Here’s whats on my mind today:
Well, another season of “American Idol” has come and gone. That makes 11 seasons.
Another season of the ridiculous, zany, commercial, crazy, sometimes infuriating, often inspiring, and addicting TV singing contest that seeks to uncover (and massively promote), the next American pop culture icon. A tip of the cap to those hardy and energetic souls who manged to press through to the finals. Congratulations runner up Jessica, and the winner, newly crowned “American Idol”- Phil Phillips.
I noticed something I liked about this years winner. Throughout the contest, Phil refused to conform to the expectations of the contest judges and music director, Jimmy. They wanted him to be more more commercial. Choose more “accessible ” songs. Wear fashion forward clothes. Fit into the mold of Justin. Pose, for goodness sake! He refused.
No fancy dance steps. No electronic helps. No hip hop silliness. Just Phil being Phil. I remember him responding to the promptings of judge J-Lo once by saying, “I got to do what feels right to me.” Well said Phil. And your’re the winner.
God has created each of us as unique people. No two exactly alike. Everyone stamped with the fingerprints of Gods limitless creative energy. When we succumb to the temptation to compromise our uniqueness for the comfort of conformity, we actually rob the Kingdom of God of one its most wonderful and valuable assets-the one and only you! I have learned the danger of American pop culture: it wants everyone to look, talk, and believe, and spend their money, the same. It celebrates diversity, but actually creates clones and drones- easily manipulated for the obvious commercial reasons. Yuk!
So, a big Root Beer toast to this years American Idol “anti-winner”, Phil Phillips. Thanks for reminding us that music and art are all about being creative, unusual, and one-of-kind.
Blessings,
Russ