Karaoke Forums

I found this on MSNBC. interesting read.

How do you guys think AI has effected the karaoke scence.  :whistle:


In the early days of karaoke in America — say, the Huey ’80s and the Hootie ’90s — the ultimate compliment a singer could get for a good karaoke performance was a standing ovation or a free shot from the bar.

That all changed in 2002. “The new supreme compliment in karaoke is, ‘You should try out for ‘American Idol,’” says Grant Tucker, a veteran karaoke host based in Glendale, Calif. “The show’s provided a new superlative. For singers who are a little more serious about singing but perhaps haven’t studied or wouldn’t think of taking voice lessons, it’s given them a tangible option.”  

Not only has “Idol” revolutionized the struggling music business and given Paula Abdul — and the rest of us — something to do two nights a week, it’s shaken up the karaoke scene as well.  And by most accounts, the shaking’s been a good thing.

“The theory we’ve had since the inception of karaoke is that everybody loves to sing, even if it’s just in the shower or the car,” says John Bertrand, vice president of the online outlet Express Karaoke. “‘American Idol’ has encouraged people that they can do it as well.” Bertrand knows this because he hears it from his customers every day. “We get comments at least two or three times a day, like ‘Did you see the show last night?’ or ‘I’ve got to practice so I can try out next year.’ The show’s inspired more people to believe in themselves.”

It’s also affected what people sing and just like on the show, song choice is crucial. “‘American Idol’ sometimes inspires me to sing a song that I would not normally consider,” says Chris Humphries, assistant organizer of The Nashville Krazy Karaoke Meetup Group. “I never cared for the original John Lennon version of ‘Imagine’ prior to David Archuleta’s performance, but now I want to add it to my list.  I figure if a 16-year-old can learn a new song in a week, I should be able to, too.”

Artists and songs that appear the show see a boost in popularity in the karaoke world as well.  “Our biggest ‘Idol’ is Carrie Underwood, hands down,” says Bertrand, adding that established artists like Dolly Parton and Stevie Wonder also sell well after turning up as guest on “Idol.”  “We just got a karaoke CD of Daughtry songs and we can’t keep it in stock.”  

Trying to become the ‘total package’In clubs, the “Idol” reverberations are also unmistakable… and occasionally inescapable. “If I ever have to hear that Edwin McCain song ‘I’ll Be’ again, I’ll kill myself,” vows Bruce Daniels, a stand-up comic who hosts a weekly karaoke night at the West Hollywood club Fubar. “That’s the No. 1 song guys sing because of ‘Idol.’”

On a more positive note, thanks to “Idol,” it’s no longer enough for a singer to stare at the screen and hit the notes. They’ve got to strive for what Paula Abdul calls “the total package.” “The show’s encouraged people to get into a song physically and really try to put a packaged performance together,” says Tucker. “It’s not just standing and singing. It’s the movement. It’s dancing. It’s whatever the song entails.”

“I had a guy come in with cat ears and do a song from ‘Cats’ and bounce around the stage,” marvels Daniels. “I’ve had people in mermaid tails doing ‘The Little Mermaid.’ It’s insane. People sing as though there are A&R people in the audience ready, just to discover them. Now, that’s even more so with ‘American Idol.’”

Most karaoke pros agree that if there’s a downside to the “Idol” phenomenon, it’s that it may give some singers false hope that they can be the next Kelly Pickler. “A lot of people that may not be very good think, ‘Oh, I’m going to go try out,’” says Jessica Duarte, who hosts karaoke in the heart of Carly Smithson country, San Diego, Calif. “They get overexcited and they get their hearts broken.”

Duarte knows the drill as she’s auditioned twice herself and didn’t make the cut. “There’s more that goes into trying out than just singing a song,” she says. “People think it’s a lot easier than it actually is.”

“Probably every karaoke spot has one or two people who have tried out and been rejected,” observes Tucker. “The show’s kind of provided a lottery ticket approach singing. For some talented singers, if they were a little more realistic, they might pursue voice lessons or go another route instead of an all-or-nothing approach. But the show has encouraged people to sing and I think that’s the best thing about it.”

Channeling your inner Simon Cowell
Tucker also credits “Idol” with turning karaoke into more of a spectator sport than it was before. “For people who don’t sing but like to watch, the show’s given them a reason to have a drink and stick around for a few hours,” he says. And thanks in large part to a certain Mr. Cowell, they’re a lot more discriminating than they were pre-“Idol.” “The most negative effect is people in the crowd being more Simon than Paula,” says Duarte. “Singers are more nervous of people in the crowd being more critical because sometimes they are.”

First-season also-ran, Ryan Starr found that out the hard way in a surreal life-imitates-“Idol” when she took the stage at Daniels’ club in Hollywood.  “She got booed,” says Daniels cringing at the memory. “I tried to squelch it but they still booed her. It was rough.”  


Does he offer counseling when the crowds start channeling their inner Simon? “I don’t,” he says regretfully, “but I do offer a shot of vodka. I don’t know if that helps.”

For most die-hard karaoke lovers, it’ll take more than a few well-timed Cowell-isms to keep them of the mic. “Singing to me is therapeutic,” says Jody Robinson, who sings regularly at clubs near her home in Antioch, Tenn. “I don’t care to be involved in an organized religion at this point in my life and where else can you improve your vocal instrument and make friends... all while having a beer?  It feels good to sing!”

Somewhere, Paula Abdul is clapping.

Interesting article. Thanks for posting it.

After the comment was made that went something like, "Seattle has no good singers," the attitude about Idol around here went down the toilet. There are the proverbial die-hards who truly believe they'll make it someday...and most of them don't even GET to audition because of the huge turnout of people who are eager and willing to get their hopes bashed. Fact is, it's a pretty narrow demographic they're looking for.

Same goes for people who are prodded by everyone, "Hey, YOU should be in Nashville."  I have a few friends who have gone to N'ville, and probably would have made it if not for the horrible politics there...spent 1-5 years, did everything they were supposed to do (writer's circles, open mics, etc.) and got no notice at all. They have to be happy now to sing in and win big karaoke events or play in bands and get their recognition that way.

If it weren't for the horrible way every season begins....by humiliating and embarrassing the really 'not talented enough' singers (who were told by someone that they should try out for AI), it might do better things for karaoke IMO. There are people who visualize themselves as these poor butts of the entire Idol viewing audience and are very hesitant to get up and sing and enjoy it for what it is.

I guess it had to happen - 'who's the best.'  Fact is, nobody is the best...and beauty is in the eye of the beerholder.

Interesting topic. Thanks again for posting.

k

I think it has done some good in getting talent in front of the tv audience that otherwise wouldn't be noticed.  It would be nice to have a similar show to compete with it, and it would be nice to have a show that appeals to a wider demographic.  I don't really equate karaoke with American Idol.  To have a karaoke show, they would need to pick bars to drop in and film the singing.  Kind of a Candid Camera Karaoke, where maybe the person and even the bar doesn't even know they are being filmed.  

They could even make a show like this kind of humerous like the person is singing American Pie and all of a sudden the music gets garbled like it does sometimes on a bad disk, and then you see this GIANT GREASY FINGERPRINT and a half-eaten piece of pizza  appear on the karaoke screen, and the host goes "Wow, like this disk has fingerprints on it!"

Bye-bye, Miss American PIZZA Pie????  

Getting back to the question--I don't even watch "American Idol" (I've only seen a few bits of the really bad auditions that showed up on YouTube) and I don't want to be on the show.  I just love singing; that's why I do karaoke.  Singing's fun.

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I love being a mom!

Same with me.  I don't think I've seen more than half an episode of American Idol, and that was at a karaoke bar a few years ago!

American Idol has made my job as a KJ tougher because it's hard to convince newbies that they won't be harshly treated by the room. They get the idea from that show that everyone's going to somehow severely criticize and judge them.

I've had (I think) three regulars try out for the show. They were not encouraged by me. They all thought they might at least get a shot at meeting Paula, Simon, and Randy without realizing the tons of pre-screening that goes on. They are all young and idealistic and it was tough on  them.

I'm not a fan of the show and seldom watch it. For example, I didn't know that that's where the popularity of Edwin McCain's "I'll Be" came from (a song I'll admit I'd never heard of before my KJ job).

I guess the show has been doing a lot of Beatles and Neil Diamond this year. So far I have not had that filter into my room.

Fortunately.

My fingers are crossed.

I agree with the article when it said the new ultimate compliment when doing karaoke is you should try out for AI. I have definately noticed this.

A lot of my singers watch the show and discuss it on karaoke nights. They try songs they've heard on the show and liked.

I've had two of my regulars try out for AI that I know of. Both great canidates. One had a horrible experience waiting for hours in the blistering heat almost passing out. They weren't allowed to bring food or drink with them and had to buy over priced AI bottled water. I was shocked to find out he didn't even make it passed the first audition. By the way, he never even saw Paula, Randy or Simon.

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[shadow=pink][glow=deepskyblue]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[updown]~*~ MONKEY BUSINESS KARAOKE~*~ [/shadow][/updown][/glow]

As I said on another thread, I heard that one place where I like to go for karaoke was going to start an imitation AI contest where they actually had some of their regulars playing the roles of Randy, Paula and Simon.  (Their "Simon" promised  that he was going to be even harsher than the real Simon.    )  My approach towards karaoke contests is to avoid 'em like the plague, so although I have been back to the place since then, I don't know if they are still having the AI contests.  (they are still having some kind of contests, though)

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I love being a mom!

Karaoke in general and American Idol are gimmicks, nothing serious.  A serious song writer or singer would persue a career by paying his or her dues.  It all goes with the times, this country is not into anything that requires "paying dues" ie, guitar hero, maybe consider learning to play a real one,.....?

Sinatra would've been too old for AI.  If your singers have to watch a tv show to discover new music to sing you should tell them to get some backround on music.
Start with Jazz standards, and learn, not just watch a karaoke tv show, sheez.

You mean we should get a life and do real music?



No, in fact he would not have been. He started singing at the age of 18 or so, and actually left his first singing group, the Hoboken 4, at the age of 19.


I will tell you that looking down your nose at karaoke is not going to win a lot of friends and influence a lot of people around here.

Question 1 - Yes
Question 2 - Sinatra wasn't 18 when AI went on the air
Question 3 - Not looking for friends, I looked down my nose at
                  singers using my gear for over 15 years.

I find your attitude a bit snooty, but whatever you need to get yourself through the day. i will try to peer around your nostrils as I listen to what you say....

I didn't intend to offend anyone, I think I'll stay off this section of the forum since it seems to be dedicated to singers.  I'm actually sorry I worked so long in the nite clubs, I saw the best and worst of karaoke and people.  It was either quit or go insane, no joking.  Most singers don't understand what the DJ goes through with setting up and tolerating drunks and egomaniacs all night long.  I lost hundreds of dollars worth of gear and put up with endless arguing about "who's next".
And the same people sang the same songs nite after nite after nite.

But honestly, if someone has to look at a monitor to remember the words,
come on,.. it reminds me of Sat. night live when they have to look at the cue cards because they never memorized the lines, it's the lowest form of entertainment.  LOL

I'm guessing dead people don't qualify for AI!  
Didn't you know Sinatra died in 1998, AI first aired in 2002... SHEEZ!

Just have to ask how you lost hundreds of dollars worth of gear....

k

Per   http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0246379/


Long before TV's American Idol became a mega-hit,there was one radio and television series that started the talent competition craze. It was called "The Original Amateur Hour". On television the host was Ted Mack. On radio it was Major Edwward Bowes and on cable it was Willard Scott. Almost 50 major stars of movies,records,stage,screen,and television got their start on this series. This was a show that made the "gong" famous(long before Chuck Barris)as well as "the wheel of fortune" and the phrase: "round and round she goes,and where she stops nobody knows." From there,the contestants would show off there talents in between the commercials. Yes,it was a simpler time,indeed. The Amateur Hour made the transition from radio to television in 1948,joining the Dumont Network,then went from NBC to ABC and finally over to CBS. The series was shown on all three major television networks where it ran until 1970,where it was last shown as part of CBS' Sunday afternoon lineup of special shows,in its final season after 22 years from 1948 until 1970.

Like "American Idol",the "Amateur Hour" was a phenomenon among the highest-rated shows on radio and then on television. In 1992,a new version of the series was revived on cable and was hosted by Willard Scott of "The Today Show",where it lasted one season. Like "American Idol,"the public chose the winners,calling operators on duty or sending postcards. Three-time winners won cash scholarships or other prizes. Unlike "American Idol",or another show on the same level,"Star Search", "Amateur Hour" was short on glitz. Contestants performed on a simple stage and exchanged scripted pleasantries with Bowes(who hosted the show on radio)and his successor Mack(who hosted the show on television). No fireworks,no bombastic sound or lighting effects. Ted Mack was forever introducing one-man bands,impressionists,bottle players,bird callers and other acts that were considered entertainment value at the time.

Some of these first-time of struggling amateurs who got their start on "The Original Amateur Hour" are a who's who of great American artists of the 20th Century. These artists included Frank Sinatra, Gladys Knight, Nick Carter, Pat Boone, Connie Francis, Jim Stafford, Ann-Margret, Robert Klein, Raul Julia, Maria Callas, Beverly Sills, Joey Dee And The Starlighters,The Primettes,with a teenage looking Diana Ross,long before she was ever discovered by Motown,and Penny Marshall in a tap-dancing number. There were others too including Robert Merrill,and also a young man by the name of Louis Wolcott,who came to be better known as Louis Farrakhan,minister of the Nation of Islam. By the way,Farrakhan,it should be noted can really play the violin. There was others as well of these great stars that appeared on the show when they were still virtually unknowns. This was a show that became the forefront of the talent competitions shows that were to come. This was a show that nourished those showbiz dreams and went on to become something even bigger beyond belief-long before "American Idol" came to view.

Karen, the gear was microphones that were destroyed, some over time and some just beat to death while they were new.  Many many mic cords, people did the strangest things with mic cords.  I had a Carvin 16 channel powered mixer worth over 2 grand that went down because of massive feedback while a group of school teachers were singing and recklessly mis-using the mics.  I've even had one occasion where a rowdy singer dislodged a lighting fixture (low ceiling) and nearly destroyed it.

My point about Sinatra was just the age limitation on AI.

Were you playing in a zoo?? Holy smokes. I've got mics that I purchased new in 1997 (SM58s) that are still viable. I've replaced maybe 2 cords. My gear has seen lots of 5-nights-a-week use for years. I don't let anyone play with the cordless 58s...only private gigs. But I also jump straight on somebody who even LOOKS like they'll abuse equipment, escort them out the door for a hushed terse talk about respect...if they do it again, they never sing with us again.

I understand the burnout thing. I finally took back my weekends this past year (well, Saturday nights anyway) - easy to get so you look at your board and think to yourself, "Maybe if I just yanked this a little too hard the board wouldn't work." just to have a night off.

k