In my never ending effort to introduce you to the best that the German-speaking world has to offer, I combine two of my favorite things: YouTube and American Idol. Actually, in this case it is Deutschland sucht den SuperStar.
Lileks had a little clip from the show on his site on Friday, which reminded me that I was missing a great opportunity. So here is a little information for you. I am sure it will come in handy when you least expect it.
Here is a clip of the 10 worst singers from German Idol this year and below is some commentary and things you should take away from it. It looks like this is from the magazine-style show.
Several things stand out. First, the similarities. When the producers translate the show from the British to the American to the global versions they spare no opportunity to save some unnecessary costs.
Second, the bizarre German version of Ryan Seacrest. Seriously: bigger, uglier, meaner--if I had to come up with a German Ryan Seacrest, it would be this guy. Nice to know that talent like him can be found elsewhere.
Third, a prime example of the German announcer. Deep voice, slightly menacing, this is the voice of German announcing whether it be in commercials, TV shows, sporting events. Whenever there is a voice over, this is the style. Even the women announcers! My buddies and I found it really bizarre when we were there and mentioned it to our instructor who had no idea what we were talking about. For her, it was just natural.
Fourth, the fact that people suck at singing everywhere and still want to be stars.
Fifth, that they aren't as embarrassing.
Sixth and finally, half of them sing in English. I suppose if the Axis had won we on the East Coast and Midwest would be singing like this guy on Amerikanische Idol. You've seen this before, I am sure, but this is too amazing to not share.
UPDATE: I meant to also include this gem. Of course, had the Axis won, this is what would have been tops on the West Coast.
We far excel the Germans when it comes to terrible singing. These people don't know what bad is.
And who's that kid in the 2nd U-tube, he's fantastic!
Posted by: Card | 29 January 2007 at 03:47
Card, you are right. frankly, being a dynamic nation, we excel at a hell of a lot, including things that in which we might want to excel. I was considering posting another DsdS video with what appears to be their version of William Hung, who is awkward enough, but nowhere near as stupendously bad. It says a lot that while Mr. Hung may not have been a native American it was only here that he could become the man he it today.
Click on the second video to go to YouTube and you will find some interesting information on the boy and the circumstances behind his singing this song.
I first caught wind of this video months and months ago and it was presented in a very dismissive "how gay" kind of thing. But you are right, it is extremely impressive. I gather that this young man was quite the star as he can be found in a few other videos.
Posted by: Misspent | 29 January 2007 at 05:19
People who think that opera singing kid is too gay, don't know what gay is. They need to watch your third U-tube choice, "Pop Star." Now THAT'S gay. (By west coast you must mean San Francisco.)
Posted by: Card | 29 January 2007 at 06:41
That's one really weird tradition. I reckon it's OK to channel the Queen of the Night in front of parents and friends, but the rest of the Internets may have a few questions.
Posted by: Khaki | 31 January 2007 at 02:14
Misspent, Card and I cannot weigh in on American Idol last night and tonight because we have been without a computer since Moday. Our computer is in pieces on my desk. It's a long story but it involves wine, Basil and it's just too bad you can't write like him.
Now Julio from Dell had me remove the side from the tower and had me touching wires and doing things I thought I could never do before. I'm waiting for a part from Julio knows where and am sipping while thinking of what Basil wrote. Why can't you write like him?
Idol note: The best talent does come from Alabama.
Posted by: Card's wife Mrs. P's telephone | 01 February 2007 at 07:53
That was me via Mrs. P's phone. Oh and my microwve blew up too.
Posted by: Card's wife via Mrs. P's telephone | 01 February 2007 at 07:55
Sorry about the typos. She was making me laugh too much...
Posted by: Mrs. Peperium | 01 February 2007 at 07:58
Why don't I write like Basil? Probably because I'm not a good writer and have nothing interesting to say.
Is this how you repay me for saying something nice to you? You insult me twice?
Posted by: Misspent | 01 February 2007 at 12:18
When did you ever say anything nice about me? You turn your cellphone off when you know we're having oysters. By the way the next time is Saturday. You never answer my emails. You call me the Centrum Silver Crowd...middle aged...what is nice about that?
By the way Olivia looks like she's had work done. A little too much like Kenny Rogers, don't ya think?
Posted by: Card's wife via Mrs. P's telephone | 01 February 2007 at 21:59