Could we stop fanning the flames?
As you’ve probably heard, Scott Borchetta’s answer to the media backlash against Taylor Swift’s Grammy performance contained a couple of references to American Idol. Unfortunately, there were not in a positive light. Kelly Clarkson answered through her blog. Now the media is having a field day.
Scott was lashing out against the critics of Taylor’s Grammy performance. This was more of a response from the heart. He really believes in Taylor and I have to give him props but I believe he hurt himself and other people in the process. He’s someone that is on Taylor’s corner true and true but that was more heart that mind. The last development of this madness came when he was answering questions for the Huffington Post.
She is the voice of this generation. She speaks directly to (her fans), and they speak directly back to her. This is not American Idol. This is not a competition of getting up and seeing who can sing the highest note. This is about a true artist and writer and communicator. It’s not about that technically perfect performance.
– Scott Borchetta via the Huffington Post
I believe the quip about American Idol was unnecessary. I understand it’s a pop culture reference but I don’t believe the remark was meant to imply the show – rather than that, I believe Scott was trying to refer to the public’s perception that singers are only worth its salt is when they can sing high notes. I do admire him for doing it, but did he went too far? He may have.
Kelly Clarkson answered that American Idol reference through her blog, Ramdom Thoughts By Me:
Wow …..Dear Scott Borchetta,
I understand defending your artist obviously because I have done the same in the past for artists I like, including Taylor, so you might see why its upsetting to read you attacking American Idol for producing simply vocalists that hit ‘the high notes’. Thank you for that ‘Captain Obvious’ sense of humor because you know what, we not only hit the high notes, you forgot to mention we generally hit the ‘right’ notes as well. Every artist has a bad performance or two and that is understandable, but throwing blame will not make the situation at hand any better. I have been criticized left and right for having shaky performances before (and they were shaky) and what my manager or label executives say to me and the public is “I’ll kick butt next time” or “every performance isn’t going to be perfect” ……I bring this up because you should take a lesson from these people and instead of lashing out at other artists (that in your ‘humble’ opinion lack true artistry), you should simply take a breath and realize that sometimes things won’t go according to plan or work out and that’s okay.
Sincerely,
One of those contestants from American Idol who only made it because of her high notes.
– Kelly Clarkson via Ramdom Thoughts By Me
Now if this is the first time you read Kelly’s response you might be tempted to think it’s a counter-attack. It’s not. Read it again. She’s not attacking Taylor. She is upset with Scott’s response. There are no insults toward him and/or Taylor and I have to say it’s worth reading. Realize that Kelly’s remark about hitting the ‘high notes’ was about Scott’s remark – not Taylor! I think it doesn’t require anybody going off on Kelly now. Realize she does not even attack Taylor’s performance but rather justifies that every artist is entitled to bad performances now and then. She even admits to having them herself. I hope other people can see that.
There. Can we stop now? Thanks.
PS: I know… the media will not stop. Blah.
Please remember to vote for Taylor Swift for International Breakthrough Act at the 2010 BRIT Awards.
(Source: The Huffington Post, Ramdom Thoughts By Me)
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