Tod Bolsinger

The Randy Jackson Mantra

Another installment in my series of observations from American Idol.

A young, charismatic, talented singer belts out a song from the top of the charts.  A great moment, right?  More often than not, no. 

American Idol host Ryan Seacrest turns to the judges and starts with the record producer and former Journey bass player, Randy Jackson.  Jackson: “Song choice, song choice, song choice, dawg.  I mean it was all right, but I just don’t think that song is you, man.” 

Very often the difference between a great entertainment moment and a forgettable one is determined long before the singer takes the stage.  A male vocalist with great falsettos and tenor ranges picks a song that would have made Barry White drool.  A talented teenager steps up the microphone and belts out an easy listening tune that would make her momma proud but leaves the teeny boppers in the audience yawning.  A woman with a sweet personality and attractive looks decides to sing an angry song made famous by the Dixie Chicks. 

In every case, the judges just shake their heads.  Over and over again, the judges would say, “You know that song wasn’t good for you, for (x, y, z) reasons” and the contestant would shrug and say, “But I love that song and I just wanted to sing it…”

In his book, Good to Great, Jim Collins says that the key to a company (or a person) finding their “core purpose” (what he calls their “hedgehog concept”) is by determining the intersection of three things: 

• What pays the bills?
• What are you passionate about?
• What do you have the potential to be the best at?

For most of these singers trying to figure out how to make a career of singing (“pay the bills”) the stumbling block is not their passion (“I just love that song.”  “I really wanted to sing that song.”  “I just wanted to have fun out there”), it’s that they don’t know what kind of song they have the potential to sing better than other people. 

It was good advice for Polonius to give his son (in Hamlet, of course) and it is good advice for us "This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man."  But unfortunately most of us think of that saying as meaning, “To what you wish were true of your self be true…”

Perhaps we need to go even further back in the pantheon of literature to the Greeks at Delphi where the inscription, “Know thyself” is carved. 

What becomes apparent, especially in a talent contest where every person is so talented, has been well coached and has a tremendous amount of experience, is that most of the performers really have no idea what “fits” them. 

If nothing else, American Idol should make each of us ask, “What song was I made to sing?” And then, sing THAT song with all the passion and joy we can muster. 

“What usually happens when you sing?”

The second part in a series on observations on our culture drawn from the show American Idol.

One of the most interesting moments in the early “audition” episodes of American Idol is when one of the contestants has been so bad, that the judges are actually left speechless.  They would critique or offer comment, or even just simply dismiss the off-key warbler, but they just sit there incredulously wondering what this person must be thinking to go through the trouble of standing in line for hours, singing for different producers and now, being put on the air for the express purpose of looking ridiculous. 

Now, according to past participants, American Idol tells all contestants that only the very best AND the very worst will be put on television.  And so, as the singer finishes an ear piercing a cappella rendition of a favorite song, it dawns on the judges that this singer…actually thinks he is really good.

And so, instead of making a statement, one of them asks a question, “So, what usually happens when you sing?" Or  "How is your singing usually received?”  And the answer, nearly every time is, “People love it.  Everybody thinks I am great.  All my friends think I am going to be a big star.” 

And one look at their shocked and dismayed faces when the judges reject them makes it clear that they have either been lied to by too many or have been deluding themselves all along.

Now, of course, how much of their lives to this point have been self-delusion or grandiose collusion is hard to figure, but it does lead to my American Idol observation #2:

Most of us need to spend more time observing our impact.   

Many of us rarely, if ever, pay attention to the actual effect that we have on those around us. 
We intend to be encouraging to our children, but they actually experience us as being harsh and critical.
We think we are being sensitive, but our loved ones cower around us.
We believe that we are people of good humor, good graces, winning personalities and our charming conversationalists, but we leave people bored and distracted. 
We think that we are good listeners but we haven’t even noticed that the person across the table hasn’t said anything for the last 20 minutes.

One of my mentors likes to say that while most of us judge ourselves by our intentions   Others judge us by our impact.  And no matter what our intentions may be (how many American Idol contestants have said, “I was just trying to have fun out there.”), we are judged, whether in singing or in any other endeavor,  on the actual impact or effect we have on others. 

More of us need someone in our life to hold up a mirror and show us what we actually look like, help us get beyond what we intend to do and show us instead the actual impact of our lives.

American Idol on America.

Today I want to start a short series on observations from American Idol.  I realize this might seem like a stretch to many of you, but stay with me and lets see where this goes.

First, a confession.  At the risk of losing all four of my regular readers, let me put this on the table. 

I watch American Idol. 

Not every time it’s on (because it seems to be on ALL the time.)  I can’t tell you who the names of all the winners of past seasons and I have never called or texted a vote.  But I do watch it. 

The truth be told, I have looked in at more “reality” T.V. shows than I care to admit.  My sister used to watch The Bachelor and before it got boring, I used to tune in “The Apprentice.”  But currently American Idol is the show that I find both entertaining (some of those cats can sing) and, I also think that it is right up there with “Deal or No Deal” and “The Sopranos” (I now watch a non-“R” rated version on A & E) for revealing interesting glimpses on our culture. 

So, for the next few posts I want to offer some thoughts on America drawn from American Idol.  And since I am a pastor and this is a blog about Christian faith, church life and “missional” ideas, I’ll eventually get around to trying to draw some of the implications for those of us who still think of the American culture as a “mission field”.  So, here goes the first one. 

It’s probably the most obvious and it certainly is part of the whole American Idol shtick.  But the first observation about American from American Idol is:

Deep down we are all really attracted to the brutal truth.   Or to put it another way, Everybody needs more candid feedback not less.  (And not everybody needs to be encouraged to do everything.)
Of course, all one has to do is watch an episode of “House” (my actual favorite current show) to realize just how refreshing it is to hear someone who just bluntly speaks his mind—when he actually has something to say. 

Indeed, the most famous of the three judges, Simon Cowell, is most famous because he is about as subtle as a mugging when he dislikes someone.  He is blunt, brash and often borders on rude.  Some famous Simon lines: 

"That was terrible, I mean just awful."
"Did you really believe you could become the American Idol? Well, then, you're deaf."
"I thought it was horrible, just horrible. I thought it was like some ghastly high-school musical performance."
"It was like some ghastly lunch where after lunch your parents have asked the children to dress up and sing."

Now Simon believes that his blunt assessment of those who show up to audition is not only necessary but actually a caring thing to do: "I met someone the other night who's 28 years old, and he hasn't worked a day since he left college because he's pursuing a dream he'll never, ever realize: He thinks he's a great singer.  Actually, he's crap. But nobody has said to him, 'Why have you been wasting your time for eight years?'

But, here is the thing.  He’s usually right.  Personally, while I find the WAY he says what he says far too ham-handed and insensitive, I rarely if ever disagree with him.  While most of those who are the recipients of his barbed criticisms and rolled eyes become defensive and even hostile, it is very interesting that this season’s 12 finalists name him as their favorite judge hands down because “he is honest” and “he is right.”  (okay, some cynic will say that they were trying to curry favor with him, but let’s take them at face value for a minute anyway.)

And there is another side of Simon that is often overlooked.  When he likes someone, he lavishes on the praise:

"You are a phenomenally good singer. I think at this stage you can afford to believe that you are going to be a big star." --To LaKisha, Feb. 28

“..you have this fantastic talent, great voice, and you don't know how good you are."  -To Melinda, Feb. 28

In a world of so much “spin”, I believe that deep down many of us (not all, mind you and that will be the subject of the next post) are looking for true honest assessments to help us truly understand our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges.  And far too many of us fear that we have had far too many well-intended people who told us what we think we wanted to hear than what we really needed to hear. Then when the praise comes, it will really mean something. 

It’s not that I want to have critics like Simon in my life all the time.  But something within me knows that I need at least one or two utterly and completely candid voices in my life to help me get a proper perspective on my self. 

And maybe when we watch Simon tear apart some poor off-key diva, a small part of us wishes we had someone to do the same thing for us.   

Weekend Perusing: O Wilber, where art thou?

I will return on Monday with a new series but in the meantime, some blog posts worth spending some time on:

• Rob Moll of Christianity Today writes about the current-day slave trade
• Mark D. Roberts continues his series on that most troublesome (and oft-neglected) of Jesus' commands: Love your enemies.
• And this clip by Bono reminds me of why he is the most admired Christian among young people today.

Weekend Update: Marathon for Malawi

The training schedule for the Team World Vision Chicago Marathon doesn't even start until May, but the SC Marathoners for Malawi are well underway.  We are now 21 (now 24!) runners strong (with runners of all speeds, shapes, sizes and experience.) For many this will be their first marathon.

My personal goal is raise $10,000 toward a team goal of $100,000.  So far I have $1800 (now $1900--thanks, sis) raised and more on the way.  (Thanks to all of you who have contributed already, you have been a huge encouragement to me and my team.)

While there have been a few articles lately that have been critical of some larger corporate efforts to combine philanthropy with consumerism, good old fashion "giving" to reputable groups still seems the best way to make genuine lasting change. While our team will be training for the next seven months for October 7 Chicago Marathon, the good news is that your contribution to our efforts goes immediately to the Nkohma Area Development Project in Malawi Africa.  You can make a difference today even though the race is still months away. 

If you are interested in learning more about World Vision, Malawi or even professional athletes who have joined with World Vision to make a difference in the world, just follow the links. 

If you are a blogger and would like to use your influence for good by linking to this post, we'd appreciate it.

If you want to run with us and be part of the team, we'd love to have you join us.

And of course, if you'd like to contribute to our good cause.  Just click here.

I'll keep you posted, please pray for me and our band of runners with a cause.

Happy, Happy Birthday for me

My son, two buddies and me for two days to celebrate my 43rd birthday on Thursday. 

Thanks Mom for bringing me into this world, thanks Dad for the loving of skiing, thanks Beth for being the greatest gift I have ever received (and for encouraging me to "go out and play"), thanks Ali for being there when I get home to get a big bday kiss. Thanks to my friends for being...well, friends.  Thanks to my staff for taking care of our people while I am out for a couple of days.  Thanks to my church for a generous "occasional day" policy (see you all on Sunday!).

Thank you, God, for all of this sweet life.

Happy Birthday, indeed.  Happy me.

Paul in Prison

More Weekend Reading

My colleague, Pati Toole writes with courage about her battles with both the Big C and the Big D.  I think the link to this post should be copied and sent to every pastor and every Christian blogger...it's that important.

My friend, covenant brother and fellow pastor Craig Williams takes up where I left off in the series on lessons on hospitality learned from Danny Meyers' book, Setting the Table.

Fuller Theological Seminary President Richard Mouw weighs in on the words used to discuss evolution.

Malawi Marathon Update. There are now 14 runners registered for the SC Marathoners for Malawi.  Remember, we'll run so that all you have to do is give. Together, we'll build wells, finish a school and make sure that lots of kids get the assistance they need to deal with the impact of HIV/AIDS.  Join us.

Tomorrow..A wordless Sunday.

For More than Just an Amusing Weekend...

SEE A MOVIE... If you haven't seen the movie, Amazing Grace, I highly recommend it.  Reviewers have said that it is "more interesting than good", but I was so moved by the story that I will be using it in my sermon on Romans 13 this weekend. 

Most Christians don't really know of the 46 year battle that William Wilberforce led to see both the slavery and the slave trade abolished in the British Empire.  Because of both his dedication and the manner in which he led the  debate and  worked for change, Britain  turned their  back on slavery without a civil war  or a bloody internal revolution.

Favorite quote from the film: "“Do you intend to use your beautiful voice to praise the Lord or change the world?” (Of course, what Wilberforce discovered is that the correct answer is "Both".)

READ THESE POSTS... Mark Roberts takes on the most delicate and difficult topic of what it means to fulfill Jesus' charge to "love your enemies." 

TAKE A RUN...or sponsor some who will.  As I mentioned in my last post,  a group of runners from our church are just beginning the long discipline toward running the Chicago Marathon to raise funds and awareness for our World Vision project in Malawi, Africa.  I haven't even started yet and I am 12% of the way to my goal.  If you are a runner, consider joining our team.  If you are not, then become part of the team that will make our running really count for something great.