Dictionary: tal·ent (tăl‘ənt)
n.
- A marked innate ability, as for artistic accomplishment. See synonyms at ability.
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- Natural endowment or ability of a superior quality.
- A person or group of people having such ability: The company makes good use of its talent.
- A variable unit of weight and money used in ancient Greece, Rome, and the Middle East.
That’s what the dictionary says. I’d like to focus on “superior quality” which is best in the field. With so many talent search shows and new kinds of music artists, tv personalities, designers etc etc the word talent is becoming rather insubstantial. I’ve noticed that on singing shows such as X Factor, American Idol and even Superstar K (The runner up was a better singer/act than the winner who had an ‘idol look’)there’s always an act that is not considered talented but they make it so far (maybe not A.I so much). Why? Entertainment factor. . Now everybody in England the UK would know John and Edward – the terrible twins. They are arguably the least talented people that have ever graced the live show stage. Yet they are still there. They cannot sing or dance in sync or seperately. 3 of the 4 judges have expressed their dislike yet they are still there. They – the judges – were even told to be ‘nicer’ to them by producers. I know that it’s up to the public but people have to realise that if they were to win, would people really go out and buy their single? Are you really willing to hand over a £1million contract to them? The same contract that boosted Leona Lewis’ career? Seriously? It’s a talent search, not entertainment. If they were on Britains Got Talent as a comedy act then that would make sense.
To be somewhat fair to them, it is true that the threshold for talent these days isn’t THAT high (but that’s no excuse to keep them in a contest with good singers). Music for one is just about image, look at Lady Gaga, yes she can sing but that’s not why people take notice of her, it’s because she’s “excentric” and she feeds on that, she could put out absolute crap but people will still publicise it because of what they have made her. If she was out when I was younger then I don’t think she would be successful – keep in mind I’m only nearly 18. Music as I knew it is dying and coming back as something weird. Compare Hip Hop, R&B, Pop, Rock etc, even Kpop from say 8 years ago to now.
Recently (last few years?) in music, all I hear is autotune, I’m not sure if it started with T-Pain or before but it needs to stop, it’s even made it’s way to the east of the globe, if you can’t sing, don’t. If you can, why are you using it?
Not even song writers are impressive these days, I know how people say they write about “experiences” and “what’s in their heart” but come on, I’m sick of hearing songs about, cheating, broken hearts, up in the club, looking for love, being sorry, leaving, being done, falling in love, smackin’ that booty, checking that girl, rollin’ up in your whip and having swagger etc! Are they the only thing worth putting into lyrics? I’m not saying I won’t listen to them, but some variety wouldn’t kill. You can’t say “it’s what people want to hear” they have to hear it because that’s all that’s been put out for the last how many years.
Talent to me, really means, quality and not quantity. I’m going to use Kpop as an example. In Kpop, if you are a singer, rapper, MC (as in tv personality) and appear on some kind of variety show you are AWSOME – apparently. Even if you’re so-so at 3 of the 4 and good at one you’re better than someone that’s great and just rapping, say. People won’t admit it but it’s true. You take more notice of the ‘Jack of all trades.’ I know it’s a ‘thing’ in Kpop to be versitile and some do it very well and ARE very talented but some take on so many roles that they don’t shine in one in particular.
I can name countless celebrities – Western and Eastern – who, when you think about it, you can’t actually say WHY they’re famous or you realise they’re only famous for something like a scandal, they have rich parents or they’re riding on their 5 minutes of fame, you get my drift?
What I’m trying to say is talent is begining to change it’s meaning, it’s no longer a Natural endowment or ability of a superior quality it’s just gettng attention and then getting popularity from it – an easy ride. If you’re actually talented and if you’re great it’s like you have to work harder.
I can’t speak for other talents like artists (painting/sculpture) and athletes but those kind of specialities are a bit harder to fake.
