Maybe at a point, I understood the concept of a talent contest. Right now, I’m not so sure. To me, the abundance of new talent contests out there are more about the CONTEST than they are the CONTESTANTS.
I see them on the screen… kids barely through their teens… trying out for American Idol, a show they’ve watched their entire short lives. Invariably, you hear the familiar, “This has been my dream for my entire life.” Or, “There is nothing else I want to do.” These statements are coming from a 14 year old girl or a 15 year old boy. How the heck do you know this is ALL you want to do at the age of 14?! Have you tried everything out there to know this for certain?!!
YOU’RE NOT SUPPOSED TO KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO DO FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE WHEN THE REST OF YOUR LIFE HASN’T HAPPENED YET!!!!
Ask the singer of a wedding band, who has worked the circuit for 15 years, holding down a day job while making music at night and on weekends. Too old for the contest and too young to give up the dream entirely. Or ask the guitar player with 2 kids who plays in bars for tips. If you start at the top, there’s nowhere to go but down. But, if you start at the bottom, you appreciate any height you manage to scrape. You relish the recognition you get from paying your dues… not your admission to a contest that needs you more than you need it. Stars are made. It takes talent to makes stars… but that doesn’t necessarily mean the star needs talent.
I’ve got a massive headache right now.
