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The teenagers I have talked to over the past two months
about the top rated American Idol television show (on Fox)
told me a lot…but I foolishly ignored them. They predicted
Jordin Sparks will win the title of American Idol…and that
will be determined next week. They also stated that they
didn’t think an Idol contestant should be a professional
singer….referring to Melinda Doolittle who has done
background/group singing for years (and beautifully I’m
sure….she is some kind of fine singer). Melinda, despite the
fact that she is/was arguably the best singer in the
competition, was booted off this week leaving only two…Jordin
and Blake Lewis. Jordin has improved tremendously in the
last six weeks and really belts a song. Blake is very
inventive with his approach to singing (and do I remember
correctly that Blake has been a paid professional singer in
the Seattle area?) At any rate…I should have listened to the
teens (I WAS THERE)…because they certainly gave a clue that
they were not too thrilled about Melinda winning and perhaps
would vote for someone else….like Jordin or Blake. I
certainly will listen to the teens ideas/thoughts in the
future. I could have given you readers the scoop ahead of
time. Readers, what are your thoughts about professional
singers on American Idol??? Do you agree with the teens? Or
should the program feature only non-paid amateurs. Please
e-mail and tell me. Perhaps the American Idol bosses should
start a new program/contest for professionals…called
“Unheard Professional Singers” or some similar title…there
are a lot of them…might be great!!!!
Last year I read a book by former broadcaster Brian J.
Bieler called Powerful Steps. It is a terrific book
featuring ten essential career skills and business
strategies for the workplace warrior. Brian has written a
second book called Rich and Free…the Entrepreneur’s Guide to
Creating Wealth and Personal Freedom. As soon as I finish
writing this column I am going to order it from Amazon.com
for $12.21….hoping that it is as good as his first,
aforementioned book. I just bet it will be!!!!
Another book I am going to order is Cities Ranked and
Rated by Bert Sperling and Peter Sander. One feature of
it was disclosed in a recent USA Today article which deals
with satellite towns that are on top for livability…and
other thoughts. The top five are Gainesville,
Florida….Bellingham, Washington…Portland, Oregon (and nearby
Vancouver, Washington and Beaverton, Oregon)….Colorado
Springs…and Ann Arbor, Michigan. I understand the book is
full of interesting/fun stats…it is 848 pages. Sounds like
interesting reading.
And, I am wondering ….has entertainment mogul Irving Azoff
written a book about his experiences in show-bizz????? It
would be fascinating!!!!!! Irving…DO IT!!!! And, while you
are at it please get back into the music business…and find
some great artists like you always do. We need you,
Irving!!!!
e-mail Kent
kent@kentburkhart.com
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