Once again Twitter comes to the rescue for fans and country artists to help explain words that were spoken and taken a bit out of context.
In an interview with Country Forever Jay Demarcus of Rascal Flatts was quoted as saying,
“We spent night after night out there learning the art of entertaining a crowd. And if there’s a criticism I have of this sort of microwave, instant stardom that some of these kids are experiencing nowadays with ‘American Idol’ and things like that — it is a great forum to discover new talent that otherwise wouldn’t be discovered — however, you don’t get to put the time in learning to be an entertainer. Because when you have to starve for your craft, it’s more beloved to you when you have success.”
Seems a lot of readers took that as quite a bashing for American Idol artists. As always, Jay…being the active Twitterer of Rascal Flatts he wanted to clear the air about the statement and says he really is a fan of American Idol.
via @jaydemarcus
For those who have read my comments about American Idol, I was not “speaking out against” it! I’m a fan of the show. I was saying….
…in some cases, instant stardom may not be the best thing… This certainly does not apply across the board. I so believe the more time…
…you have to hone your craft in smaller venues, the better off you are… Period. I have a lot of friends that were a part of idol…
I continue to be a huge fan of the show… Sometimes words in print, sound twisted out of context… Whew!! Now I need a drink!!
So much for the days of sitting quietly while fans and cynics attack you for words you may or may not have said. Here ye here ye Twitter is AMAZING! And I know fans everywhere appreciate the personal interaction it provides us to our favorite musicians.
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jay demarcus rocks. people took his comments way outta context in the interview. us rffans are all behind him. love him very much. hello why would he bash they show that rascal flatts performed on twice. 1 when carrie underwood won and 2. on idol gives back. love rascal flatts’ jay demarcus.
Thanks for posting this! Jay is soo awesome and would never talk badly about American Idol. They would not have been a part of the show in the past if they really felt that way. It seemed obvious to me exactly what he was saying in his original comments. It’s like that for anyone. The more you have to work at something to achieve success, the more you will appreciate it when you get there. These guys worked really hard to get on top and they continue to work hard to put their very best into everything they give us as fans. I know I appreciate it!
I don’t think he meant anything bad about AI. Flatts and Carrie Underwood are friends and I know they would not trash her at all. I did not know who the Flatts were until Carrie sang Bless The Broken Road with them on AI–since then I have become a fan. I know being on AI helped their sales and made them better known to America. Carrie worked hard after leaving AI to prove herself. I remember all the comments about her not being country—and she insisted that she was and is country–she has remained true to that statement and refuses to remix her songs for pop-even though she would bring in a larger fan base and sales. She has said that if her songs cross over—it is ok—and if they do not–that is ok too because she refuses to remix them. I am proud to be a Carrie fan. I would not be listening to country music if I had not followed her to country as all her fans did. Carrie NEVER says an unkind word about anyone—and I admire her for that.
I think any Flatts fan (or loyal AI viewer, for that matter) wold easily understand what Jay meant with his comments.
As everyone has said, they’ve performed on the show numerous times, and even voice their support for specific contestants from time to time. They’ve performed with Carrie, Kelly, and even helped Josh Gracin land his record deal with Lyric Street. There are plently of artists who are against Anerican Idol, and they (clearly) are not.
I think it’s only natural for Jay to stick up for the “old” way of being discovered and playing bars for tips- that’s how they got their start in the business, and they know firsthand what it’s like to hone their craft and performing skills that way.
If you can relate to that, you probably will be a more vocal supporter of it- many newer stars will never have to go that route because of singing reality shows.
I don’t think the comments were said to stir up anything- just to state an opinion that you’re better off (most times) being able to perform and gain experience and seek insight from others, steadily improve so that you’re not thrown in the mix with no craft or true artistic indentity.
That’s not to say experience cannot be learned along the way- look at Miranda Lambert and even Carrie Underwood. They both knew who they wanted to be and what they were going to portray, but they still realize they need to grow as artists. Carrie is slowly opening up, giving more of herself in her songwriting and song choices, while growing more confident as a peformer. Miranda is becoming an excellent writer, great singer, and she continues to grow with every album. She knows she isn’t like every other female, and she embraces that.
,I don’t think it matters how you get your start- it’s a combo of talent, luck, smarts, and the ability to realize how to stay true to your art to keep a loyal fanbase. I don’t think Idol is an easy road by any means, and I give a lot of credit to people who are willing to be subjected to the kind of scrunity they receive- people can be viciously cruel when it comes to shows like Idol and Nashvile Star, and I believe they still have to go through a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to get where they are.