It's down in ratings but its far from "bombing." Ratings have been declining for years. Of course, if Fox was hoping the new judges would stabilize or up ratings, then perhaps they are disappointed.
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PopGAF |OT4| asdfjkl;asdfjkl;
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It's down in ratings but its far from "bombing." Ratings have been declining for years. Of course, if Fox was hoping the new judges would stabilize or up ratings, then perhaps they are disappointed.
Soulscribe
Member
Doing some catchup on some pop current events:
Alicia Keys' National Anthem Performance Was Expectedly Terrible - Seeing her seated at the piano before she started I was confident that she was gonna stick with her dedicated lower register and smooth it out. But no. As per, new Alicia insists on screeching her way in the highest possible octave through a song with more range that she should know what to do with. She's NOT a dynamic vocalist, or even a good singer, but when she sticks to her lower register her voice works masterfully for the genre she sings. This is like new-Christina levels of frustration. She was climbing that high range like an ant in a wet bathtub.
I didn't think much of Frank Ocean until his cover of Bad Romance - He morphed the concept of the song and turned it into a somber admission. After listening to this cover, I'm very likely to listen to his album tomorrow before Grammy night just to see what else he offers. I literally know nothing about his songs so I hope his recent album has the same attention to detail that that Bad Romance cover did.
Beyonce's Super Bowl performance reinforced the fact that she's one of the top 3 pop performers of all time - When someone is so electric that she makes her singular presence on a stage seem more majestic than the game itself, that's a rare quality that only someone like Michael Jackson was able to come close to emulating. I'm of the opinion that Beyonce actually IS the greatest pop entertainer of all time, and that's only because her combined talents of singing, dancing, and molding iconic imagery puts her a few notches about MJ. Pretty much no one has ever been on her caliber of performance, and I'm SO happy that such a high-profile performance like the Super Bowl reminded the mainstream of her talents. She's on her way to legendary status and I'm sure she'll be looked back on in the same vein as Michael Jackson, Madonna, The Beatles, and Elvis.
I started my "PRINCESSES OF POP" list a while back and unfortunately had to deal with a series of changes in my life right after that so I'm sorry for putting that on hold. I will however finish and post the ENTIRE list over the course of the weekend. I'll roll them out in bouts of 5 at a time, but once I sit down and work on it uninterrupted I should get it done fairly easily.
Alicia Keys' National Anthem Performance Was Expectedly Terrible - Seeing her seated at the piano before she started I was confident that she was gonna stick with her dedicated lower register and smooth it out. But no. As per, new Alicia insists on screeching her way in the highest possible octave through a song with more range that she should know what to do with. She's NOT a dynamic vocalist, or even a good singer, but when she sticks to her lower register her voice works masterfully for the genre she sings. This is like new-Christina levels of frustration. She was climbing that high range like an ant in a wet bathtub.
I didn't think much of Frank Ocean until his cover of Bad Romance - He morphed the concept of the song and turned it into a somber admission. After listening to this cover, I'm very likely to listen to his album tomorrow before Grammy night just to see what else he offers. I literally know nothing about his songs so I hope his recent album has the same attention to detail that that Bad Romance cover did.
Beyonce's Super Bowl performance reinforced the fact that she's one of the top 3 pop performers of all time - When someone is so electric that she makes her singular presence on a stage seem more majestic than the game itself, that's a rare quality that only someone like Michael Jackson was able to come close to emulating. I'm of the opinion that Beyonce actually IS the greatest pop entertainer of all time, and that's only because her combined talents of singing, dancing, and molding iconic imagery puts her a few notches about MJ. Pretty much no one has ever been on her caliber of performance, and I'm SO happy that such a high-profile performance like the Super Bowl reminded the mainstream of her talents. She's on her way to legendary status and I'm sure she'll be looked back on in the same vein as Michael Jackson, Madonna, The Beatles, and Elvis.
I started my "PRINCESSES OF POP" list a while back and unfortunately had to deal with a series of changes in my life right after that so I'm sorry for putting that on hold. I will however finish and post the ENTIRE list over the course of the weekend. I'll roll them out in bouts of 5 at a time, but once I sit down and work on it uninterrupted I should get it done fairly easily.
I've been listening to Channel Orange and Nostalgia Ultra non stop the last week. They're both AMAZE. I think I actually prefer Nostalgia Ultra though - There Will Be Tears, Love Crimes, Novacane...Actually, just go listen to Love Crimes right now. Something about him singing over Nicole Kidman's pot rant is just... <3
Bless. I always wondered who that was ranting at the end of the song. Let me go youtube it in full.
That wasn't Frank lol. Some dude named Mateo. Pretty good shit, but yeah his cover rocks.
The best song that Frank has done, and ever will do.
Did either of you tell a fib? I do believe not.
Soulscribe
Member
Oh shit, seriously? Every news outlet that posted it said it was Frank. I guess they were deceivedT.
I'm done.
Supermanisdead
Member
Omg, gnrhakdsfhdjsa. This is the best image of all time. Beyoncé, her impact.
paperheart
Banned
I agree with you. I don't own anything Boys Like Girls related, but I like their music. So, not disappointed at all with that news.
Soulscribe
Member
"Molding iconic imagery"?
"notches above MJ"?
DidILieTho.tbh
Soulscribe
Member
I'm trying to figure out what you mean.
Don't worry it means nothing, lol. But it's become a common case where people shrug off pretty accurate statements like that about Beyonce's talent and don't offer a counter-point. She's one of the all time best live acts. That's indisputable. If people refuse to see it now then they'll be totally comfortable declaring it in five years just like they do with everything else.
I agree she is one of the best performers of all time, but when you say she ''molds iconic imagery'', I am just looking for examples.
Leona Lewis
Banned
Stefan™;47483337 said:
To address Soulscribe's utterly ridiculous post, by the way: what iconic imagery, exactly? Beyonce hasn't crafted a single visual moment with even a tenth of the impact of the moonwalk, the white glove, the "lean", the "Billie Jean" glowing tiles...it just goes on, really.
She's not even a patch on Britney as far as iconic visuals go.
I mostly agree with everything you said since you narrowed it down to pop performer. I do agree with botty about the lack of iconic imagery however. I mean, at most so far, we can rely on the Single Ladies outfit being associated with her. If she keeps pushing that silhouette of hers, then it could probably become equally as associated.
On iconography, though, I'm thinking it's more difficult these days because of the ease of access of information. Anything can be researched, traced back to, and shared on the net so much more quickly back then. How many people even knew about Michael's rip of Bob Fosse's choreography? If MJ did that today, within an hour, people would be spreading that link and disqualifying his abilities regardless of how much raw talent he possessed.
To address Soulscribe's utterly ridiculous post, by the way: what iconic imagery, exactly? Beyonce hasn't crafted a single visual moment with even a tenth of the impact of the moonwalk, the white glove, the "lean", the "Billie Jean" glowing tiles...it just goes on, really.
She's not even a patch on Britney as far as iconic visuals go.
Agreed.
I've said this before, but if Bey really wants to be in that Pop Legend lane she's got to give into pageantry a little bit.
Beyonce violently twerking on stage is only so interesting for so long. And Bey is NO Prince, who had the musicality, catalogue, talent and showmanship to bring the house down with just himself, a guitar, and the baddest band in the business.
As such, Bey's performance was devoid of any real "moments" and was just her shouting "Dutty Wine!!" "Halo!" And flinging her weave across the stage. I guarantee you the only moments people will remember a year from now are Kelly and Michelle popping out of the stage.
It's what made Madonna's show better for me. She knew she couldn't carry the set on her own, so she strove to make it a visual feast of set pieces, guest performers, pyrotechnics and all-around extravagance.
Soulscribe
Member
You seriously need examples of iconic Beyonce imagery?
I'm at my work computer which evidently hates Google so I can't post a gif list but are we not remembering that Beyonce's booty shake in "Crazy In Love" is pretty much hers now? Or the palm twist in Single Ladies? Or even the downward punching sequence in Single Ladies.
How about her pose that's so recognizable at this point that a third of the Super Dome ignited a sillhouette of it during half time? What about her strut n stride toward the audience on stage? Or the fact that she always has wind blowing her hair back during performances? Or even the fact that her name has become synonymous with a shapely woman, or an independent woman, or a sassy one rather. Her iconography was crafted from more mainstream roots than Michael's, but the fact that she's made all these things synonymous with herself is even more impressive considering the ubiquitous sources. She's put all those things together to create a performance style that's entirely her own. Beyonce's performance imagery is very much defined, and if you're having trouble figuring that out then that only means that our popular culture is very much ENTWINED in her impact.
No, her imagery isn't on Michael Jackson's level (at least not yet), but you'd be silly to say that her image isn't immediately recognizable to the public or that the image she's adopted now hasn't become completely, uniquely hers.
Going back to me saying that's she's a few notches above MJ, I mean that in the cumulative sense. She has the stronger combination of live performance talent when you consider the fact that Michael Jackson lip synced during most of his live performances (even though he didn't lip during his concerts for a few notable eras, he was much more likely to lip sync during heavily choreographed sets), as well as the fact that her weaker dance talent is counter-balanced by her overwhelmingly stronger singing talent. Again, her reputation as an icon both as a performer and in her imagery is not on Michael's level, but I'm not going to shy away from admitting the very obvious fact that there is a modern performer that is easily on his level. It's silly to at least not admit that, regardless of who you stan for.
@Royalan: The difference I saw in Madonna and Beyonce's performances was that the latter didn't need set gimmicks and guest stars to share the alloted time because she can carry a performance all by herself. I saw the Destiny's Child reunion as a bit of icing on the cake; she absolutely didn't need them to be there and they certainly weren't the highlight of the performance. There's no way for me to know if Madonna could have carried that entire set by herself because she was littered the entire time by set gimmicks and special guests. At the very least it showed me where their confidence as performers lie.
I'm at my work computer which evidently hates Google so I can't post a gif list but are we not remembering that Beyonce's booty shake in "Crazy In Love" is pretty much hers now? Or the palm twist in Single Ladies? Or even the downward punching sequence in Single Ladies.
How about her pose that's so recognizable at this point that a third of the Super Dome ignited a sillhouette of it during half time? What about her strut n stride toward the audience on stage? Or the fact that she always has wind blowing her hair back during performances? Or even the fact that her name has become synonymous with a shapely woman, or an independent woman, or a sassy one rather. Her iconography was crafted from more mainstream roots than Michael's, but the fact that she's made all these things synonymous with herself is even more impressive considering the ubiquitous sources. She's put all those things together to create a performance style that's entirely her own. Beyonce's performance imagery is very much defined, and if you're having trouble figuring that out then that only means that our popular culture is very much ENTWINED in her impact.
No, her imagery isn't on Michael Jackson's level (at least not yet), but you'd be silly to say that her image isn't immediately recognizable to the public or that the image she's adopted now hasn't become completely, uniquely hers.
Going back to me saying that's she's a few notches above MJ, I mean that in the cumulative sense. She has the stronger combination of live performance talent when you consider the fact that Michael Jackson lip synced during most of his live performances (even though he didn't lip during his concerts for a few notable eras, he was much more likely to lip sync during heavily choreographed sets), as well as the fact that her weaker dance talent is counter-balanced by her overwhelmingly stronger singing talent. Again, her reputation as an icon both as a performer and in her imagery is not on Michael's level, but I'm not going to shy away from admitting the very obvious fact that there is a modern performer that is easily on his level. It's silly to at least not admit that, regardless of who you stan for.
@Royalan: The difference I saw in Madonna and Beyonce's performances was that the latter didn't need set gimmicks and guest stars to share the alloted time because she can carry a performance all by herself. I saw the Destiny's Child reunion as a bit of icing on the cake; she absolutely didn't need them to be there and they certainly weren't the highlight of the performance. There's no way for me to know if Madonna could have carried that entire set by herself because she was littered the entire time by set gimmicks and special guests. At the very least it showed me where their confidence as performers lie.
I think Diana Ross and Mariah have been doing the hair wind thing longer, but... not two pieces of choreo being the extent of her iconic imagery.
I think that, if we're talking about sheer performance ability, just dancing and singing, Beyonce is undeniably top tier.
But, if we're talking about creativity, spectacle, concept, and all-around showmanship, Bey is as vanilla as it gets.
Even Rihanna is above her in that regard, and I'm 100% serious when I say that.
But, if we're talking about creativity, spectacle, concept, and all-around showmanship, Bey is as vanilla as it gets.
Even Rihanna is above her in that regard, and I'm 100% serious when I say that.
Soulscribe
Member
I think Diana Ross and Mariah have been doing the hair wind thing longer, but... not two pieces of choreo being the extent of her iconic imagery.
Bot sis, Michael debuted the moonwalk en masse as part of some choreo for Billie Jean. Since then he's incorporated it into his performances so much that people caught on, and equated the dance with his name. His most impressive and iconic moves were latched on to bigger choreographic pieces in performances and music videos. That's the case with Beyonce too.
James Brown was doing the shuffle and pose well before MJ did too, but lo' and behold, it's MJ's now. I suppose Diana and Mariah got jipped in that equation too. Doesn't matter though, it's Beyonce's now.
@Roy - I have a hard time figuring out Rihanna's image and concept as an artist because she's morphed herself and her sound completely with each era. Beyonce's had a consistent sound, look, and style since the start. It takes that kind of consistency to create lasting iconography. It's the same reason why Christina Aguilera has had a hard time garnering resurgence recently, while JT's hype is through the roof. The latter managed to craft a look and style for himself that others were unable to emulate well, whereas Christina (like Rihanna) insisted on changing things up on a constant basis.
I will give Beyonce the booty shake, but I don't think that the punching sequence will have the iconicness of either the moon walk or booty shake. I mean, even Beyonce's weave is more of an iconic symbol than those choreo moments.
Soulscribe
Member
It's not so much just the punching sequence, but that's probably the most memorable moment of the Single Ladies dance. It's the combination of dance moves in Single Ladies that lend to her iconography, much like the entire intro to Billie Jean does for MJ. Most of the sequence in Billie Jean became famous as separate dances even though they were all part of the whole. I'm assuming this will be the same case with Single Ladies.
LOL - no disrespect my ass. ALL tea ALL shade!!
Wafflecakes
Member
Looks like Kelly will be singing Natural Woman + another song at the gammy's.
What kind of full circle perfection?
What kind of full circle perfection?
Crumpet Trumpet
Banned
I don't think Lady Starlight is in the position to be disparaging anyone about anything, tbh.
omffffffffffff
I wonder if she'll attempt that whistle.
omffffffffffff
I wonder if she'll attempt that whistle.
Soulscribe
Member
Siiiiiiiiis you need to tell me who you're stanning for on Drag Race!!
I'm all about Alaska, Lineysha
especially out of drag, yum
I don't particularly like Billie Jean, but I understand what you're trying to say.
Wafflecakes
Member
Not sure whether she still has that in her anymore. It will be amazing anyways.
The second song will be a tribute to Patti Page which strongly suggests "The Tennessee Waltz".
Supermanisdead
Member
Bye, Madonna's superbowl performance was garbage. All she had going was her impressive music. The performance itself was a fucking disaster of mishmashed ideas. She comes in on an extravagant palanquin with Roman warriors and then suddenly she's on bleachers with b-boys in white tracksuits, then LMFAO is strumming her damn leg. And it gets worse! The fucking cheerleaders show up and Madge is dancing around with pom-poms that completely clash with her outfit and Nicki and MIA in equally embarrassing get-ups. Then she throws on a glittering mumu and sings Like a Prayer with a church choir while ~WORLD PEACE~ is displayed on the floor. Uh, Madonna you came in on the back of a Roman army. Madge's performance was poorly conceived, out-of-touch and desperate.
Good point, tbh.
Rih doesn't write her own music? Funny.
Even saying she doesn't, idk why the girls are so pressed about it. Why does it matter if you do or don't write the music you sing? Lots of actresses or actors don't write a line of the words they speak on TV and in movies, and some of the most iconic songs we've ever heard weren't written by the singing artist. Rih and Justin have them hot and bothered cause they've had the charts in their control. I'd be pressed as fuck if I could never get a chance to shine because I was a flop too.
Did it lie? Maybe not. Is it relevant? No. Is it fuming? Yes. Poor her.
Wafflecakes
Member
Stefan;47485873 said:This just came on:
Cause there we are again in the middle of the night
We're dancing round the kitchen in the refrigerator light
Down the stairs, I was there
I remember it all too well
Nathan Chapman, your back-up vocals, they slay me.
Best part of the song.
Truly flawless.
Probably my favorite Taylor track of all time.
Leona Lewis
Banned
Yep, songwriting means nothing to me.Rih doesn't write her own music? Funny.
Even saying she doesn't, idk why the girls are so pressed about it. Why does it matter if you do or don't write the music you sing? Lots of actresses or actors don't write a line of the words they speak on TV and in movies, and some of the most iconic songs we've ever heard weren't written by the singing artist. Rih and Justin have them hot and bothered cause they've had the charts in their control. I'd be pressed as fuck if I could never get a chance to shine because I was a flop too.
Did it lie? Maybe not. Is it relevant? No. Is it fuming? Yes. Poor her.
Lady Gaga can write all the incomprehensible vile nonsense she wants - give me a buzz when she develops even a tenth of the musicianship of someone like Whitney.
Majmun
Member
Soulscribe nails it when it comes to Bey. She definitely has her signature poses and dance moves. She's a legend in the making. Everyone respects her crafsmanship. Many artists stan for her and sincerely respect her. And she's only 31 years old.
Can't wait to see what she has achieved when she's 50 years old. Bey has really grown as an artist and I have a feeling that she has much more left to show. My Bey stanning will only get more passionate tbh.
That royalan thread over at OT has been AMAZING btw lmao
Can't wait to see what she has achieved when she's 50 years old. Bey has really grown as an artist and I have a feeling that she has much more left to show. My Bey stanning will only get more passionate tbh.
That royalan thread over at OT has been AMAZING btw lmao
Supermanisdead
Member
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