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I am finally home and another season of American Idol is finished. Many of you can get a sneak peak and hear the mixed studio version of Taylors first single hitting the street June 12th at http://www.rickhendrix.com. Over the past several years my company has handled a portion of the radio and press placement for the Idol finalist. I have enjoyed watching common everyday folks rise to the top of the American Entertainment food chain. But, as I watch folks literally fall and loose based on a single performance, I think it must have been like someone turned on a light in their life and then someone shut off the power.

Idol is like an incubator. You audition, you're accepted, you're in Hollywood, you're exposed to 40 million people in a matter of weeks, you have stylists, interviews, limos, jets, press, stardom, fame and major pressure. These kids find themselves standing in a line full of hopes and dreams one day, and the next they are fighting for their lives and a seat in the finale.

It's equivalent to running for President. If I were a teen I would certainly love the roller coaster ride Idol brings. I have watched our industry (Southern Gospel) raise its head high enough to catch moments of success, moments of real notoriety, though I don't see our genre ever having mass appeal like Idol and Fox. Sure we all would like for it to. But, reality and history has shown otherwise. I hear from artists everyday. They need more dates, more units to move, better flats and hotter airplay. As a manger, promoter and fan of Southern Gospel I think it's fair to pinpoint a line of reality. First, there is only one Elvis.

No matter how many names you attach to yourself, no matter how many bookstores carry your product, no matter how many stations agree to play and chart your music, you're still singing GOSPEL music. And your biggest records in Southern aren't going to scan much over 50,000 units. The average major artist in Southern Gospel is moving under 10,000 units a year. So, I ask myself- Why the egos? Why the demands? Why all the pressure?

I love helping my artist see the reality of the business, know what to expect, grow and learn, get quality dates not quantity, get solid airplay, and only place your product in stores when it will actually sell. You don't have to be an American Idol to do this work. You don't have to have a limo, the newest bus to reach the people that may not even have a good car. Whether you're called to do Southern Gospel, or just have a desire to sing, be a good steward with your talent. Don't carry an ego, don't stay angry at the fellow artists and companies for their successes, lift up as many as you can on your way up, and I promise you the ride will be much sweeter and faster.

Rick Hendrix
http://www.rickhendrix.com

Reader Comments

Wow, I've been in this for nearly 40 years and I've NEVER heard or seen any "big" groups trashing "up and coming groups" to keep them off dates. I've seen a lot of things, but never "big" groups who were so insecure that they had to trash up and coming groups. I have seen a lot of "big" groups who loved having "little" groups on the program, because they made the "big" groups looks so good.

Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog

Some people are like Slinkys… Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs - Author Unknown

Idol is about being a performer. Singing Gospel music is about praising our Lord and winning some lost soul to Jesus, Or helping the christian that is really low. Gospel singing soothes the soul. We have to keep things in there proper order. Reality ? Can an Idol star use their win to promote Jesus? I say yes if they want to. Look at Carrie Underwoods last two singles, Jesus take the wheel and Remember me. I heard more teens say quote" oh I love that song Jesus take the wheel" these kids may never see Sunday School, but they are getting a message.

Wait on the Lord. Be open to his voice. and remember today is the first day of the rest of your life, so live it to the fullest.  God has a plan just listen and hear his voice.

Maybe I spoke out of turn. I have not purchased the Cd's of any of the Idols releases. I've only heard them played on the radio and on TV on(The Country Music Awards). At $14.00 to $18.00 a Cd, I'd much rather purchase a project of The Greenes or The Isaacs. In truth I feel that God is pleased when we support our fellow Christians. I don't feel like he would be pleased for me to purchase or promote any secular performer. I hope this does not portray me as being double minded. The Lord has placed an appreciation for all kinds of music that lifts up his name, beautiful music, anointed music, you know the kind that sends chills up your spine. Underwood has a beautiful voice and she does a good job on the two songs that I have heard. But Lula, you are correct: there is enough gospel music out there with out having to cross over to the secular music.

Wait on the Lord. Be open to his voice. and remember today is the first day of the rest of your life, so live it to the fullest.  God has a plan just listen and hear his voice.

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