'Idol' producers, music pros approve of the fans' choices

Date: 13 May 2003 07:36:04 GMT
Newsgroups: alt.gossip.celebrities
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'Idol' producers, music pros approve of the fans' choices
By Bill Keveney, USA TODAY
American Idol fans have gotten it right so far: Two of the three finalists,
Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard, are considered the likeliest bets for future
recording success. So say producers and other behind-the-scenes pros in the
music industry when asked to assess their chances.
No matter who survives tonight's singing competition (Fox, 8 ET/PT) and next
week's finale, Aiken, Studdard and Kimberley Locke already have received
invaluable exposure for fledgling careers. (Related item: Vote for your
American Idol.)
The outlook for each:
Studdard. His career track is the easiest call, with experts saying he most
likely would enjoy success as an R&B singer. The 25-year-old Alabama native
told USA TODAY recently that he also has an interest in spiritual music.
"Ruben, with no gimmicks and no marketing, just flat out has the best chance to
actually have a career," says Jimmy Jam, who with partner Terry Lewis has
produced hits for Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson and Usher. Jam recently met with
Tamyra Gray, the fourth-place finisher from the first Idol, to discuss working
with her.
"Ruben obviously could sing R&B. That's his style," Jam says. "If he has an
inkling toward gospel music, someone like him could break the genre open
bigger."
And with his engaging "big-boy image," Studdard's girth shouldn't hold him
back, says music industry consultant Tom Vickers, despite the music industry's
heavy focus on appearance.
"For females, that's more true, unfortunately, than it is for males," he says.
Aiken. Experts praise Clay's voice as well but are less certain about a musical
direction for him. Jam thinks it would be interesting if he worked with David
Foster, a producer known for timeless songs who has worked with Celine Dion,
Whitney Houston and pop sensation Josh Groban.
Jam doesn't see Aiken, 24, following Groban's track, but he does envision "a
showier-type style married to the pop sensibilities he has."
Bruce Haring, producer of the DIY Convention for Film, Music and Books, sees a
parallel between Aiken and big-voiced Star Search winner Sam Harris, who has
sung on Broadway. Overall, he says, this year's finalists are better than the
first group.
Vickers thinks Aiken is a pleasant, comforting singer, with potential as a new
Barry Manilow. "Clay's got charisma, confidence, warmth, and he's able to laugh
at himself," he says. "For years, everybody has said you have to be hip and
cutting edge. But in pop, artists have had gigantic success" without being hip.
Vickers gives Aiken points for becoming "more user-friendly" in grooming and
appearance as he updated his haircut and clothing during Idol's run.
Locke. She could have recording success, too, although experts interviewed
don't think she has as good of a chance as Aiken or Studdard. Some compliment
her soulful voice but aren't sure what genre suits her best. Vickers looks at
it from the opposite direction, saying Locke has shown the greatest range in
moving between musical styles.
And although Joshua Gracin was eliminated last week, experts say that he may
have an even better opportunity to sell records if he continues his singular
pursuit of country music.
"I think he could do wonderful there," Jam says. "He has a great personality
for that, and he has a great story" as a U.S. Marine.
At this point in the competition, winning the Idol crown won't necessarily
improve a singer's career chances. Jam thinks that Gray was voted off too early
last year, but that as a result she has greater freedom in her musical choices.
Says Idol co-executive producer Nigel Lythgoe: "My opinion is, it's almost
better not to win this competition. You don't need to carry a mantle like
American Idol to be successful."