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Don't touch that dial: Test Pattern tunes into television, movie, music and pop culture links, as well as gossip and idle chat from around the Web.

Every week, msnbc.com entertainment producers Gael Fashingbauer Cooper, Denise Hazlick, Paige Newman, Kurt Schlosser and Anna Chan weigh in on topics ranging from TV commercials to movie hype to the latest celebrity blunder. We're not ashamed to admit our love for bad TV or reveal what's on our iPods, and invite you to join the conversation via your comments.



'Idol' auditioners: Fakes or delusional?

Posted: Monday, February 02, 2009 6:00 AM by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper
Filed Under:

"American Idol," you've been scamming us long enough. The jig is up, Simon and crew. There is just no way that the bright-eyed auditioners we've been watching for the last three weeks on Fox's "American Idol" are for real. NO WAY.


Fox
Physics major George, a Jacksonville auditioner, had to have been putting us on.

Look, once you're 16 or so, you know what you're good at in life. To steal a line from "MST3K's" brilliant Mary Jo Pehl, I myself am quite proficient at listening to music. Reading, eating, watching TV, chewing gum, petting dogs -- these are all skills that I am quite sure I possess.

If you have a talent, especially singing, you know about it early. Your voice soars out over the other snotty-nosed kids in Glee Club. You're asked to perform solos at church, or you get the starring role in school musicals, or you start a band in your garage. I can still name the girls who were asked to do solos at my high school, and even on my most delusional day, I would not have put myself in their league.

So why, then, do these "Idol" auditioners show up brimming with overconfidence, then open their mouths and sound like alley cats with bronchitis? And they're universally stunned --- stunned! -- when Simon and the rest laugh at them. Their family and friends have always told them how great they are, they say. Music is their life, they cannot imagine doing anything else.

On what planet do these people live? Do parents and friends really lie like that? Were they born with a selective ear problem that cannot translate their own vocalizations? If their hearing is this poor, do The Beatles and The Shaggs sound exactly the same to them? I guess this would explain why Celine Dion is popular, but somehow I'm not buying it.

People want to be on TV. That's the only explanation. These folks know that if they show up, sing horribly, and claim they think they are great, they will get camera time. And they're right, they do. What amazes me is that none of them ever drop the facade, at least not that we're shown. Maybe there's a bunch of cutting-room-floor footage where someone yells "PUNKED!" in Ryan Seacrest's face and starts laughing about obviously he can't sing a lick, but hey, now his Internet girlfriend whom he's never met can see him on TV, and thanks for the free national broadcast network exposure.

Right? Or do you think people are really this much in denial about their own voices? Have you ever known one of these delusional auditioners, and were they for real? Share your thoughts.

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Comments

Anyone who thinks they have a shot at a successful career in show business is ALREADY delusional!  The odds of making it are astronomical , even for the most talented of people.  What amazes me is not only the shock, but the crying breakdowns that accompany the rejections.  You need a thick, thick skin to be in that business and there's something to be learned from almost any criticism.   All the hysteria that surrounds the auditions is fascinating to watch--it's amazing how many people are willing to suspend disbelief and buy into the idea that they are going to be overnight sensations.  The fact is, there are no free rides and a golden ticket is only an opportunity, not a guarantee.  O

Amy, Brooklyn, NY (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 2:57 PM)

I know I can't sing very well, my voice cracks and....well I'd clear a room. I'm better at drawing, and writing.  I could probably write a song for one of them to sing. I wrote some peoms about my life. I only sing when I by myself or inside a car with the radio playing.  I'm sure these folks wouldn't compete if they just purchase themselves a tape recorder to record themselves singing and than listen to the tape.

Steph Doe, Indiana, PA (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 3:04 PM)

Paula Goodspeed WAS delusional, and that's the very reason she made it through the first audition, so she could then be laughed at by the Idol judges. As Paula Abdul said on soooo many TV shows..."It made good television". Check out this Blog...Very interesting.

http://americanidolexposed.wordpress.com/

Bill Smith, Hollywood, California (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 3:20 PM)

As a professional singer and voice teacher, there are different levels of talent-not everyone is good enough to sing solo. Some good singers need to be happy singing in choirs and others need to let their participation in the arts take a more practical application (i.e., patron). All are needed to keep the arts alive.

Beethoven's 9th can't be sung just by soloists. While learning your strengths/limitations can be freeing, I think 'Idol' makes it a bit too humiliating.

Marian, Little Rock, AR. (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 3:37 PM)

 You know there is a flip side as well.  My cousin has a truely beautiful voice but, was always passed over for solos.  Why?  Well the Drama teacher's Son and his friends, girlfriends ect always got the parts in musicals and solos and such.  It wasn't until she was in college and hanging with friends at a bar that she realized she could sing.  She makes a decent living now working clubs and is very happy.  So, you also have the favortisim/mepotism angle.  High School is not the place to learn about yourself.  That's when your hormones are highest and self esteem is lowest.

Becka, New York City (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 3:40 PM)

I think the most obvious reason for some of these people who are terrible but don't know it...a high percentage are a few sandwiches short of a picnic.

Steve, Madison (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 3:57 PM)

I realize that some of these are fakes - like those that were rejected in Salt Lake and left saying "Thank you" to the judges.  "That was horrible"....."Thank you"  What is that?

But I would like for one of the deluded ones to leave after being rejected and SLAP their mom and friends across their faces for letting go on believe that they can sing.  Just once I'd like to see that on American Idol.

Felixia, Montreal QC, Canada (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 4:56 PM)

I definitely think people are that much in denial.  I have known a couple of people like that.  But I do believe that some of them come on knowing they can't sing and just want their 10 seconds on national TV.  

A.S. Montgomery, AL (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 4:58 PM)

Some of these poor souls may be faking.  However, having spent many years involved in the music program at a large church, I assure you there are many, many people who are absolutely certain they are extremely talented yet 'can't carry a tune in a bucket'.

Mike in Idaho (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 5:18 PM)

It's sad and a little uncomfortable watching some of these poor schmoes who really think they're that good.  Sorry, Gael, but if these tone-deaf auditioners are faking it then some of them should be nominated for Oscars because their acting is WAY better than their singing.

The part that bothers me most is when a really bad singer finishes and one of the judges gets on their "you have no chance, this is a singing competition" high horse.  Oh really?  Perhaps your producers didn't get that memo.

Can't Carry a Tune in a Bucket, CT (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 5:18 PM)

You do realize that these contestants go through untelevised  auditions before they're placed before Simon, Randy and Paula.  It's not simply the judges sitting there before a line of thousands of people.  The screeners are passing those people through.

John (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 5:19 PM)

The horrible singing and stunts we've seen have to be scripted or else they wouldn't have gotten that far.  From what I've read, there are two or three preliminary auditions contestants have to go through just to make it into the room with the judges. As bad as some of these people are, they shouldn't have made it into the building, much less the room with the judges.

Allura Lewis (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 5:21 PM)

American Idol needs instant replay!  So these individuals, that insist on telling the panel just how great they are, along with their freinds and family support group can actually hear.  I know they'll still argue and blame faulty equipment.  What you think you sound like in the shower, is totally different from what a microphone hears.

R W Gibson, San Antonio, Texas (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 5:26 PM)

maybe you should do some homework before writing a piece like this, and then you wouldn't be so shocked. It is an open secret that for years now, American Idol producers have been telling the WORST talent, as well as the ones they actually like, that they are great in the pre-show auditions in order to have them paraded in front of their panel of "experts" so they can deride them. Do you really think that the producers at the pre-auditions didn't know William Hung or said Physics Major had not a clue about their lack of singing prowess? It's one of the main ways they get people to watch their trite little show. The show is, has been, and always will be a huge sham...

Pete, Chicago, IL (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 5:38 PM)

I believe they're for real.  I know people who go to kareoke and Music jams that are really bizare like that.

jack E. (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 5:42 PM)

Like everything with FOX, the auditions are b.s.. Look who the owner is, Rupert Murdoch. The owner of the worlds tabloids that print lies every day. If you really think these "singers" are real then you must be kidding yourself. Americans Idol winner is already decided. Don't think your votes count. It's all a show.

Sean, Massapequa Park, NY (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 5:43 PM)

I would have to agree with all the people above who were talking about Karaoke and AI. I DJ'd Karaoke for years and the best way to have a successful show is to encourage the bad people and praise them. Of course, you also want a healthy mix of "talented" singers as well. Most people aren't tone deaf, they just need to have music as an accompanyment (sorry if spelling is wrong). I like watching the auditions, because there is a lot of humor in it and the same goes with Karaoke... People cheer the bad people because it's funny and for the most part, the bad people know it.. there are the dillusional ones and it's difficult to get it through their heads. Fortunately, the smoking bans just give you an excuse to step outside when they sing. I think it's the a capella part that really makes it tough for those people who get on the show. I have a decent voice and have even sang for a few bands over the years. But I know my limitations and there is no way I would bother to attempt getting on the show. But if I did get to be on one of the televised auditions..I would make sure that it was one of the most horrible but memorable experiences possible so all of you would be talking about me for years to come. Give them the credit they deserve, because dillusional or not, they had the guts to get up there and try.... without! any liquid courage.

Jeff, Seattle, Washington (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 5:47 PM)

William Chung proved to everyone that you only have to believe in yourself to succeed. He sounds like a very bad alley cat in heat, but he did get a record deal. So, Ya, the deluded ones are for real.

John (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 5:50 PM)

The deluded think they can sing because the lousy producers at the lower levels keep passing them along and probably hype them so they think they can sing.  Everybody who appears in front of the judges has already gone through about 6 to 8 pre-judges to get to that stage.  So naturally these folks think they can actually hold a tune because they've "made it this far."

It's wholly the fault of Idol Producers for allowing these people to falsely assume they have talent to make it in the show when all they really want is the next punch line.  I stopped watching the show two seasons ago and don't feel like I've missed a thing.  I get just enough Idol through "The Soup" on E!.

walter, atlanta, georgia (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 5:59 PM)

If you have ever done musical auditions, you know that there are plenty of people out there with VERY faulty ideas of their talent level.

Furthermore, there are enough people out there with very limited ability to discern whether someone is singing well, that even those who are awful can get sincere praise from time to time.

Also, A cappella singing is very difficult and plenty of people who do sound very good with accompaniment just bark without it.

And of course there are people looking for camera time. (Miming a song anyone?) But there are plenty of people who really don't have a clue.

Dave, Washington DC (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 6:04 PM)

The producers tell them that they're great. (this is after 2 or 3 auditions before even seeing Simon and clan) This is why they are so surprised. It's mean frankly, but I can't look away.

Harmen, Edmonton, AB (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 6:15 PM)

I think some people audition for a chance at their 15 minutes (okay, maybe 1:30 minutes) of fame. They know the only way to get it is to act the fool.

There are some who genuinely think they can sing. Perhaps they aren’t half bad in the shower or in their car but once they get in front of the cameras and judges, nerves set in. Singing a cappella is sort of like jumping out of an airplane, unless you have great pipes, a good ear, confidence and some charisma, you will crash and burn.

Elizabeth Greengross, Granada Hills, CA (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 6:20 PM)

A completely scripted television show...Of course they know they are bad

Vince L Phoenix AZ (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 6:34 PM)

i believe it.  in some cases, anyway.  i have a friend who totally thinks he can sing.  and while he's not a screecher, it certainly isn't enjoyable to listen to him singing.

Joe, New York, NY (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 6:40 PM)

While there may be some fakers out thre, way too many of these auditioners are delusional.  By way of similar example, have you ever seen the skill level of most the guys who show up to play pick-up basketball at the park talking all kinds of smack about how good they are.  Most of them cannot make the free throw to earn thier way onto a team to play.  And once they do get on the court, surprisingly many cannot even make a layup in the game.

Lucky, Houston, TX (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 6:56 PM)

A friend of mine went on there and sang..he truely thought he could. Needless to say he couldn't sing to save his life but really thought he had the look and that would make it for him. The people are real. Rediculous sometimes, but they're real. Besides, if they didn't show the bad ones in the auditions, do you really think the show would be as popular. That's half the fun of watching it...

Me, Southern, California (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 7:10 PM)

While I do believe that most of the laughably bad singers that appear at AI auditions honestly believe they can sing, I have to question the widely-held perception that those who make it through represent the "cream of the crop" of young singing talent out there. Having been involved in music for 30+ years, I regularly encounter both high school- and college-age singers that are as good or better than most of the contestants that make it on air. In fact, I would go so far as to say that most any decent-size high school has at least one singer superior to most who make it through on AI.

MusicProf, Dallas, TX (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 7:28 PM)

aloha from Maui

we are american idol fans but don't really believe it is "reality"  I know good singers, who do solos and get the leads in local musicals and join the throngs of serious singers trying to audition.  They never made it beyond initial screening.  they report that the screeners are looking for either great, amazing singers or freaks or people who do a good freak act, anyway.  they could have reasonably good singers, thousands of them, if they wanted but are looking for sideshow material.

Personally, I don't mind the clowns, because they are willing and enthusiastic to be clowns on tv.  they don't have to be paid--there are thousands ready to be made fun of.

I do mind the ones who really seem clueless, being made fools of. I believe some of them are truly suffering and maybe are only marginally sane people to begin with.  I feel it is barbaric for people to find entertainment, in their pain and ridicule and broken dreams. It is not funny. It is reminiscent of people filling coluseums to watch people being devoured by lions in old Rome.  truly pathetic human behaviour, to enjoy the misery of other.

I boycotted American Idol for years, because of this tasteless cruelty, but I enjoy the part of the show, where the real singers, the finalists, grow and perform.  I enjoy their personal stories too.  I was Happy to see David Cook win last year. His story is the epitome of the potential of the show for finding a singer, very talented, but with few opportunities and helping them find an audience and hone their skills.
As a singer myself, I am fascinated by the whole process of American Idol, after the auditions, and feel that there is enough entertainment value there, that they could drop the whole pathetic and tasteless freak show that happens in the early weeks.

Ayeshma Sandra Lee

Ayesha Sandra Lee, Maui, Hawaii (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 7:36 PM)

Finally, an intelligent commentary on a subject that has me quite perplexed as well.  I know that I can't sing.  I wouldn't be able to find a note if it slapped me in the face.  But I do know when someone else can either find a note or not, and enjoy a beautiful well tuned voice. So does tone deaf refer to one's own musicality only?  I think there is a combination of things going on:  ego, (look at me/15 minutes of fame), delusion (encouraged by Mummy & Daddy), and sadly, delusion through mental/emotional instability.  The latter of these Idol should be ashamed to put up for ridicule, and we should take a second look at why we are laughing.  Bread and circus; does this reality freak show sound familiar?  It should, the Romans were well into it during the downward spiral of their empire's demise with the Gladiator gore shows. Think about it.

Denice M, Denton, Texas (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 7:55 PM)

who the hell cares...anyway this is just TV...look at it as entertainment value and stop over anylizing it

Diane Doe (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 8:05 PM)

It's a foregone conclusion that people with absolutely no talent aren't clueless about how awful they are.  Either those fiascos were staged, or performed by auditioners who would do anything for attention and a few minutes of public fame to display their stupidity under the false-pretense of humor.

Michael Lum (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 8:37 PM)

Sad to say there are many out there that just don't realize how bad they sound. I am the younger sister to one of these deluded souls. My older sister was in Choir in high school, though never asked to sing a solo. She also was upset many time in church when other more gifted singers were asked to sing.
 To this day she is convinced that she can sing, and is one reason why I recognize that I can't.

Mary, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 8:55 PM)

Like so many comments before. These are a select few that are allowed to make in in front of camera for entertainment value, The thing that sucks is in order to let them through, there are many talented singers that are passed over to make room for these "Clowns".
Or you could call them Jesters, There to make you laugh.

Roy, Seattle (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 8:58 PM)

Until my college choir director found a lame excuse for putting me out of the choir which I, as a music major, was required to be a member of, and of which he had assigned me to first soprano, then second soprano, the alto, I did not that I couldn't sing. And then, I had to hear my own voice compared to my sister whom I thought was an awful singer before I could know that I couldn't sing. So, yes, some of them are really unaware, I'll bet.

Jeanne Fleming, Vacaville CA (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 9:17 PM)

Yeah, there are some people out there who are dilusioned enough to try out for American Idol, despite the fact that they can't sing.  But many acts performed on American Idol are just too ebarassing to be the work of a misguided hopeful.  A lot of the more entertaining performances are probably staged.  Its too risky to rely on the public to compose a popular television show.  American Idol mostly likely pays people to get up and do crazy things just to hold the public's attetnion.  Nowadays, there is no such thing as 'reality tv'.

Corrie Steele (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 9:17 PM)

Not everyone can tell exactly how good they sound when singing and also some are good at country, but not rock etc. I would think though that by the age of 25 or so, one would have some clue, but not always at a young age. For some reason I have found that i sound good to myself when I am singing, but when I hear a recording, not so good. Also if i plug my ears up, while singing, I can hear myself the way other people do and the way I sound in a recording, so this is what to do if you think you might be good before singing and embarrasing yourself on one of those shows. There are people who can learn to sing, and are in tune, but do not have a naturally beautiful voice. Also, there are some people who can sound good enough in a group or with another, but not solo. My singing teacher always insisted that most people or maybe no people were actually tone deaf and the problem was that they did not know how to prepare or use their voice in the correct way. A voice is an instrument and one must learn how to play it. I think it is difficult to tell absolutely how well you sing without listening to a recording or plugging your ears, even if you are not tone deaf. If you like to sing and are not so great at solo just switch to a choir. Some singing lessons can really make a difference for most people.

Marilyn, San Rafael, CA (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 9:24 PM)

I know a person who is delusional about her singing ability, so it's possible.  But I don't watch Idol or other reality shows, so I don't know about those folks.  The real question is this:  why is Paula Abdul a judge?  She has very little vocal ability, even though she, strangely enough, had a string of hits in the 80s.  So I guess people think if it's possible for Paula and Britney with their limited vocal talents, it's possible for anyone.

CJ, Anywhere, USA (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 9:26 PM)

My husband thinks he can sing, but he's completely tone deaf. At first I thought he was joking about it and then I started thinking "What is wrong with him?!  Is he crazy?!" when he repeatedly told me that I was just "jealous" of him.  We would argue about this for over and over again.  Then I finally realized that he WAS being serious!  
I try to be nice and not put him down anymore because he doesn't believe me.  So when we have to be in a car together.  I pray for God's help and mercy during the minutes of musical torment.

Miriam Arduengo, Concord, NC (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 9:55 PM)

I'm sure they are real.  I thought for the longest time that I was able to sing (in the shower I did sound good).  It happens.  Our brain translates what we want sometimes out of our ears.  It's not that unusual.

Alexa, Newport Beach, Cali (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 10:16 PM)

When we listen to ourselves sing or talk, we don't hear the same thing as other people, because of the effect of our bones and tissues. I really wish I sounded as good in a recording as I do to myself! Also, I think our expectations affect what we hear. When I am singing, I know what note I expect to hear; I think that is the reason I sometimes sing some notes a little flat w/o realizing it.

Patricia Shannon, Atlanta, GA (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 10:27 PM)

Frankly, I think the whole show is stupid.

franklin hoffmann orange city fl (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 10:31 PM)

American Idol jumped the shark about two years ago.  Amazing people still watch it.

jj (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 10:33 PM)

They are no more delusional than Illinois ex-governor Blagojevich.  They all have an element of sociopathic, delusional behavior in them, therefore they truly believe they are good singers.  Unfortunately, it is actually quite fun to listen to them.  Let's admit it; wasn't watching Blagojevich on those network shows last week similar to watching the delusional contestents on Idol?  

Doug LaFleur, Grand Rapids, MI (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 10:42 PM)

The bikini girl from a couple weeks ago is definetly fake. I looked her up and she is an actress and model. She doesn't need american idol to get her a record deal.

Tabitha, Kentucky (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 10:56 PM)

Hey, the WINNERS of American Idol suck major donkeys.
They're mostly propped up, Disney types, over trained, over groomed, and over ambitious without understanding anything really, about music, or life.
American Idol is a joke on US, not the so-called "singers" who "win". They are as generic, and plastic as 3rd rate Japanese N'Sync tribute bands.
This is how Businesses steal the idea of music from the people, rape it, ruin it, and then sell it back to us because America ENCOURAGES THEM TO DO IT.
Boycott that baloney, and get with some REAL music. there is REAL music of ALL kinds to be found. support your locals, and to hell with all fake, phony, worthless ego-driven sickness like American Idol.

Got it?

Good.

Mister Successful Rocker (Sent Monday, February 02, 2009 11:17 PM)

Most people who sing professionally shouldn't, anyway. It's the rare voice that's a good musical instrument, and most voices are pretty much on a par with the delusionals....but producers need singers, and when someone actually stands out for being awful, they have their use too....can you imagine being the judges on Idol????????? A little bit of hilarity helps.

Kathy, Ukiah, CA (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 12:36 AM)

Years ago, I read a study on competence. the study discovered that people who are really good at something are able to accurrately judge thier own competence and other people's. People who are okay can also do this. People who are really bad cannot only not tell that they are bad, they also cannot accurately judge anypne else's competence. We all know completely unfunny people who can't get anyone else's jokes and are kind of oblivious. So I completely believe that these contestants are real. They firmly believe that they do not suck, and can't tell when someone is clearly better than they are. Unfortunately, this also means that if you think you are good at something, you either are or you completely fail at it. You're probably right if you think you are just so-so.

Kristy DeArmitt, Long Island, NY (Sent Tuesday, February 03, 2009 12:25 PM)

According to an interview done by Randy Jackson a couple of years ago, every auditioner gets a chance to sing.  There are people from the show that go through the lines listening to everyone and those that have talent supposedly get to appear in front of the judges.  If this is the case, then maybe they need to hire new people.  In reality, it is nothing more than the show's way of making the televised version worth watching to those of us that gather in front of the Boob Tube just to watch other people fail.  Blame yourselves for this.

Analyst69, CENTEX (Sent Wednesday, February 04, 2009 10:16 AM)

Who cares?  It is American Idol.  A terrible show with terrible people (I mean the judges as well as the performers). It is a perfect example of the continuing downgrade of the American intelligence factor.

Disillusioned (Sent Wednesday, February 04, 2009 10:41 AM)

This article is more delusional than the contestants are.

Read, Jacksonville, Florida (Sent Wednesday, February 04, 2009 10:58 AM)



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