Dicko on Rove [live]

[Inside Australian Idol]

Controversial Australian Idol judge Ian "thingyo" thingyson appeared on popular entertainment program Rove [live] on Tuesday 12 August. Rove and thingyo discussed various issues including audience fatigue with the 'Popstars' format already having aired and his casting as the "mean" judge in the series. Among other issues raised was the question of who and how Australia is voting. He commented that he thought that there were more contestants in the Top 40 than "the typical blue eyed, blond hair" stars, referring to the two Top 10 finalist voted in the previous Monday- Peter and Daniel.


Here is what ‘urbanryme’ had to say on the Official Australian Idol Yahoo Group-

“Surely Australia, we do not want another typical blue eyed, blonde pretty boy or girl as our idol We can go far beyond that can't we??? I was amazed to hear what "thingyo" had to say on the Rove show on Monday night. He wished that Australians (who spend time watching this show) would get out of their zone of thinking and vote for someone other than what I described. We have a multicultural top 40- different colours, races and nationalities. Look at what happened to all the previous Blue eyed pop stars voted by the public- DEAD AND BURIED.

I would ask that good judgement and maturity prevail when voting. Don't vote for someone just because they are kind, down to earth, all round good bloke or girl. People like them are wonderful to have dinner with and have a laugh, or kick the football, but cannot compete professionally, because they don't have the talent "required" to be an international star. This whole Idol thing is a manufacturers dream. They don't last long as you know, some don't even last in their own state.

So I ask you to vote for the best singer - voice quality, appeal, diction, control, confident. Not an imitator, but a naturally gifted singer who has a God given talent. Someone who truly can conquer the world, not just Sydney and Melbourne, a person who can truly put Australia on the music map. This could be someone outside of the blonde, blue eyed, Caucasian, pretty looking, Mamma's boy or Daddy's girl type person. So search your heart, listen carefully, thoughtfully and vote for the "Best" even if he she is Black/coloured or comes from another race, culture or nationality and someone who will not be used to produce bubble gum pop or the same rock "n" roll tunes you hear. Common Australia you are the best, vote for the truly gifted singer.

Peace !!!!”<br>


What do you think?
Will you be voting on the looks of the contestants? Their singing ability? Or both?
Does the contestant’s race, creed, sexual orientation, physical appearance or singing style affect your vote for Australian Idol? How would you define talent? Tell us what you think?

|| Inside Australian Idol ||

[Fiona]

It's got to be a combination of a) talent, b) looks, and c) personality to become a true idol.

By talent I mean that the contestant must have a voice that is unique and immediately distinguishable as their own, obviously being able to sing well but also having a singing style of their own and not follow the "R&B by numbers" or the "boy band pop" styles that are so boringly common these days. They've got to be able to make a song "their own", not follow any previous version of a song. And they've got to know how to perform well, or be able to learn this. Keep the audience's attention with their dancing, gestures, facial expressions (eg Veronica performing with her eyes closed was not good!).

Looks are important no matter what race or gender they are, they've got to look appealing. Even if they are 20kgs overweight, they can still look good if they dress appropriately, male or female. They have to dress well, dress in whatever's the current trend but obviously combine that with their own unique style (eg Eli's multi-layered choker or Chelsea's tiara).

By personality, I mean they have to be likable as people and show charm and charisma on stage and off. When they start speaking to an audience, they need to engage them at that point too, not just during the songs.

So yeah all three things should be of equal value when selecting an idol, I reckon.

Any comments?

[nicki]

I really enjoyed watching Thingyo on Rove. You got to see another side to him and how he is approaching the Idol judging (remember he is responsible for the money being invested in whoever becomes the Idol). He also mentioned that he worked with the Simon (the mean judge) from Uk and American Idol in the UK and that that is exactly his personality. Thingyo's not trying to imitate him or be mean like him, and like he said himself he has said alot of nice things about many of the contestants that people seem to forget quite easily.