Musings
an Online Journal of Sorts
By Alyce Wilson
When they announced the winner for NBC's Fame, a talent contest designed to select a "triple threat" — with dancing ability, singing ability and a charismatic personality — I jumped to my feet, cheering.
"Harlemm Lee, congratulations!"
I danced around the room, and my dog danced with me, though I'm sure she had no idea why.
When I first started watching Fame, a contest produced and choreographed by the legendary Debbie Allen, I never could have predicted I'd get so involved. But Harlemm, you made us love you.
After hearing the final performances, there was no doubt in my mind that Harlemm had to win.
I had good reason to suspect he might: in all the weeks I've been writing about Fame, the vast majority of hits to these entries have come from searches for his name.
But this comes as little surprise. None of the other contestants consistently hit the mark as often as Harlemm, consistently danced with energy and precision, and consistently showed such a winning personality. In other words, judge Carnie Wilson was right, Harlemm is simply magical.
And it was partly Harlemm's personality that no doubt won over the American public. He's always had a kind word for the other contestants, including the "spoiler," Tyce Diorio (chosen from tapes sent in from viewers after the contest began, and eliminated after only one week of competition). In his statements on stage and in the videotaped segments about him, he came over as a humble hard worker with high aspirations, enormous potential and a sunny personality.
When he gave his final performance, "Love You Love Me," as the winner, there was no doubt that his easy way of working the crowd, and his smooth voice and moves, will take him far.
Even so, judge Johnny Wright of Wire Records was slow to be convinced. Even when the finalists were down to Harlemm and Shannon Bex (the Britney Spears look-alike), with the lowest scoring finalists, Serena Henry and Brandon O'Neal already eliminated, Johnny still believed it would be Shannon who would win. And, not surprisingly, after congratulating Harlemm for winning the contest — which includes a deal to do a single on Wired Records, along with a year of dance training with Debbie Allen, a part in a musical and various other perks — Johnny extended an invitation to Shannon to record a single, as well. Of course, this might have been in the cards all along, similar to the way that both American Idol finalists recorded singles.
At any rate, there's plenty of room for more than one talented new artist at Wire Records, I'm sure. And Shannon Bex deserves it as much as Harlemm does. Hopefully, this is a boost for the careers of all 12 finalists, who each showed tremendous skill, especially in dancing. I would even love to see some of these performers combine their talents, whether in musicals or elsewhere. Their combined group energy has been fantastic, and they have worked together well.
I am personally thrilled, though, that Americans had a chance to prove to the record companies that, when it comes to music, we're far more interested in raw talent and charisma than in cookie cutter pop. And if it comes to a choice between another pop princess and an exciting new artist who brings energy to every one of his performance, America chooses the new hotness.
More thoughts on "Fame":
May 29, 2003 - Fame, Remember My Name!
June 26, 2003 - Planet Harlemm
July 5, 2003 - The Music of Love
July 10, 2003 - Magical Harlemm
Moral:
Every once in awhile, record companies should find out what America
really wants.
Copyright
2003 by Alyce Wilson
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