No... you misunderstand, Keebler. I got your point. My point is that I simply disagree with you. I never said that ALL of the talent out there is auditioning for Idol. But I also don't believe that ALL of the talent is doing it by the books, simply because they would lack credibility, otherwise.
Yes... there are tons of no talent singers out there who have tried out for the auditions. Yes... there are tons of people who have auditioned on a lark. Yes... there are many dishwashers, waiters, etc., who are trying to walk into the industry, given that they have no clue how to get in using the front door. And yes... I'll even give you the people who think that they can become a star without having to put in their dues (they never make it, by the way). But, there are still a small percentage of the people who are truly talented. Who come from musical backgrounds. And who have, and still do work their asses off to achieve something special.
As in the rest of the world, the percentage of people who can actually sing, perform, and still have that intangible which keeps you wanting more, is so very slight. And when appiled to the Idol concept, obviously the percentages become that much smaller. But... gems do appear. And if you really believe that the real talent have never tried out, then you're kidding yourself. The same goes for your theory of the true talent being those who are rep'ed by an agent. Are you kidding me?! Our Lady Peace is obviously rep'ed by an agent. They have multiple hits to their credit and I even love listening to some of their stuff... in studio sound. As a live band, they... are... a... horror... show. How far would Raine get in an Idol audition?
The bottom line on the "real" talent that you speak of, is all a matter of conjecture. The industry nowadays isn't as much about talent as it is about what is popular. And while the two can be synonomous... more than ever, it doesn't seem to be so. Which brings us back to the Idol shows...
You don't believe that the show serves as an outlet for real talent. You begrudge those individuals with talent for trying out, because it is either a sellout or an easy way for them to bypass the real work that goes into being a successful artist. And you believe that real, respectable artists would never audition because they would fear an instant lack of credibilty. I think that's about it... Obviously, I disagree with all of these points. And even though it may not sound nice, as an artist, although not a musician, I REALLY do understand where you're coming from with your pessimistic, narrow minded, yet singularly artistic point of view. So, it's all about agreeing to disagree... and that's fine.
Aside from the performers, your criticism of what the producers of the show try to deliver is pretty bang-on. But this is a completely different animal and not relevant to the question of talent v.s. no talent. Like Survivor, the producers obviously pick and choose what they want you to see during the auditions. You never get to see the possible talents who are nosed out because the show needs a few clowns to make the audience laugh. If you can get past this failed aspect of the format, then I still believe that it serves a higher purpose than the "scarlet letter" version of the show that you perceive it to be.
