Press is missing value of talent
After reading The Associated Press coverage of the American Music Awards, reprinted in your Nov. 25 article, I wondered: Is artistry no longer valued?
Most performances were referenced by their production design. From Katy Perry’s questionably racist Japanese-influenced number, to Gaga’s art-house storytelling, there was no mention of pure vocal talent or ability. Miley Cyrus gave an excellent vocal performance, yet her entire act was reduced to the “lip-syncing CGI kitty” projected on the screen behind her.
Even one of the strongest showings of the night, One Direction with “Story of my Life,” went unmentioned. Their stage setup was simple, and their voices took center stage. Could this be the reason they went unnoticed by AP?
The only entertainer who was commended for his talent was Justin Timberlake, yet even then, it wasn’t anything special; his performance of “Drink You Away” was labeled “soulfully raucous.”
Yes, the awards are fan-voted, but that shouldn’t change the fact that there is more to music than the grandeur of the set design and the detail of the costumes. The AMA’s aren’t as prestigious as the Grammy’s, yet the lack of recognition of talent by the media suggests that maybe ability is a thing of the past.
Bizzy Emerson
Glen Ellyn