Madonna blasts ‘homogenized’ pop
LONDON (AP) — Madonna has blasted manufactured pop acts and a stream of TV talent searches, saying they’re homogenizing the music world.
In excerpts released Thursday from an interview with British music magazine Q, the star accuses record chiefs of choosing new acts based on their marketing potential instead of their talent.
“I arrived at a different time, before the time of Svengalis holding talent searches — finding a girl that looks right and can carry a tune and then figuring a way to market her,” Madonna is quoted as saying in the May issue of the magazine.
Referring to singers Pink, Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears, she said: “I’m not saying those girls can’t grow into something, but I really don’t know where we’re going with the world. Everything’s so homogenized.”
Madonna, who has gained immense success by astutely marketing her own image, joins other music veterans, including Elton John and George Michael, who have criticized talent quests like Pop Idol, a British reality television show in which viewers choose a winner to get a record contract. The U.S. version of the show, American Idol, is in its second successful season.
Madonna, 44, was also critical of young hopefuls who crave celebrity for its own sake, rather than wanting recognition of their abilities.
“It’s the allure of this beautiful life. Drive this car, you’re gonna be popular,” she told Q, which goes on sale on April 1.
“It’s a very powerful illusion and people are caught up in it, including myself — or I was.”
The singer rose to fame party because of her provocative image, but despite years of wearing revealing outfits she said she takes a firm line on what her own children should wear.
Asked if she felt able to stop her 6-year-old daughter Lourdes from dressing how she wants, she said: “I can and I do.”
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