Is Kris Allen about to get shafted by the folks at 19?
Jun 16, 2009, 03:06 PM | by Michael Slezak
Categories: ‘American Idol 2009′
It’s no secret that I’m an American Idol conspiracy theorist. Each season, I manage to find treachery in suspicious camera angles, to hear thinly veiled put-downs in Simon’s “positive” critiques, to suspect sabotage in production choices (remember that Happy Feet soundtrack cut for Syesha Mercado?). So maybe it’s that same general sense of Idolnoia that’s had me fretting about last week’s press releases from 19 Entertainment announcing record deals for season 8 champ Kris Allen and runner-up Adam Lambert. And yet, how come I feel like I’m hearing from an eight-year-old boy reacting to the choice of boiled Brussels sprouts or chocolate ice cream whenever I re-read the respective statements that Simon Fuller, Creator and Executive Producer of American Idol and Founder & CEO of 19 Entertainment, made about Kris and Adam? Check ‘em out for yourself and tell me if I’m onto something:
“Kris won the hearts of millions of Americans with his soulful voice, good looks and gracious demeanor. However it is his passion for music and love of performing that will make sure Kris stands the test of time and makes American Idol proud.”
Vs.
“To find a talent as exceptional as Adam Lambert is a rare and special event. I am thrilled that American Idol was the platform for the world to discover this brilliant young man. He is unique and unforgettable and a certain star of tomorrow.”
Let me get this straight: Adam gets slathered with “exceptional,” “rare and special,” “event,” “thrilled,” “brilliant,” ” unique and unforgettable,” and “certain star of tomorrow.” Kris, by comparison, receives “soulful voice,” “good looks,” “gracious demeanor,” “passion for music,” “love of performing,” and “stands the test of time and makes American Idol proud.” Now don’t get me wrong: I’m not saying Adam hasn’t earned every superlative his new label wants to throw at him, but why am I having visions of Fuller trying to banish Kris to indie-land after a hastily released, poorly promoted debut? Oh, and anyone who thinks 19 is above burying its own artists should simply take a look at the way the company promoted records from Blake Lewis, Diana DeGarmo, Justin Guarini, and even season 5 winner Taylor Hicks. Which is to say, not at all. (We now interrupt this blog item so I can say for the umpteenth time that Blake’s Audio Day Dream was a damn fine record
Is anyone else worried about what’s in store for Kris Allen, or am I trying to squeeze something from a lemon called nothing? And why can’t the company find room in its heart (and its promotional arsenal) for both Adam and Kris, especially when there are plenty of Idol fans (myself included) who’ll be more than happy to shell out cash for both of their debuts (as well as Allison Iraheta’s)?
Dig a little deeper, Michael. Go way back to 2002 and work your way forward. 19 has never played fair.
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The statements do sound awkward/uneasy; shows favoritism. I can’t find the right words. LOL. But I don’t want to look at this as Michael does. Although I really am not that impressed with Kris, there are a lot of people who prefer his music over Adam’s. And I think he would do just fine in his career. I don’t think he will end up like some of the Idol Winners who are now nowhere to be found (e.g. Ruben)