At the risk of sounding geeky and maybe a little bit weird, Im going to write this post anyway. 

I’m not the most musically inclined person.  I have never pursued an instrument (though I wish I had), I have never sung in a choir, taken lessons etc… 

Now, I  do admit to watch American Idol when it gets down to the final 16.  But, the thing that bothers me a bit about the show is that a) the pool of talent is usually pretty weak and b) they are forced to sing crappy song genres throughout most of the show.  They have very little time to really perfect a song before they are thrown up on stage.  And (I could be completely off base here) but I think that many of those “contestants” are chasing fame as opposed to true passion for music and singing.   That’s just my take.

Contrast that to another signing show - The Sing Off.  If you aren’t familiar with that show, its a contest amongst a cappella groups.  I’ve seen the show maybe 5-6 times in the past couple of seasons but have watched both episodes this season.  I’m already a bigger fan of that show than American Idol which has been on I don’t know, 9 years or something that like. 

There are many reasons.  First off,  the groups are more polished because they practice religiously to hone their craft.  Coordinating 7 or more people at one time must take a lot of practice.  And, they get to pick their own songs (as far as I know) so they pick genres that fit their vocals.  Those are both huge contributors to a more polished product.

But the main reason that I enjoy the show is that it is clear to me just how passionate the contestants are.  Sure, I know that there is a 100,000 dollar prize and recording contract on the line but I get the feel that many, if not all, of the contestants would do it for fee.  Lets be honest, more than half of the groups are made up by nerdy college brainiacs that happen to also have great voices or harmonic quality.  Its Ivy League coral groups and street corner bands.  Clearly not the “Idol” crowd.  I have a healthy, healthy respect for the time and effort that it must take to do what they do.  And for many of them, I’d presume they have been singing for years and years. 

I don’t know why that strikes me as intriguing.  I guess its just that any time I see someone who is truly passionate about what they are doing (no matter what it is), it inspires me.   Granted, I’m not going to go join the church choir because that is not one of my gifts.  But I know that I have many and it makes me consider if I am as passionate about them as I could be.