Topic : 03/01 Sudden Fame

If anyone is trying out on American Idol, they should be prepared to hear Simon's sarcasm ... that is just HIM!  If you want to be on Dr Phil show, same thing applies.  Dr Phil tells it like it is, as does Simon.  Jennifer should view the tape of the show and be the judge of herself.  If she fits in the church choir, she is just where she belongs.  Singing Amazing Grace was somewhat lacking.

I really disagree with Dr. Phil’s focus on the show “Sudden Fame”. He completely disregarded the fact that Priscilla criticized her neice, calling her too heavy and not pretty enough. It is not fair for a nine year old to endure that criticism. It is also wrong for Priscilla to constantly destroy her niece’s dream instead of encouraging her, and supporting her like her mother does. I do not think that Elizabeth is trying to live her dream through her daughter, she is only supporting her daughter and encouraging her. Elizabeth’s daughter is only nine years old, and should not have to endure such destructive criticism at such a young age.

What a frustrating piece!

What is wrong with supporting your child's desire to become ANYTHING they Desire?

I am sure everyone has seen the video coverages of Beyonce, The Osmonds, Jacksons,

 Tiger Woods, Wayne Gretsky as children being "coached" or "pushed" at their rehearsals and practices?!   We know today some of the boys from the Jacksons & Osmonds felt it to be very difficult and overwhelming at times. But overall the people listed above  are very successful and claim to be happy about where they are at today and grateful to their parents for their support and help along the way.

The dedication of the parents did help them accomplish their hearts' desire.  So clearly what is the big deal with this Mom. Sure her little girl doesn't as yet have the greatest voice but with practice and lessons who knows.....

I think the Mom's sister needs to calm down a bit and not make such a big deal about everything.  All the fuss and commotion can cause some confusion and perhaps make the little girl want to sing for all the wrong reasons, like to prove a point - "I'll show You" kind of attitude and could unfortunately make her loose sight of what she truly wants.

Love most of what you say Dr. Phil but I think you missed this aspect of the situation.

Good luck to the Mom & little girl

                                     -- Never give up your love of music--

 You may never become a "Superstar" but the places your music can take you are                         boundless with the potential to to amaze and reward you even more than you think.

Without a doubt NEVER let go of your dreams.

ATTITUDE

1. leave your ego at the door: don’t get wrapped up in being right or wrong, just always work on improving without letting it destroy your confidence.

2. have pride in what you do: work hard and be honest with yourself and what you need to do to improve.

TRAINING

3. study other singers you admire and try to imitate them

4. record yourself and study the recordings of yourself

5. hire professional help: get a qualified teacher in the style you want to sing in (someone who specializes in pop and not classical, for instance)

OPPORTUNITY

6. take every opportunity that comes your way, no matter how humble. Sing in public as often as possible.

WORK

7. Learn good practice techniques on a regular and frequent basis practice regularly.

8. Don’t sing notes. Instead, create a line, gesture, or shape using changes in dynamics and the colour of your voice.

9. You will not be an artist until you are in control of basic technical and musical skills: control of pitch, dynamics, timbre, vowel colour, consonants, breathing, and so on. Once you master these, then you will have the required control to make artistic decisions, interpretive decisions that allow you sing a song in your own, unique way.

TIME

10. Unless you’re some sort of musical/vocal genius, you will need years and years and years to learn the skills you need and even more years to become an artist of any quality. Consistency, patience, and tenacity are necessary to become an artist.

I found the "American Idol" segment rather infuriating. She's obviously got food, shelter, health, nice clothes, and friends and family that support her. What she has she really takes for granted... and then sings "Amazing Grace"... how IRONIC. Please don't use sacred hymns to show off your God-given talent if you're only after the materialistic things that fame and this world have to offer.

I was diagnosed with a rare and incurable autoimmune disease called Wegener's Granulomatosis on August 30 2006. It also has no known cause. I was in the ICU for 2 and a half weeks, including my 20th birthday. ICU is a very depressing place, completely devoid of happiness, sunlight, and music. Music has always been an extremely important part of my life (oboe 7 years, flute 5, voice 6) and having silence (excepting the various machines I was hooked up to) was indescribably difficult. A friend came and sang to me, and there was also a lady with a harp whose husband has been in the hospital for the past couple years-- she has learned to play the harp while sitting in the hospital with him, and she travels to various rooms, playing and singing for people.

I think that this young woman should volunteer to sing in hospitals. Not only would she gain some world perspective by seeing many people who have REAL reasons to cry... her talent would make their stay easier. It makes a huge difference-- trust me.

Or she could pursue her musical passions by earning a music degree and then teaching in an inner-city school.

She could perform as a fundraiser for cancer patients or impoverished inner-city kids or anyone else who needs it. How about one of the many fundraisers for a cure for diabetes? www.jdrf.org

There are SO MANY places where any talent- musical or organizational or what-have-you-- are USEFUL! American Idol is frivolous, pure and simple. You have the power to make a difference!  Please, gain an appreciation for those around you and for what you DO have-- and then go and use your blessings to be a blessing to someone else!