Monday, January 23, 2012

Yo Steven, walk this way


The year Adam Lambert didn't win American Idol was when I *almost* threw in the towel on a show I've been watching since Kelly Clarkson took the inaugural title in 2002. I'd grown weary of Simon and Paula's nonsensical banter, and was sick of watching the "underdog" lose out to the country or gospel singers.

Not that there's anything wrong with that. It just wasn't for me.

But then Idol did something genius. They hired Steven Tyler as a judge.

Oh sure, snagging People Magazine's Most Beautiful Woman of the Year Jennifer Lopez wasn't a bad move, either. But unlike J-Lo and the always solid Randy "Dawg" Jackson, Steven vaulted onto the scene with fluffy pink dress shirts, tight leather pants, a mouth that needs to be censored, and a killer smile that quite literally makes my heart skip. The guy is bursting with energy, enthusiasm, and personality.

Indeed, Steven is a character.

I'll also go out on a limb and suggest that while he's no Ian Somerhalder or Kiefer Sutherland, Steven embodies a special kind of sex appeal. And before you go scrunching your nose in disagreement, consider his impressive stage presence. Whether he's flirting with Idol hopefuls (a bit creepy) or slithering across the stage, Steven is a force to be reckoned with.

He's larger than life.

And isn't that what we strive for in fiction? Big stories, big characters, larger than life fiction that encourages - no, demands - readers to turn the page?

Well, that's what I'm working towards, and I'm going to lean on this week's worthy muse avatar for a little help. So go ahead, Steven, walk this way.

- Dawn

PS - I admit, I watched the last season of X-Factor, and though Simon Cowell has toned down his mean-factor, I still struggled with the chemistry between him and Paula Abdul, and was disappointed (but not surprised) by Melanie Amaro's win.

The Book In My Bag Today: Tunnel Vision, Gary Braver



10 comments:

  1. I'm not a huge fan, but I will agree, Mick Jagger aspirations aside, Steven Tyler is one of a kind.

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    1. Ah yes, Mick. Another larger than life character :-) I have a weird relationship with Aerosmith music...I've been to almost a dozen Aerosmith concerts in my life but don't have a single Aerosmith song on my iPod. Must be I'm more drawn to the "character" than the music.

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  2. I've loved Steven since I was 7. He's amazing.

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    1. I remembered that and even though of you when I wrote this post. Steven was my muse once before. I forgot how much I missed his smile until this season of Idol started up again :-)

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  3. LOL At first I thought Candyland said when Steven was 7. I know she isn't that old.

    I haven't watch Idol in years. Not after Jennifer Hudson got kicked off. You go girl!!!! :D

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    1. Oh yeah, the Jennifer Hudson ousting was also maddening. I swear, if not for Steven I'd have REALLY boycotted the show this time :-/

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  4. I couldn't agree more. Alot of guys would do well with just a fraction of his charisma!

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  5. Steven Tyler IS larger than life! You're totally right. And he makes Idol. I'm watching just for him and J-Lo!

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    1. I bet many of us are watching for him and J-Lo...though even Randy is ok since he got new partners! xo

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