people hate consistant winners"
   
   What separated "American Idol" from "Star Search" and other talent show predecessors is they focussed on just singing, they allowed the public to "vote" or have a say in who moves forward, and they continued to provide "back stories" on the contestants from the auditon phase until their exit. This provided an "emotional connection"  between the audience and the contestants. American Idol has been the #1 show in America for almost 10 years.
   
   Simon dared not to be PC. He was not afraid to tell someone they sucked. Audiences found his honesty to be refreshing.
   Whether you  love or hate Simon you can't dispute he was a genius!

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