Overview
In the 21st century, the modes of music creation and distribution changed quickly and drastically. With the advent of the internet, file sharing, and affordable music production software, aspiring musicians could create their music at home without a huge or expensive recording studio, and they could distribute their music online via free downloads or YouTube videos. These new means of creation and distribution furthered the careers of many musicians. At the same time, traditional mediums such as television remained important ways for musicians to be recognized. As we will see in this lesson, although the means of discovery and creation have changed, the ultimate goals of fame, recording contracts, and respect have remained the same for many musicians in the 21st century.
Objectives
- Recall the significance of American Idol and the role it plays in both American popular culture and in the careers of the musicians who perform on it
- Examine how YouTube has offered opportunities for musicians to be “discovered”
- Define the term “mash-up”
- Identify several significant examples of “mash-up”
- Recall the significance of The Grey Album and its relationship to art and to copyright law
American Idol continued
The first winner of American Idol was Kelly Clarkson, who defeated runner-up Justin Guarini. Upon winning the competition, Clarkson sang "A Moment Like This ♫" (2002), which was then immediately released as a single by RCA. The song was written by Jörgen Elofsson and John Reid, and both Clarkson and Guarini had learned the song in case they won the competition. Clarkson's rendition of "A Moment Like This ♫" reached number 1 on the singles charts in only two weeks. Since winning the competition, Clarkson has recorded five studio albums with RCA, all of which have sold millions of copies. Although the vast majority of Clarkson's singles were written by others, she began writing some of her own songs in the 2010s, including "Catch My Breath ♫" (2012).
Clarkson remains the best-selling American Idol alumna, but other American Idol winners have also had tremendous success following their victories. For example, Carrie Underwood (Season 4, 2005) has sold millions of albums and is one of the most commercially successful country music artists currently living. American Idol runners-up have also found success. Jennifer Hudson, who placed seventh in Season 3 (2004), has had a respected career as recording artist and actress; she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film musical Dreamgirls. Chris Daughtry placed fourth in Season 5 (2006), and he received a recording contract with RCA Records soon after his elimination. Daughtry formed a band (also called Daughtry), and their debut album was one of the fastest-selling rock albums of all time. Daughtry's single "Home ♫" (2007) is played on American Idol every time a contestant is eliminated. Other runners-up such as Katherine McPhee, Elliot Yamin, and Clay Aiken have gone on to successful careers as singers, actors, or both.
American Idol remains one of the most popular television programs currently on the air. It has also been the subject of controversy. A number of artists have argued that American Idol provides false hope and the illusion that anyone can become a star overnight. Other musicians have criticized Idol winners for not writing their own material and not paying their dues. Despite these criticisms, American Idol has launched the careers of dozens of talented singers and draws millions of viewers every week. Further, American Idol inspired many competing singing competition shows, such as ABC's Duets, NBC's The Voice and The Sing-Off, and FOX's The X Factor, which was started by Simon Cowell when he left American Idol.
"I think YouTube has destroyed the genre barrier. People can be into Justin Bieber and Eminem at the same time. It's a good thing."
