We’ve talked a lot about media and how controversy and drama sells. Now that we’re at the end of the run, this is the media’s last opportunity to generate attention. So please don’t be surprised that they are, it’s their job and as Adam’s said, “…you just have to put your force field up to move forward and remember your goal at the finish line. Just keep your eye on the prize and keep moving towards it. Don’t let anything derail you.” If you can stay as positive as possible (someone mentioned using the comments section in these articles to respectfully mention how enthusiastic you are about Adam), I sincerely think that’s the most effective use of the limited time before the Finale.

Speculating about former contestants and whom their fans might vote for, or how/whether the Producers are promoting any particular finalist, or anything else that takes away from getting out the vote on Tuesday won’t help Adam win. I think it’s great that people are reaching out to potential non-internet voters; it’s pretty clear everyone using these forums and many online resources have been involved and invested in the show and the finalists, so it’s sort of “preaching to the choir” (which is not meant disrespectfully and I’m not discouraging it, just something to consider).

But the vast majority of people aren’t online following every move, they’re watching the show (maybe some just since the Top 4 or 5) and voting (so they may never have even seen “Mad World” or other Adam performances). I remember someone in this thread mentioning having to explain that you’re supposed to vote more than once; a lot of people don’t know that and think they’re “cheating” if they do. Help dispel that myth! You all also know that the end of voting is usually the easiest time to get through… why not point that out? Maybe these and other ideas should be highlighted in the voting thread, I think the outreach people have been mentioning is fantastic and hope that’s continuing full steam ahead through your social networking, email, group meetings, at the mall, and anywhere else you can get the word out.

Regarding Kris and Adam, I think from an industry perspective they and 19, Fremantle and Sony have pretty much won either way. Obviously their styles are 180° apart, and because they have options on all the finalists (and contestants since the auditions for that matter) they benefit either way.

I do think Simon is genuinely looking for Adam to win because he has incredible worldwide potential (as you all know that’s not news), and through a set of complex agreements (which are publicly available), 19 Entertainment grants Simon’s company the option for recordings, which he then pushes through (generally) to Sony BMG (he’s an executive there as well). Having Adam as the winner will add a marketing boost and it’s a competition, no doubt Adam is in it to win it and needs everyone’s positive energy and support.

But either way both Adam and Kris win and that is so exciting; everyone should be so proud of Adam and each other!

One last point: It’s in the Producers’ interest to fire people up this week to deliver high ratings and votes because the deal structure between 19, Fremantle & FOX has financial incentives based upon ratings. It’s publicly available information from SEC filings of 19’s parent company CKX, that AI receives about $40 million in licensing fees for the season, with the potential of as much as $30 million more based upon ratings success (always follow the money).

I hope this message comes through as supportive, positive and encouraging, that’s the spirit intended. My hope is just to mitigate some of the concerns I’ve read and accentuate the positive… Adam’s going to have a tremendous and successful career and you’ve all been here to witness the beginning, how amazing it’s been! Rock the Vote!

Best, Michael

This follow-up post is from May 17, 2009 at 3:46pm:

Hi everybody! Hope you’re having a blessed Sunday!

Here’s the link to Adam’s Top 2 Interview on the AI site. As Adam says, “It’s hard to be yourself in front of America… It was a risk and a gamble… It’s an example of positive thought and just hoping for the best and believing in yourself and taking chances and staying true to yourself.”

Here’s the link to the transcript from Friday’s Larry King Live on CNN. Highlights: LARRY TO RYAN: “Is he the best ever, Adam?” RYAN: He may be. He’s certainly always entertaining. At the end of the day, it’s an entertainment show. And Adam always had something up his sleeve. You never know what to expect with Adam. JUSTIN GUARINI, HOST, TV GUIDE NETWORK: “You know, he was a favorite from day one. And I think the first thing we heard was his voice, the amazing range that he has. But then as he went and he matured with the show, we begin to see that he has got some amazing style. And he really has a command of his arrangements and the lighting and everything. And he’s just, all across the board, an amazing performer.” ELLIOTT YAMIN: “I think that Adam Lambert has been great for ratings. He’s been great for the show. And I think he’s the most unique, most dynamic contestant the show has ever seen.”

I’ve mentioned in my social networking (and hope you’re spreading the word on your networks as well): “Adam needs your help to become the next American Idol. As positive reinforcement, please listen to Adam perform “Is Anybody Listening” from the musical “The 10 Commandments.” Don’t believe the press saying he’s already won; America decides Tuesday. Please help make a positive statement about diversity and overcoming adversity; as he sang (thanks to Bono), we are One.”

Great to see the information about text voting and creative ideas! Here’s to Adam’s amazing fans, and to working as hard for Adam as he’s working for us. Be positive, send your thoughts and light to Adam, and visualize the announcement of Adam as our next American Idol!

Best, Michael

Quick positive note… Many of you heard about the Tribute to Adam at Upright Cabaret, his home base for several years… MTV News spoke with the amazing men behind the music as they celebrated Lambert’s “IDOL” success with a concert featuring many of his famous friends and fans. Here’s the link to the article, and here’s the link to the video.

Posted in: Industry Perspective by nymichael / Tags: Adam Lambert, American Idol, Kris Allen, Media, Official Voting, ratings