‘American Idol XIV’: What Scott Borchetta wants from a winner
Tonight, the “American Idol XIV” top twelve is going to be revealed! This is always a huge milestone for the show, and admittedly, there’s something strange about seeing it crammed into a one-hour show that will also feature everyone performing and a wild-card reveal.
Hopefully within the weeks ahead we’re also going to see more and more of Scott Borchetta, the in-house mentor this season from Big Machine Records who is looking to bring back the show’s reputation as a star-maker. Phillip Phillips is really the only huge name that has come out of the past several years of the show, and he had a major assist from the Olympics. Also, he is currently suing 19 Entertainment. Really, Adam Lambert is the last big name to come out of the show, and that was in season 8, and he wasn’t even the winner of that season. (Scotty McCreery has sold well, but he hasn’t been at the forefront of anything in a while.)
So what Scott is really looking for is something that really reflects the current entertainment landscape. Rather than looking for the best overall singer, he tells USA Today that he wants someone with the presence to be a genuine star:
“A technical singer was great 14 years ago … Now, because we have so many opportunities to see anything at any time on any device, it has to be more.
“My whole mission is that (the winner) is not going to be the best singer, technically. I’ve got to make everybody understand that the next big superstar to break off the show will be an artist.”
We don’t necessarily think that the best singer cannot be the winner, or cannot have a great career, but his point is still a solid one. Being a great vocalist is not everything anymore. You need to be marketable and charismatic even when you’re not on stage. Adam and Kelly Clarkson are two people who have that total package, and that’s what made them stars. The same goes for Carrie Underwood.
If you missed it, head over here to see where we’ve ranked all the contestants going into tonight’s show. Also, sign up for some other song-worthy TV scoop via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: Fox.)
Zenber1
March 12, 2015 @ 6:08 pm
Adam Lambert just happens to be technically one of the greatest vocalist around today, as well as being highly charismatic. Kelly also is an amazing vocalist. Carry can certainly sing as well, but as you say, they all have that something more.
Margaret Treskolasky
March 12, 2015 @ 3:54 pm
Scotty is the best country artist,and he is the whole package,Kelly,and Carrie are not the only country artist who came off that show that are good.I’ll stick with Scotty .This is one guy’s opinion,don’t know him,and don’t agree with him at all.Idol rating’s the year Scotty won where off the chart.,and America got it right.He’s also working on a new album,plus touring with Rascal Flats,and doing his own solo concerts.One thing he said SCotty has sold well,he sure did he’s one of the top money making idols for years,,fourth this year on forbes.
Yvette
March 12, 2015 @ 1:02 pm
When you put ANY ONE in the music industry Toe to Toe with Adam Lambert, you can clearly see there is no one better than Adam Vocally, Stage performances, Charisma, Chameleon like Style, Stunningly Handsome good looks, and a Seductive Sexual aura that captivates an entire Arena regardless of gender. There has never been an artist like Adam Lambert. American Idol and all the other singing competition shows have been trying to find Another Adam Lambert but he broke the mold and should be put into the American Idol ” Hall of Fame”. Adam is what all artists should strive to be in their own innovative way. Adam Lambert is a PHENOMENON. He is only just getting started!
Sam
March 12, 2015 @ 10:14 am
Adam Lambert has got it all. A true global star!
Judy Hicks
March 12, 2015 @ 5:59 am
I say Scotty McCreery is the best of all of them. To hell with what Scott thinks. I will not watch idol this season because of that new mentor.
Jane Cashh
March 12, 2015 @ 4:53 am
Scotty McCreery makes all of them look sick!!! I don’t hear that much about philip Phillips.. He doesn’t come close to having the voice that Scotty does!!!!
luukie88
March 12, 2015 @ 12:26 pm
McCreery should have been the next johnny cash .He has THE most astonishing voice.
Bad marketing has put him off the map it is a real shame
Camille Pety
March 12, 2015 @ 1:30 am
Adam Lambert is so far and above anything that has come out of any talent-seeking show. He is just an astonishing performer, galvanizing, insanely talented and a really nice man.
Yvette
March 12, 2015 @ 1:15 pm
I ask any artist today to go Toe to Toe with Adam Lambert in any way and see how they come out! Adam will Outshine everyone in every category. Adam is a Phenomenon in his own league and not to be compared to anyone. I feel blessed to have witnessed his Extraordinary performances Live on his solo tours and with Queen. Adam is the Incomparable! There is None Better!
atomom
March 12, 2015 @ 12:55 am
An artist with charisma, talent, stage presence, and personality who appeals to a universal audience–what Simon and Paula recognized in Adam, for his “global superstar” and “iconic” qualities–is a rarity that few can come close to being. In Adam’s case quality is trumping quantity, which will soon follow with his next album.
Luke Easton
March 11, 2015 @ 11:21 pm
Adam Lambert is still the best thing to come off this show. The guy should be the biggest male solo star on the planet. He’s a true artist. Hopefully his third Album The Original High puts him to that level. As for idol they need to find stars, not picking contestents because they have potential, theirs no time for that.
luukie88
March 12, 2015 @ 12:30 pm
No artist on this earth comes close to adam
6plus12
March 11, 2015 @ 9:42 pm
Carrie and Kelly are great recording artists, but not in Lambert’s league as an electrifying live performer. Hoping Lambert’s new album will send him and that extraordinary voice into the musical stratosphere where they belong.
Divia
March 12, 2015 @ 1:39 am
I agree and in terms of having the whole package, I don’t think Kelly has the gorgeous looks and neither Carrie or Kelly pulled it off in acting quite as well as Adam did in Glee.
Jaqui
March 11, 2015 @ 9:27 pm
I think that whether Qassim wins or not, he is a true artist in Michael Jackson style. I agree PP did get a HUGE assist touring with Springsteen, but I wonder how he will fare after his break up/lawsuit. Adam Lambert has been the only true artist that understood music is a package and people want to be entertained. Whether he’s as popular as PP, Carrie Underwood, or Sam Smith time will tell, but he is a true artist that writes and sings because it’s in his blood and he has a message to give or a story to tell. Those artists, handled well are timeless.
Sherry
March 13, 2015 @ 2:54 am
Adam is already popular right now in every country except US and that is because R CA screwed him. Wish ppl would stop comparing him to anyone he’s in another league and a fantastic performer something Sam, CU or PP just don’t have. Once you see Adam live either with Queen you will know or solo he’s the best