David and the Press
I don’t mean put a damper on the day’s anticipation, but maybe it’s important for us to be a little pragmatic about the big picture. Whether or not David prevails in this thing is almost entirely unrelated to his talents and abilities. The two contestants are so widely divergent in virtually every aspect of their appeal, that the crowning of a “winner” seems utterly pointless. Within the context of the competition, however, we have been able to get a glimpse of what David is likely to encounter in the culture at large as his career unfolds, particularly in the press. So far, it ain’t pretty.
David’s treatment by the news media has bothered me all season. Less so the scandal-mongering about his dad (that’s par for the course) but more the overall condescension he has received not just from sniveling little piss-ants like Michael Slezak of Entertainment Weekly, or the astoundingly lazy and inept Joanna Weiss at the Boston Globe, but across the board in less explicitly insulting ways. The undermining of David Archuleta in the media has naturally intensified over the past week, where the outright favoritism for David Cook (particularly on the Fox O&Os-–those of you with a penchant for conspiracies can mine that ore) has reached a fever pitch.
It is frustrating not because I need anything in the way of validation for my own point of view, or because I have even a passing interest in the outcome of this inane competition, but because it feels incongruous and unfair that David is denied anything resembling an objective, thoughtful, and balanced consideration of his unique assets. I console myself with the knowledge that true originals are always misunderstood by a clueless and callous world, but my analytical nature compels me to identify some of the reasons for this annoying state of affairs.
1. The press can’t abide an inevitability.
Hillary Clinton learned this the hard way. When a competitor begins a race by taking on the mantle of the odds-on favorite, the only possible story opportunity is in their downfall. Even if the press doesn’t intentionally or consciously facilitate this story arc, they support and contribute to it anyway.
2. Reporters on this beat are not music but television critics.
It has been gratifying, though perhaps not surprising, that the more people know about music the more impressed they are with David Archuleta. Television reviewers do not, by and large, know about music (I am not entirely certain what, exactly, they do know about).
3. Those who defy easy categorization are categorized anyway.
The demands of the media machine compel shortcuts to real observation and explanation. Despite the fact that the most superficial aspects of David’s appeal are not the ones that his most thoughtful fans focus on, they are nevertheless the easiest and most available for the media. David is cute and young and has a lovely voice. Of course that can only mean Disney or Josh Groban. Spellcheck, submit.
4. Media mass-appeal is driven on the middle-of-the-road.
It is important to remember that the press is a business with customers just like any other commercial industry. Pandering to the middle is a way of life. David Archuleta is an exceedingly odd duck in this regard, because on paper, he seems to be ideally suited to the mass middle but in practice he is actually much more sophisticated. This state of affairs is far too confusing for a lazy and deadline-driven industry, and I might suggest that there may even be a hint of resentment in the notion that David doesn’t precisely meet these lower expectations.
I can only hope that David doesn’t become convinced to lower his own expectations, because God knows his producers and sponsors will want to please the press more than they’ll want to please David. But before all of that, we get to see him perform once again in the context of this ridiculous show. And somehow it all seems worth it.
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Rascal,
I like some of the points you made. “they are TV critics not music critics”, I do understand that because I don’t watch TV except for this stupid show that somehow I get dragged into each year because there is someone talented enough to catch my attention. I live, eat, breath music and music people think different, most of the time we never seem to agree with the media, The media is cruel undermining and down right mean, We understand the world without category’s and without the need to fit everything neatly into these little compartments there is really no need for them.
I hope and pray that the media does not crush David and force him into something he is not. David is going to be a singer that uses a band not a singer in a band. I recently played one of my Josh Groban CD’s and I like Josh but I think David has a lot more potential and in my subjective opinion flat out better, but the style of having a lead singer with a full band behind him is the vision I can see for him. That does not mean sing “like” Josh but using the same singer/band arrangement. Other singers like Barbra Streisand and many others perform in this same style, There have not been any new performers that are good enough to perform in that style until David.
I sometimes think that Rascal and I must have been separated at birth or that he has esp because I was thinking almost this exact same thing this morning and was going to put it into words and post it. But you beat me to it!
It’s the condescending tone of the media that has bothered me the most. The constant snide remarks like calling David “little Elmo” or the “puppy dog” and worse. It’s nauseating. I guess what the press doesn’t “get” or understand they must denigrate. Since they have no musical acumen themselves they must resort to belittling comments and remarks.
I don’t wish to sound arrogant but I not only know music but I know “voice” which is quite different. I hear the great young voices all the time in the classical world. David’s is a very fine, pure voice. Clear throughout its range (which will expand over time) and pure and bell-like on the top. There is not obvious weakness in his voice at this point. About David Cook? All I can say is that that voice wouldn’t make it past the 1st semester at Julliard. It already sounds somewhat tattered and not the voice of a 25 year old. Perhaps that’s what people want but, solely as a voice, there just isn’t much there. It’s range is limited.
In many ways, this final two reminds me of the one and only time I watched Dancing with the Stars. It was Mario Lopez against some football player whose name I no longer recall. Lopez was, by far, the superior dancer and week after week gave superb performances. The football player was more popular. He won. I never watched again.
I’ve convinced myself that David is not going to win but almost more important, to me, is that he have a spectacular night tonight performing. Because, in the end, it is the performing of David that is paramount and not how many prizes he wins.
David can go away proud tomorrow of what he accomplished on the show but more importantly with how many people he actually “touched” with his music and will continue to touch. I don’t think the other contestants can make that claim.
I’ll watch. I’ll be disappointed. But I’ll also be happy because through this experience we all discovered David.
I was thinking about this and there are several things that give me comfort and will allow me to celebrate today and tomorrow -- regardless of the outcome:
1. These buffoons you speak of -- the ones who see fit to tear someone down simply because they don’t fall neatly into one of their obtuse notions of “cool” or “identifiable,” (despite demonstrating an undeniable gift week after week) -- fortunately, they tend to have the attention span of a squirrel and chances are, they will quickly move onto the next poor victim in no time. Hopefully, once he is away from the tv limelight, true musicians will offer some real productive insight.
2. In the scheme of things AI will be a flash in the pan, and if these past weeks are any indication, David will have the wherewithal to embrace all the good with much grace and rise above the sickness of the AI machine and tabloid media.
3. The manner in which David had handled himself through his run at AI bodes well for things to come. True, there will inevitably be pressure from all sides in the months to come -- often at odds with his own interests. But if anyone has remained true to himself and his goals here, with little regard for how to best “play the game,” it’s David. Would I have done some things differently if I were him? Sure. Maybe I would have won more fans. But then again, I can’t boast the same kind of integrity and humilty David has displayed week to week.
Even for his most avid fans, it’s something to behold in this day and age.
It’s for these reasons that I’ll watch with pride and joy as his closes the night -- not with a fresh new song that “proves” something, panders to his critics or wins over those critical votes -- but with what is bound to be a stunning performance that will embody everything we love about David.
Did anyone see Simon Cowell on Leno last night? The clip is on youtube. He predicts a win for David Cook and says that he deserves it more because he’s worked “so much harder.” He basically says the “other guy” is just 17 and hasn’t had to work hard. He also says he doesn’t care.
The embodiment of our cynical culture.
Rascal, as usual, you broaden our perspectives while getting to the heart of the matter. With a widened scope on the TV critics, I better understand, their lack of understanding.
I particularly agree with your assessment of the media needing to categorize and driving it down the middle of the road. They need to play it safe. I believe there’s more than just resentment of those that don’t fit the bill. In this tightly controlled consumer society we all must be categorized and quantified. Otherwise, how will they sell us their pre-packaged product?
If the product itself doesn’t fit, they don’t know how to sell it. Raw brilliance that isn’t easily categorized must either be diluted for easy sale or torn down.
Week after week I always find myself tuning in to Slezak’s updates on EW.com, though I’ve never been sure exactly why. Though I bristled at every nasty comment he lashed at DA that--honest to God--he didn’t really deserve at all, it still seemed a duty to see for myself after each show.
At first I was afraid that I was slowly getting attuned to that sort of cynical view of what I knew to be true and right, but now I know it was my instinct sort of daring him to come up with new ill-conceived ideas stunning performance after stunning performance. Thanks for the assurance that none of these people have any idea of the scope of his brilliance at all, rather than there being any question in David’s ability.
I wonder how David’s feeling amidst all the chaos coming at him because of Idol. They’re having them do really too much more non-musical chores than time to concentrate on their performances. I suppose, though, he’s only happy he’s able to get his love for music across to his fans and be a source of inspiration--not for self-recognition but for service of others--even for just a minute and a half each week.
Once again, Rascal, you hit the nail on the head. Even before I read your post I had decided to cancel my longstanding subscription to Entertainment Weekly, based on their out-of-touch and downright nasty coverage of David. Not only has it been mean-spirited, but it’s also revealed the point that you make, that TV reviewers know little (or nothing) about music. David (and many of the other contestants) are all about the music — making art not just money. I take comfort in the fact that so many true music lovers love David and that he has a circle of family and friends around him that he can trust and rely on to guide him through the (literally) shark-infested waters of the biz.
thank you rona:
http://blogs.usatoday.com/idolchatter/2008/05/idol-coaches-ro.html?loc=interstitialskip
David Archuleta has that clear, haunting voice that only comes to earth every few decades or so. As a 17 year old boy, his beautiful, lush voice is just coming into its own. My favorite singer of ALL time, Karen Carpenter, had many of the qualities that David has: a melancholy richness to the voice that pierces the soul, a technically perfect pitch and vibrato and an emotive, expressive control of said voice. And, like Karen, David is a bit socially awkward. David will always stand out from the world in that sense and not blend into the rabid and somewhat vile music industry. As fans, we can support him and his music and appreciate his uniqueness. I’m an Archie for life!
Again, RIGHT ON. Thanks for putting things into perspective. Sophistication is the word for the day. He is just that. Whether people get it or not, he will still be singing and moving people. He sings from his soul. And that’s what really matters. Thanks, Rascal.
It is not for me to worry about what the detractors would say, what I am focused now is to enjoy my once in a lifetime event with David tonight and tomorrow. My journey with DA just began and I will do in all my capacity to support him and defend my American Idol. Whatever the outcome on Wednesday, I know David will make a BIG noise in the American music Industry and I will remain behind him as he continues his passion. We love you David. Enjoy and Celebrate with David now, we don’t have to wait Wednesday night, as Rascal said He has already won, so what are we waiting for but start the fire crackers and the confetti tonight! The American Idol -- David Archuleta.
OK. I went to EW.com and all I can say is don’t go there if you want to have any hope left for the future of mankind. Egads.
Who is this MIchael Slezak and the other two chicks he has with him and what are their musical qualifications to have a discussion of this subject?
“There is no way than David Archuleta can be a relevant recording artist iin 2008.” Where do people like this dream this up?
“He definitely has the kids and the grandmas. But everyone who wants to see a consistent artist up there will vote for David Cook.”
ariadne1880 -- I’m sorry I led you over there. It’s a demoralizing place. At the risk of sounding unkind, many of the writers over at Entertainment Weekly seem to me to be of a particular sub-species that are able only to promote the things they’ve been programmed to appreciate by a culture fixated on mediocrity. Any connection they may have had to am emotional life was likely severed when they were forced to erect powerful barricades to sensitivity against all the cruelty they suffered in High School. Now, their only sense of security comes from being able to insult what they don’t understand.
I first became aquainted with David the night he sang Imagine. He sang a song I have loved all my life, but that night I ‘heard’ it for the first time. His beautiful voice was pure, captivating and soothing, his soul was powerful and brilliant and his eyes were piercing. When he sang the words ‘…I’m not the only one, take my hand and join us…’ I knew at that moment that there were millions like him and I was one of them. If I could have taken his hand at that moment I would have. (Kind of an unexpected moment for me.) Instead, I started to look forward to each Tuesday and Wednesday night just to listen and to feel, and I’ve visited this wonderful website to read the thoughts of others who have been touched the way I have.
David is so far above and beyond what anyone of us has experienced before that people tend to have extreme reactions to him. Some are uncomfortable and even intimidated by how he makes them FEEL, while others of us are soaking up the warmth that fills a part of us we never knew was empty. We are the ones that he sings for. And he will continue to sing for us whether the confetti falls on him or not.
Thank you Rascal for your insight as always! It is a breath of fresh air for someone to put into words what I am feeling.
I have only two additions to your thoughts: 1) I believe that part of the issue is that some adults detest the idea of a younger, less experienced person having more talent than someone their own age, or who is at least an adult. I think we see this in many of the comments where they try to belittle David and make their readers feel he is childish or that their is something wrong with their reader if you like him.
2) The other issue I think we have only touched on is that he is a model young man; one that is unfortunately the minority nowadays. This flies in the face of how Hollywood/The Media want you to think teenagers are. They want you to think The OC/Beverly Hills 90210 (remember that) when you think of modern young adult. They want you to think hot cars, hot bodies, self-centeredness, lusty relationships. He is none of those. The truth is, he is a true role model for what a young adult should be like.
How different the world would be if we have more David Archuleta’s in the world. I believe this is why is Dad maybe so protective of him. Who wouldn’t be? If I had a son like him, as pure as he is, I wouldn’t want him tainted by the nuances of TV/Hollywood/The Media. I wouldn’t want him railroaded either. But David would let it happen, only because that is who he is. He rolls with the punches and deals, cause in the end, all he wants to do is sing.
God Bless David!
I think you are spot on about everything relating in some way to high school. I have several friends who are actors and producers (more about that relating to AI in a minute) in Hollywood and they often talk, in a funny way, that you can always tell when a former HS nerd is directing or producing one of those teenager films. They always take great delight in having the cheerleader or the hot hunk killed early and in a particularly vicious way by killer in the flim. “Revenge for HS” they call it!
As for AI. I spoke to a friend this afternoon who is close to one of the producers of AI. He said “the fix is in for David Cook.” He said he was told by this producer that David Cook won 1.62 million more votes than David Archuleta last week. He said that the producers and two of the judges are openly pulling for Cook and that he thinks that this is one of the reasons that David A’s father has been so difficult the past few weeks because he knows what is going on and cannot talk about it.
I asked him why. He said the producers of the show know the ratings have been going down and that many people think that the show is no longer relevant. Cook’s win, they think, will make the show relevant again.
For what it’s worth.
ariadne1880 -- i have to admit, his victory would be sooooo much sweeter in light of all this. i would shamelessly delight in the producers’ defeat and revel in the knowledge that our boy beat them at their own game without succumbing to it.
(look what they’re doing to me!)
GO ARCHIE!!!! Sing your heart out today…we’ll be taking in every drop.
I just have to say, I recently found this website and absolutely adore your articles, you definitely have a way with words… I also I’m completely disgusted with the media attention, not shocked or surprised, but all the same disgusted… I love this kid and his “VOICE”, the VOICE.. I could write pages, but sadly what it boils down to is money, always does… At first Archie appeared to be the “best sell”, but as Cook became more prominent, they started the bashing campaign. I was very nervous from the over praise of David, before even Idol had truly started.. I felt the storm would come.. The people around him, only want to protect him and cannot help but be aggravated at what they see around them. I do not blame the archie camp one bit for stating the fact that they stole David A’s song IDWTMAT and gave it to Cook.. And then the praise he got for the wonderful Diane Warren song from Paula and Simon made me sick (extra sick with Paula’s standing O). Yes, you fools, maybe that’s why Archie picked it!!!! I just feel like jumping thru the screen and shaking them and esp Nigel Lythgoe… And now this week they someone get a “U2″ song approved for Cook, but you know darn well Archie wanted to sing “Crazy”, but just somehow couldn’t pull it off, so he went with Imagine, which I’m sure he’ll hear how he just couldn’t quite bring the magic back… One hour for showtime by me and my heart just goes out to David A. I will vote tonight, seven hours total, thanks to my cali registered gophone, watch tomorrow, and then never turn on this ridiculous show again… I don’t have the time or energy to watch the maltreatment of contestants that happened this year again… I hope all archie fans hold fast and steady to this pact and watch the ratings fall another 5 million next season, then and only then, will the AI producers realize what fools they really are…..
ariadne -
Personally, this show, until this season, has never been relevant. I have not bought a AI winner album nor did I know any winners other than Kelly Clarkson before this season started.
But then I think about that statement and ask, “Relevant to what?” AI is *NOT* relevant to music. The people they discover are. And if I may be so bold, I don’t know that any previous AI contestant (with the exception of Kelly Clarkson, perhaps) have ever made a significant impact on the music world. The are only relevant if you count TV ratings. That’s it! American Idol is a recruiting middle man that people watch for a season gathering ratings.
What makes this season relevant is why we are here. A diamond in the rough. A reason to watch the show this season. A reason to love the person on stage and root for him for all the right reasons. David Archuleta made AI relevant to many more people than they would have in the past. When it is over, unless another diamond in the rough shows, they will continue to be irrelevant.
Hi Gang,
in the end David “just wants to sing” and we just want to hear see and “feel” him.
I hope he’s found that quiet space where it’s just him and his voice. He’s pushed all the crap aside and is ready to amaze us.
i’m sending out all the positive thought that I can in support.
Leaving the office- can’t wait to be taken to that special place.
I agree with all the comments — 17-20 — after mine. The show was never “relevant” to me until this season.
But I realize “they” are not interested in me or my demographic. Afterall, I think, I read, I feel, and I vote. Not the demographic that the AI producers are really interested in.
Go David!
Simon Cowell was right. It was a knockout. The votes don’t matter. David Aruchleta is THE American Idol.
He was stunning tonight in every possible way. He had me in tears throughout the whole show.
From the bottom of my heart, David, thank you so very much for so very much.
Fly David Fly -
AMAZING!!
I am moved beyond words.
VOTEVOTEVOTE