The latest season of American Idol is in progress, and new faces, along with some familiar voices, are gracing the stage. Long-time judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan have lamented hearing the same tunes at auditions year in and year out. While certain songs never get old, contestants don’t always succeed in making them their own, so the renditions get predictable.
As the artists get on stage, Richie and Bryan crave uniqueness, with the judges noting that while some songs showcase vocal ability, they can also be overdone. The judges push contestants towards adding their own twist to the performances rather than relying on overused songs that have been done many times before over the years on the show.
Lionel Richie expresses frustration on ‘American Idol’ about overused audition songs
Richie has admitted that he dreads hearing James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s World,” even though it is a powerful showcase of vocal strength and emotion. He shared that unless a contestant brings a fresh twist, the impact of the song is lost, making it difficult to stay engaged.
Even though he was tired of the song, Richie recognizes that there are those artists who have made it their own. He said that two artists in the current season added a twist to the song that impressed him. This shows that even a song that has been performed many times can still be great if done with creativity and originality.
Lionel Richie hopes contestants will stand out
Standing out is the secret to an outstanding audition, according to Richie. His point is that a song-to-death choice and not making it personalized is wasted potential. The contenders who possess the ability to take a reigning hit and reinvent it have longevity, and those who copy the initial performance get lost in the sea.
While Luke Bryan has also grown weary of hearing some of the songs, it is Richie who has been most vocal about his frustration. As a legendary artist himself, he understands how crucial it is to stand out in a crowded industry. He still tries to push contestants to take some risks, try out their own sound, and demonstrate that they have something unique to offer.