American Idol is a shameless self-promoter.  It seems like every single former American Idol contestant has popped up on a subsequent Idol season to perform a song from their debut record that isn't selling very well.  There's nothing wrong with this, it's the smart thing for Idol and FOX to do.  What's become clear, however, is that success on American Idol (votes and whatnot) does not equal success out in the real world.  Albums are difficult to sell these days for anyone, and being on American Idol does not make one immune to this fact.  Jordin Sparks, Blake Lewis, Katharine McPhee, Taylor Hicks – none of these artists set the world on fire with their debut albums.  Regardless, American Idol still attempts to help out their own “products” by giving them air time on the world's most popular television show.  This week, The Clark Brothers will perform on American Idol.  If, prior to the last sentence, you were unaware of the existence of a band called The Clark Brothers, don't worry – you are not alone. 

I, however, am very familiar with The Clark Brothers.  They are a band of three brothers (last name Clark) who play bluegrass/country music.  The reason I know all of this is because The Clark Brothers were the winners of last summer's Idol spin-off The Next Great American Band.  Basic concept: American Idol for bands.  Nobody watched the show except for me.  It's failure was not unexpected – FOX made the ridiculous decision to air American Band on Fridays.  Fridays during the summer.  People generally have better things to do on Fridays in the summer months, especially people who like bands.

The Clark Brothers are actually quite good.  They tend to gravitate towards Christian themes in their songs, which isn't something I particularly care for in my pop music.  When they perform on Idol this week, I suspect that viewers will be pleasantly surprised.  With this week also being Dolly Parton week on American Idol, the theme will be all country all the time.  This means Kristy Lee Cook will undeservedly make it another week in the competition, and the rest of the Top 9 will struggle to translate their abilities into a solid country-tinged performance.


-Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Senior Writer
(Image Courtesy of FOX)