Idol Girls – You Really Need to Read This!
Two things I want to hear in a song are melody and emotion. A great range isn’t needed to win Idol, but singing the melody in tune is. If I had a daughter trying out for Idol, I would encourage her to listen to the great singers from the 60′s, 70′s and 80′s as well as listening to a few of the jazz greats. I would stay away from well known current artists, unless I was sure my take on the song was so unique it wouldn’t be compared to the original. But “borrowing” the arrangement of an old song by a current artist has served many Idol contestants well.
So first thing to do is yo decide what your style is and stick to it (unless its not working). Decide what style of music you want to sing and then each week, arrange your song to match your style. If you can find an arrangement you like that matches your style, go for it.
Next, I would identify my go to singers – singer/songwriters are best. Here’s my list of 10 of the most influential female singers of the last 50 years. Obviously I picked my favorites. I’m especially looking for great singers that did a great cover of another artist’s work.
Who else should be on the list?
Melody Gardot singing the Beatles “Because” at Abbey Road Studio. Melody makes it her own with a hauntingly beautiful version.
Mary Chapin Carpenter sings Down at the Twist and Shout - a great song for country week.
Mary Travers (of Peter, Paul, and Mary) sings The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. Which is better – Mary or Roberta?
Joni Mitchell sings You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio. Prolific singer/songwriter.
Amy Grant covers Joni Mitchell’s Big Yellow Taxi.
Nina Simone – Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood. This is how you make a song your own.
Rickie Lee Jones – Chuck E’s in Love. If a contestant ever pulls this off, it means guaranteed top 5.
Aretha Franklin cover of Bridge Over Troubled Waters.
Eva Cassidy covers Ain’t No Sunshine.
Judy Collins cover of Leonard Cohen’s Suzanne (I believe Judy was in her 60′s when this was recorded, amazing)
So girls, sing the melody and sing in tune. Forget about the runs and the trills and just sing a beautiful song with real emotion.
I really enjoyed the final 5 Idol group medley last night. It was heartbreaking to see Aaron Kelly removed however I believe the other singers were better singers hence he needed to go!