I guess i figured out that joking around and "busting on" someone is okay IF it's meant in a playful way.....but sarcasm or direct in-yo-face-truth or untruths can cause harm and a powerful backlash. It harbors resentment for a long time.
I suppose i don't ever mind apologizing if i was taken wrong. My dad always told me "thanks and sorry" goes a long way...and he's been right.
I personally have NOT BEEN TO or had the desire to go on the singers showcase, (or whatever it's called) because i hear enough singers at my shows! If someone sings good or bad it doesn't matter to me, anymore than if someone can surf well or not. For me it's just a form of entertainment or silly stress-releasing hobby. As long as people are having fun i can go along with it, but i won't ever OVEREXPOSE myself to it...
I AGREE with you on the "Fluff Stuff"...it's unnecessary and a little dishonest.... BUT i'd give it to someone who had little to no confidence or self-esteem...just out of compassion. But sometimes that creates those ego monsters with dllusional skills...go figure..
But i wouldn't want to be a critic of anything but myself..it takes too much energy, you get attacked back, feeling are hurt, and you may find yourself with a sour outlook on something that's supposed to be fun and entertaining...like karaoke.