Chapter 3: Idols vs. Popstars

FIGHT

Having watched both shows over the years, I can honestly say that SA Idols does not do the Idols brand any justice- quite frankly it’s a load of horse crap. But now I can’t exactly compare Popstars to anything cos who the hell (in terms of other countries) still does Popstars? So unfortunately I will have to pit the two against each other…

Round 1: Concept

Hmmmm… the Idols concept is very much Westernized- the whole me, me, me 1 winner thing is very selfish, you know the American way. And Popstars pulls the Ubuntu angle ‘umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu’ *aaahhh*, so freaking idealistic. So ya, Idols wins this round. Don’t get me wrong the Ubuntu angle is sweet- but in this life ‘sweet’ duznt work anymore- it is all about me, me, me yes, even in South Africa (corruption hello!).

Round 2: Execution

Idols wins it, only because they are piggybacking on the flawless work of the American Idols. We automatically connect the two together even though SA Idols sucks in comparison. But, Popstars just made a return after what 6 years? So maybe they’ll also find a winning formula. With time.

Round 3: Talent

Popstars. Popstars. Popstars. I think the concept of making a group as opposed to an individual artist wins here cos u get to see ppls different talents being combined to make a great product. But even if they were making an individual star- Popstars would win cos the people that get picked can ACTUALLY sing!

Round 4: Appeal

Popstars. Only because Idols insists that people produce a “pop” sound and image. On Popstars however the contestants are exposed to different types of genres and are encouraged to show THEIR best. Not the music that brings out the best in you.

Round 5: Staying Power

Neither. Cause as South Africans we are so easily distracted. We follow whatever the latest trend is and forget what we were hooked onto last year. Like, who the hell has won Idols before? I remember the people who dint win: Gift, Zamajobe and…. And…. Lloyd! That’s about it. The Poptars eventually realize that the group thing doesn’t actually work… 101, Adilah and that boy group where are hey now? Is Jamali trying to prove us wrong? Will they succeed? *whispers no*

Round 6: …

Idols is not racist ya’ll. There, I said it. The viewers and people who actually vote just don’t have an eye for talent. The Popstars just get chosen by professionals that’s why they are “perfect”. I mean, what does Gareth really know about singing? And Mara is just a Miriam Makeba-reject-wanna-be. Does she even have an original song? Where the hell did they find her? Randall is awesome.

WINNER:

And the singing talent show winner is *fake drum roll* Neither! I only really love the audition stages of Popstars you know, the really bad people, and with Popstars I love watching how a musician I made but the rest is quite bland. Truth is they both have different appeals, pros and cons. But Idols’ inability to live up to the great brand that American Idols is like being horny & wanting to have sex but only to find that your partner cant “get it up”. Ya, that feeling.