After winning Australian Idol and after being seen by around 1.5 million people, `You`, the single for Wes Carr, has only sold 8,292 units.
Of the 8,292 units, 8,291 were digital. (Who was the only person in Australia who bought a CD single?)The Idol truth is that despite the massive audience that watches the show, it is not translating to the music buying public anymore.
My opinion of Idol has been long-stated. Australian Idol is a reality show; it is not a music show. Viewers don't care about the artists or the songs, they watch for the sport, and get thrilled by the next kill. “Yeah, yeah, yeah, boring, he says that every year”, I hear you say. Well, Idol has done nothing in the past 7 years to make me even change my opinion.
It was great to see someone like Wes win. As the frontman for the band Tambalane, with Silverchair’s Ben Gillies, Carr proved then that he had what it takes to pursue a music career.
He recorded an EP with Tambalane and then two indie albums.
Why he has subjected himself to release this “RSL club delight of covers” can only be justified in doing it for the exposure.
Wes Carr was above Idol. He proved that with his previous work. In fact, I wasn’t even aware that a professional performer with a track record of releases was even eligible for Idol.
I guess Idol used him to try and grab some Indie cred. It failed dismally.
Wes Carr can definitely be a star. Singing ‘If I Were A Carpenter’ won’t get him there.
Good luck to him if he is using the platform to get himself some exposure.
Guy Sebastian and Shannon Noll, the first year winners are still the most successful. Sebastian broke away from the Idol cookie-cutter machine and discovered his own soul style. Shannon did it the old fashioned way, on the road with his own band.
There is also life in other entertainment areas. Millsy and Anthony Callea discovered life in the theatre. Likewise, Ricki-Lee pursued an independent career in pop by implementing a long-term strategy with Shock Records.
It can be done, but you have to do it away from Idol. The one's who didn't make the break were the ones replaced a year later when their use-by date was up.
Wes is well placed leave the false promises that Idol gives. Based on his previous life, for him, the sooner the better.
As a side note, the official Australian Idol album ‘Australian Idol Top 10 2008’ has sold a total of 1,370 units in the last two weeks since it was released.
