Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl takes on ‘American Idol,’ but is there another argument?
We should start off this article by being fairly clear: We are a particularly big proponent of Foo Fighters musically. They are one of the best bands of the past two decades, and they help to keep real rock music alive.
Do we agree with Dave Grohl’s recent comments about “American Idol,” though? That is a little more complicated. He and other musicians have been critical of the show’s process, and its emphasis on having their singers be judged. Grohl was promoting his HBO documentary series “Sonic Highways” in a new interview on “60 Minutes,” and he offered up the following example as to why the show doesn’t work:
“Who’s to say they’re not good or not? … Imagine Bob Dylan standing there singing ‘Blowin’ In The Wind’ in front of those judges? ‘Sorry, it’s a little nasally and a little flat. Next.'”
In principle, we agree with Grohl that there are some classic rock stars who would never have succeeded on the show, but we also think that the comparison is somewhat apples to oranges. It would be like Dylan trying to hit up a mainstream pop label that wanted to completely change his image. If Bob was around today, he wouldn’t audition for the show; he’d find another way, and that process still very much exists. It may even be better now than it was five years ago.
The “American Idol” avenue is geared more for people who want to use a specific avenue for stardom, who may not have had the resources or the ability to pursue music any other way. It’s just another option. It can even be an asset for rock artists who want to perform on a results show, and expose their music to a new audience.
What we do wish is that there was a show that celebrated more original and artistic talents like Dylan, but at the same time, maybe it’s a good thing that there isn’t. Part of what makes so many rock legends so great is the mystery of the lyrics, and the talent that we never quite understand.
Fox released recently their latest promo for season 14, which basically is a reminder that their past winners have contributed heavily to modern music. While it has become harder for more recent contestants to break through, there’s a number of reasons from that, from the show’s dwindling popularity to the mainstream appeal of the winners.
What’s your take on Grohl’s comments about the show? Share below, and head over here to get some further TV updates worth singing about right now courtesy of our official CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo via Fox.)