American Idol's Anti-R&B Attitude Claims Chikezie

Up until Ryan Seacrest called his name, I don't think Chikezie believed he was going home tonight.

But I worried about it. Because last night he took the easy way out and sang the soul ballad he'd been dying to belt out since the show started -- placing himself square in the crosshairs of American Idol's severe anti R&B bias.

Over its history, the most successful artists to emerge from Fox's blockbuster talent show have been in country (Carrie Underwood) power pop (Kelly Clarkson) and rock (Chris Daughtry). R&B tinged winners such as Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Taylor Hicks and Jordin Sparks have had a tougher time, with quick success that fades quickly (Studdard and Hicks for example, have already lost their record deals, and Studdard was always overshadowed by the success of the guy he beat, Clay Aiken).

But R&B singers on Idol always had an edge: They were usually also the BEST singers. Not so this year. Idol's 2008 edition is the first in recent memory where R&B-influenced singers -- and, indeed, singers of color -- are not among the best singers or performers. And the show's only real judge, record label owner Simon Cowell, is clearly jonesing to work with the rockers onstage, especially Michael Johns.

So this is the first Idol where straight-up R&B singing is a clear ticket to ejection-ville. I hope Syesha takes the hint; the only way she's going to stay in the hunt is to stay away from the soul stuff and seriously re-invent herself.

Kind of odd that a competition which has two R&B and dance artists among its three judges and a host of R&B players in its backing band, is working so hard to keep an artist like that from actually winning. 

Comments

In the case of Ruben and Taylor & even Jordan to a degree, America told the recording industry what they want to hear , but the record execs keep pushing and promoting the pop rock artists and leave the R&B/Soul singers to fend for themselves. Maybe its time the execs realize there is room of everyone. These guys have done very well with no airplay or promotion.

[Marissa]

Eric, once again I agree with you. I rather enjoyed Chikezie's soulful sounds. Yeah, I liked his honky-tonk rendition of the Beatles song that first week, but he's smooth like buttah. On top of that, he has a beaming personality that pierces through the television.

I find that once 'AMerica' decides which version of the singers they like, they won't let them do anything else. Syesha's talent far surpasses that of Kristy Lee Cook and Ramiele --combined. ACK! I was sick when they were told to sit on the couch.

[Eric Deggans]

I hear you Marissa. Although i do think Idol voters still ultimately go for the best singers, and this year the weaker singers just happen to be those from the R&B fold.

Chikezie was spectacular as long as he defied expectations. But the minute he slid into the same old, same sold, idol voters reacted...

[RDM]

Keep in mind, your article is a single vote, or opinion. It's called the Music "Business". It's not about who is the best singer or "artist", never has....it's about who can fill the seats and sell music (popularity). Maybe there should be a new government program to vote for select contestants & purchase R&B American Idol albums to make up for their performance inadequacies.

[RDM]

After my 2 cents posted earlier, I have to add that, although Chikezie was voted off (or not "voted for" by America), I'll reveal that he was one of my 2 favorite contestants. He's blessed w/an incredibly soulful & versatile voice, and magnetic personality. I'm certain he'll make a much better living than the vast majority of aspiring singers... due to his AI exposure.

[D Moore]

This is just silly! "Idol" has no bias because "idol" does not pick the winners. The people who self select to "vote" are a subgroup of the people who self select to "watch" and then feel strong enough to vote for someone. Could be old people, could be teenyboppers, could be white folks, or not, but the person with the least amount of votes goes home. No bias, no plan, just last man (or women) standing. If no-one buys what they are selling after the fact, well thats just because no-one is buying whjat they are selling. Record companies, just like cafre companies, have tried pushing crap, and it doesn't sell unless people want it. Talent alone is only half the formula for success, you have to have a presence, delivery, looks, personality...or whatever combination. It is an ethereal thing and some very talented people in every genre, never "make it", and some turds just seem to keep selling records. Either way get over it. Bias? please, get over yourself.

[D Moore]

This is just silly! "Idol" has no bias because "idol" does not pick the winners. The people who self select to "vote" are a subgroup of the people who self select to "watch" and then feel strong enough to vote for someone. Could be old people, could be teenyboppers, could be white folks, or not, but the person with the least amount of votes goes home. No bias, no plan, just last man (or women) standing. If no-one buys what they are selling after the fact, well thats just because no-one is buying whjat they are selling. Record companies, just like cafre companies, have tried pushing crap, and it doesn't sell unless people want it. Talent alone is only half the formula for success, you have to have a presence, delivery, looks, personality...or whatever combination. It is an ethereal thing and some very talented people in every genre, never "make it", and some turds just seem to keep selling records. Either way get over it. Bias? please, get over yourself.

[Paul Holmes]

I agree with RDM - Chikezie was among the best the show has offered this season. He also has a phenomenal smile. On talent alone -- and stage presence -- he did not deserve to be ejected. But I guess this show is not about that (entirely if at all).

[Joe Whitey]

Then go vote for them, and stop whining.

[Eric Deggans]

i said during my post that the R&B singers on the show are not the best singers. I think Idol viewers are voting for the best singers, and they have always been very good judges of the show's talent.

But they can only pick from a field of hopefuls presented them by Idol producers. And you can rest assured that the people who assemble Idol do not leave such an important facet of such a successful show very much to chance.

If we are seeing a weak field of R&B singers, it's because Idol producers presented a weak field. And the question i ask is, why?

[former tampanian]

I believe at the end of every show, there's a little "out clause" for the producers to "not adhere to the final vote tally." I haven't really watched the show in years (tune in now and again), but I seem to recall there being a little blurb in tiny font that's shown for maybe one second at the end of the show. Another thing to think about: If the producers can cash in on more than one Idol in a given year, then why not boot the one that will need less marketing (i.e. Clay, Daughtry) to Idol's core audience(middle-aged whites) and spend that money on someone who'll need it more(i.e. Studdard, Fantasia) to market to a younger R&B crowd (not Idol's core audience).