I’ve always loved the song “AC-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive,” and it seemed like a good theme for the weekend because there is so much to celebrate! Adam is in the Top Five; domestic and international media is covering Adam extensively; and MasterClassLady’s critique (she’s terrific) was: “Adam - you are released from a critique this week. You mouth was round, your jaw was relaxed, the emotional artistry was impeccable and the whole performance was a magnificent adventure. I think this means that it was an A+++++++, wouldn’t you agree? Bravo and congratulations on a phenomenal showcase.”

“You’ve got to accentuate the positive
Eliminate the negative
And latch on to the affirmative
Don’t mess with Mister In-Between

“You’ve got to spread joy up to the maximum
Bring gloom down to the minimum
Have faith or pandemonium’s
Liable to walk upon the scene”

Words by Johnny Mercer
Music by Harold Arlen
Published by Harwin Music Co
from the movie “Here Come the Waves” starring Bing Crosby and Betty Hutton, 1944
Lyric permission courtesy of Gracenote

All great news! I’m on some crazy deadlines but wanted to take a moment to give my perspective because I think this discussion has been great and hope we don’t get sidetracked.

I hope everyone will continue to participate in this discussion; with over 1,100 posts its inevitable there will be some differences of opinion, but there’s plenty of room for a multitude of creative ideas regarding Adam’s Star Power from an industry perspective. I’ve done my best to respect everyone’s thoughts and feelings and hope everyone here will join me.

Looking at Adam’s performance as a whole, from an industry perspective my colleagues and I thought Adam’s solo performance was sensational and that’s what this thread is about. I really hope everyone will consider his performance in that context, and not get caught up in any individual element (especially group numbers, that’s really tangential) because it’s the cumulative effect of his individual performances that’s is most important.

That being said, my only comment about the group number is that considering the finalists had two days to rehearse (with Paula choreographing them no less) I thought they all did really well. Back in blog post 27, I mentioned, “firstforme, great posts and to speak to your and others’ thoughts about Adam’s movement and dance, I think ladylondon made excellent points about “reflex,” “instinct,” and not having enough, “time to do as much as he would like.” Earlier in the season, I think it was Danny who asked the judges if a choreographer could be added to the professional staff contestants can rely upon but I don’t know if that happened. Because the show moves so quickly, there are probably a number of “marks” (preset camera positions) the performers need to quickly hit… I imagine sometimes they’re happy just to get there no matter how it happens.”

In my experience, I’ve found that superstars and newcomers are usually very sensitive and in touch with their fans; it’s the Artists in the middle who can be really difficult. Of course there are exceptions, but generally (and especially during these economic times) Artists are truly grateful for the support of their fans. While of course the pressure of the industry is intense, at 27 Adam is much more prepared than, say, Britney who was 18. Adam’s father was/is a DJ and has a lot of experience, and Adam’s been in the business for many years. So while there are always traps, overall, I think Adam is in as good a position as anyone.

Wwith respect to international voting, back in blog post 22 I mentioned, “With respect to international voting, I think there’s two reasons it’s unlikely. First, 19 Entertainment and Fremantle want to license the program to other countries (for example, I’d imagine they like to bring Canadian Idol back), and second, since the show is American Idol it stands to reason that Americans would vote. If Canadian Idol doesn’t come back, I would think of Canada as the most likely territory (which is just industry speak for nation) to expand, but don’t see it happening. (”This… is North American Idol!” ;)” I think that the producers (and Simon Cowell) are well aware of Adam’s international appeal and it’s going to be exciting to watch him break out globally, I continue to believe he’s that kind of Artist and the technology and marketing is in place to make that happen (just look at Susan Boyle, another Simon Cowell discovery).

It’s great that so many people worldwide are coming to this website. With respect to international sales of music tracks, the issue is that there are a lot of complicated rights issues involved, including that each territory (country) has its own rights organization (to pay royalties to) so accounting is really complex. That’s why each territory has it’s own unique iTunes. The issues involved are much greater than any individual artist or label; we will definitely get to a point where music is global from an accounting standpoint, but it’s going to be a “long and winding road.”

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend and as Jerry Springer would say, “Be good to yourselves. And each other!”

Best, Michael

PS: It’s also quite remarkable that iTunes statistics were published on the iTunes website and reported on extensively by the mainstream media, including Entertainment Weekly:

Adam’s iTunes downloads ranked between Jesse McCartney’s “How Do You Sleep” at #29 and Kelly Clarkson’s “My Life Would Suck Without You” at #30 on the iTunes Top 100 chart.

1. “Mad World” - Adam Lambert
2. “Born to Be Wild” - Adam Lambert
3. “Falling Slowly” - Kris Allen
4. “The Tracks of My Tears” - Adam Lambert
5. “Ring of Fire” - Adam Lambert
7. “Play that Funky Music” - Adam Lambert
8. “Black or White” - Adam Lambert
9. “Ain’t No Sunshine” - Kris Allen
10. “Endless Love” - Danny Gokey

I guess if the “iTunes Top Downloads” week was next week some of the finalists could cover themselves :)

Posted in: Industry Perspective by nymichael / Tags: Adam Lambert