They still need to clear up their message a bunch but it was nice to hear Simon say on Idol last week that they (the judges) realize that they give contradictory advice and coaching at times.

“Change it up a little.” “That’s not you; you’re not that kind of artist.”
“Your style is (fill in the blank).” “This is strictly a singing contest.”
“Step out of your comfort zone.” “Stick to who you are.”

Come on people! You’re music professionals and the contestants for the most part are untested, under exposed amateurs. Either give all of the contestants an equal amount of unbiased, constructive criticism, or just come out and admit that you have an agenda and will do everything in your power to further it.

Being connected to the song is one piece of advice that seems hard to quibble with. Either you are or you aren’t and if it’s the latter, you’ll eventually be doomed to the same fate as the Dodo/Milli Vanilli. It would be pretty hard to make the case that Glen Hansard and The Frames aren’t connected to their music.

And in the end, were both the same
You played your part, so your part to blame

When you want something that much,
It’s drawing trouble on your life
And when you found something that good
It’s hard to focus on what’s right

And in the end what hurt the worst
Has been resolved and the reversed
And I know its not what you said
It’s like the letter I just sat and read

Finally..

- DAVE