ckay87 said:
But I don't think looks matter in the entertainment industry as much as the entertainment industry itself believes. I truely and completely believe that's a myth. Looks may be a real factor for the under 20 crowd, but for those of us with the bucks....we don't really care. For us, it's talent; it's what moves us. I believe that.
Actually the demographic group that spends the most "bucks" on CD's, concert tickets, and tour merchandise is the 14-24 year olds. But you've got to remember, there is such a huge range of music and music fans that talent isnt' always the most important thing.
You need to appeal in the "looks" department to the fans of bands like Fall Out Boy. And the Veronica's probably wouldn't have ever been signed if they were beastly looking, as opposed to their perky good looks in petite bodies. (Think musical Mary Kate and Ashley)
On the other hand, having good looks can be detrimental to members of heavier bands--David Silveria from KoRN was ripped apart by the media, fans, and other bands (most notably their peers in Slipknot) when he modeled for Calvin Klein. (Although IMHO James 'Munky' Shaffer, KoRn's lead guitarist, is better looking once you get past the dred's.)
Due to the GQ type good looks of their lead singer, Trapt has been referred to as "too boy band-ish" by many, although they are a serious hard rock band. They aren't always welcome in their own genre because of the bands look, but don't fit into others musically.
The industry looks for a "package." Looks are part of that, but they don't need to be conventionally attractive. A few examples would be Staind, Nickelback, 3 Doors Down, Aerosmith, and Shinedown, who Chris covered this week. Personally I prefer the look of Shinedown's lead singer Brent Smith--he's not at all good looking (IMO) but there's something original about him. If you know him you'll laugh at that understatement! But Brent's look is one you'll remember, Chris is frankly just another good looking kid.
There's just a cohesive, original, marketable look that the industry wants. Having a bunch of "pretty boys" is usually defeatist, as the media will often rip them up based on their looks instead of allowing the music to stand on it's own.
Anne
Probably one of the funniest comments I've seen on this thread!
). I liked Ruben, Clay and Kimberly (Locke) a lot, they were all great although I must admit I only bought Clay and Kimberly's CD's. When Fantasia won I did not really care for anyone that year - especially her. In all fairness, I do recall her singing "Summertime" and almost being moved to tears it was that good. Last season I liked Carrie and Bo. They are both very talented. This time I really like the final four. Did not care for Paris too much, but she is cute and sings "ok". I would be happy with any of the four winning, but it seems the websites out there have already determined it will be Chris vs. Taylor in the finals. I will vote for whoever does the best each week, isn't that what it is all about at this stage of the game? I guess performance over the longhaul also factors into it. Can't wait to see who wins!
