Better off a Castoff: On Not Winning American Idol

For starters, I don't watch the show (after the auditions are done). For the most part, it really doesn't interest me. Some of the remakes are terrible. So WHY if I don't watch the show, why am I going to blog on it? It's funny because those who have not won have been the most successful. History seems to back me on this so I'll explain why winning American Idol could be more of a curse if your name isn't Kelly Clarkson (Season #1) or Carrie Underwood (#4). I'll exempt everyone from Jordan Sparks forward (their books are still being written). One other tidbit I found out. Of the last 8 winner, 6 had connections to the southern part of the US (Chicago is represented by Glocken, Hudson and the most recent winner, Lee DeWyze).

Let's go to Season 2. Ruben Stoddard won that year but the Clay Aken Army felt otherwise. Sad thing is that neither guy have done anything post Idol. Stoddard had a nice run with a platinum record, a gold record and it all fell off afterwords. Aiken had his banner year in 2004 but after that, pretty marginal except for Christmas music. The two will tour together this summer.

Here's where the "curse" comes in, starting in Season 3. Fantasia won that year and she has faired much better off than the two guys I just mentioned. Some nice recordings, a lead role on Broadway's "The Color Purple" (a role she will now play on tour) , and a few high profile nominations. Now look at who didn't "beat" hear- Jennifer Hudson (yep, that one). Skip to Season 5, the year Taylor Hicks won. First album had some success, the other not so good (45,000 recorded sales). He was last seen (on Broadway) in a production of "Grease" as the Teen Angel. Kellie Pickler was also on that season and she's enjoyed a good career in Country music. The "one" rejected, that got sent home early- 2 albums, both platinum or higher. If you want to relive that experience, click the video below.



I couldn't find the full version but I do recall it was BAD:


The last 3 seasons I won't address because the books are still being written. Sparks looks promising. I haven't heard much about Sanjaya or Gina Glocksen (who now lives in the town where I attended college). The David's (Archuleta and the winner Cook) seem to have some promise since both have won several awards since their Idol days ended. Adam Lambert seems to be on the same path (to be truthful, I know more about Jack Lambert and Adam Archuleta). As for the most recent final two, come on folks!! It hasn't even been 24 hours. DeWyze was actually first discovered by guitarist Louis Svitek,  formerly of Zoetrope ("Life of Crime"), M.O.D. (first 3 records), & Ministry ("Psalm 69" through "Animositisomina"). DeWyze signed with Wuli Records, where Svitek is a partner. So if you don't win American Idol, you might be better off in the long run. I never thought I would associate speed/industrial metal with American Idol.

Edgar Guest "On Quitting"

The more I have read Edgar Guest, I ask WHY schools and motivational people aren't mention this guy more. If I would create an academic curriculum, this man's work would be in the list. I find myself encouraged and even challenged when I read his works. This poem is pretty relevant to life in general. In fact, why is it that more people don't discuss this man or his name doesn't come up more than it does is beyond me. At the rate I'm going, I might have to give Guest his own label. Enjoy.

Taken from http://www.poemhunter.com/.

"On Quitting"

How much grit do you think you've got?
Can you quit a thing that you like a lot?
You may talk of pluck; it's an easy word,
And where'er you go it is often heard;
But can you tell to a jot or guess
Just how much courage you now possess?
You may stand to trouble and keep your grin,
But have you tackled self-discipline?
Have you ever issued commands to you
To quit the things that you like to do,
And then, when tempted and sorely swayed,
Those rigid orders have you obeyed?


Don't boast of your grit till you've tried it out,
Nor prate to men of your courage stout,
For it's easy enough to retain a grin
In the face of a fight there's a chance to win,
But the sort of grit that is good to own
Is the stuff you need when you're all alone.
How much grit do you think you've got?
Can you turn from joys that you like a lot?
Have you ever tested yourself to know
How far with yourself your will can go?
If you want to know if you have grit,
Just pick out a joy that you like, and quit.


It's bully sport and it's open fight;
It will keep you busy both day and night;
For the toughest kind of a game you'll find
Is to make your body obey your mind.
And you never will know what is meant by grit
Unless there's something you've tried to quit.

"My Creed" Edgar Guest

The more I have learned about Edgar Guest, the more impressed I am. This guy is so common sense and inspirational. I actually read some of his works a while back but onyl recently got reconnected with his works. I would encourage anyone to check this man and his works out.

"My Creed"

- Edgar A. Guest
(taken from http://www.wow4u.com/my-creed/index.html)



To live as gently as I can;


To be, no matter where, a man;


To take what comes of good or ill


And cling to faith and honor still;


To do my best, and let that stand


The record of my brain and hand;


And then, should failure come to me,


Still work and hope for victory.






To have no secret place wherein


I stoop unseen to shame or sin;


To be the same when I'm alone


As when my every deed is known


To live undaunted, unafraid


Of any step that I have made;


To be without pretense or sham


Exactly what men think I am.






To leave some simple mark behind


To keep my having lived in mind,


If enmity to aught I show,


To be an honest, generous foe,


To play my little part, nor whine


That greater honors are not mine.






This, I believe, is all I need


For my philosophy and creed.