Idols: Singles vs Stamina

2011-10-03 07:18 by Sam Brighton While everyone's got an opinion on Mark and Dave's debut singles, will it really have an impact on how you feel about your favourite?

Mark Haze and Dave van Vuuren. Does it really matter who wins the Idols 7 title? They'll both end up with recording contracts, climbing local charts, just as Elvis Blue and Lloyd Cele have done before them.
 
As their debut singles were introduced to audiences on Sunday,  one thing became clear: Everyone's sticking with their favourites. While I am convinced Dave got a better deal with a dynamic, fresh song, Mark's fans seem to feel his song, Out of My Head, is more listenable.

Of course it is – you’ve heard it before. My colleague Shaheema pointed out that it sounded JUST like Richard Marx's Right Here Waiting. The title is also half of a Kylie Minogue song. There’s too much of everything else and not enough of Mark going on there.

Dave's single, Hall of Mirrors, is interesting, vocally challenging and the change of pace in the bridge kept things fresh.

This is not a discussion about talent; it's commentary on the quality of material the Idols have to work with.

As a songwriter, Mark would have an educated opinion on his song. Sure, on TV he says he loves it, but one wonders how he really feels.  And wonder is all we can do – it’s not like he’s going to diss Idols after all these weeks.

I can't imagine anyone switching teams at this stage of the competition because they like one single more than the other.

So it's down to stamina: How well have they managed their fandom throughout all these weeks? And can they keep it up?

I'm just going to put it out there: I don't think Dave's ready for the attention, fame and crazy schedule that goes along with being an Idols winner.

At the Canal Walk performance in Cape Town on Sunday he looked tired, worn out and cranky. He says it's because his voice is strained, but it’s more than that. Last week he told Unathi he wants to sing his own songs. Can he sustain months of touring, interviews, performances and so forth?

In that respect, Mark’s got it easy. He knows about touring, gigging, late nights and interviews and seems to welcome the attention with open arms.

In choosing a winner we also have to think of these things to avoid ending up with another Anke who runs off to Bloem to play hockey after just one obligatory album.
 
This is a popularity contest, not a just a singing competition. Fans are going to claim their reward by accosting the winner for random mall photos, autographs on their boobs and more. Okay, that sounds fun, but it’s also part of paying your dues, as Unathi puts it.

Tuesday we meet our season 7 Idol. My guess is you all decided a long time ago who that'll be.