Yes

by Saira Karim

Created on: July 20, 2008

The question which ought to be posed in fact is : "how real is reality tv ? ". Whether Carly Smithson is a "pro" or not is utterly irrelevant because the entire concept of Amercian Idol and all shows that follow that genre is that they are tightly controlled. The contestants are screened and vetted even the stuio audience is checked out so that there are no nasty surprises for the show's producers .

In an ideal world wihout studio executives and nervous floor managers perhaps Carly Smithson would be prevented from appearing on the show but the stark reality of reality tv is that it is not "real", in the pure uncomplicated sense at all. Most of the shows participants are seasoned performers or at least have been trying to get into the business for a long time .
One of the most remarkable "finds" was Leona Lewis a sultry Brit R and B singer who had already done a stint at music school and has a formidable voice . The point is that the producers of shows like American Idol and it's derivatives across the globe know that these contestants will apply and actively encourage them to apply. Audition postings are routinely sent to stage and music schools who are advised about when the open castings will take place and the adverts for contestants are high profile and mass generating . Of course you are going to get succesful stage and music "wannabes" who will get through the rigorous testing because they are talented and able to make a competent attempt at singing a song. But if the shows premise were strictly followed none of these applicants would be allowed to enter which would end up being unfair to the other try hards.

The reason why Carly Smithson should not be allowed to appear on the show is not because she is talented and she is going to get a deal but because she is defined as a professional artist and as such is taking away the lost opportunity of other hopefuls who are not as talented but are not pro's.

The entire editorial and production team in shows like this are all involved in the decision making process behind the scenes and the edited highlights of what the viewer sees do not even come close to identifying the real factors in the choice making . questions like : can this person do what they are told on a creative level? Wil they be able to handle the pressures of instant fame ? Often it is exactly a "pro" who can do all of these things and crucially have that "talent" taht they are always keen to spot . It is highly unethical to sell a show based on the promise that it is for undiscovered talented individuals and then hand it over to an established or professional artist. If the show were for industry newcomers it would not be nearly as succesful as it is now with the backing of the TV public .

If Carly Smithson is not a recognised professional and has no background of professional music then of course she should be given a fair shot at the title but it is highly unlikely that the creative team behind the show would not have been at all aware of who she was . Are they really expecting us to believe that she duped the Audition Panel into thinking she was just a naieve young hopeful like the majority of hopefuls on the show ? All of the cotestants who go forward in the audition process would have been thoroughly checked out it's just a universal fact otherwise there would be all types of undesirable people on the show that the producers would be unable to control in a live setting . After all it's a talent contest not Jerry Springer although even on shows like that there have been claims that the participants are staged .

To deny hundreds of hopefuls the chance to become stars because they are being overlooked by professionals also entering and pretending they are not is inherently unfair and grossly unethical. If Carly Smithson is a professional then no doubt she will use the experience and contact base to be picked up by other Agents or even Mr. Cowell himself so it is unlikely she will suffer any long term damage to her recording career. If anything it can only enhance her public profile and create her a loyal fan base. Infact it may have been a pre planned move by people around her to generate publicity for herself . It also of course bumps viewing figures up for the show and causes more people to get interested in what is ostensibly a dull and unimaginative format. Should Carly Smithson not be a professional the fact that so many people thought she as again can only strengthen her public profile .

One thing's for sure whether or not Ms. Smithson is booted off the show she will go on to have a fabulous music career.

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