Musical Prodigies

Simon Cowell recently signed 10 year old Heather Russell of Toronto to his record label, while Ellen DeGeneres introduced the world 12 year old Savannah Robinson on her show. How did we ever discover musicians before YouTube?
Both of the young women are incredibly talented, no doubt, but much like an American Idol contestant line, plenty of talent exists, but do the musicians have what it takes to make it to the next level? Maturity, stage presence, and the ability to handle immense amounts of pressure are all factors in the making of a star. While 12 year old Greyson Chance seems to be handling fame just fine for now, are all of these "kids" going to be able to handle the pressure? How long will their musical shelf lives be?
 How are 12 year olds supposed to know whether they are ready to live a life with something reminiscent of "Beatle Mania" behind them?  These YouTube stars have been blessed with unmistakable talent-that should not be taken away- but all these YouTube record deals are making the music industry look easy to break into. YouTube is enabling aspiring young stars to rely on their talent alone, causing them to forget about the other aspects of the industry.

Heather Russell

Savannah Robinson   

Good Directions Versus the Right Destination

I've been chatting with filmmakers and entertainers in the last couple of weeks regarding "breaking into the business." The first thing everyone talks about is "making connections." How you make the connections, and hone your craft is where the answers aren't as easy. Success in Hollywood often appears as if it were handed to some stars, but natural ability is a main component.

Justin Bieber was a YouTube sensation, Greyson Chance was the same, but outside of the select people that "discovered" them, these boys have an audience (more like millions of fans) who back their performances and talent.
Katy Perry earned her GED during her freshman year of high school, in order to concentrate on her music career. She sang Gospel music, backup for Miley Cyrus, and now is known as everyone's favorite "California Girl." No formula exists for success in the entertainment industry, persistence and passion are the substance to mold your own statue of success. 
Miley Cyrus never would have had that blonde wig if it weren't for persistence, and confidence in her own abilities. It took Cyrus four or five trips to Los Angeles before her face was finally branded "Hannah Montana." After moving to L.A. to pursue his dream, Kyle Massey was on his way to the airport, thinking that acting wasn't in his cards when he got the call about "That's So Raven." Even Steven Spielberg, arguably Hollywood's most famous director, worked his way from intern to contracted director for the biggest studio in L.A. What will your E! True Hollywood Story say about you? The only way to find out if a career in entertainment is for you is to use your talents in any way possible. As Katy Perry relates in her song, "Firework," "...maybe a reason why all the doors are closed, so you can open one that leads you to the perfect road..."  Pave your own road and let your dreams guide the way.                  

Waiting Outside the Lines

Greyson Chance literally became an overnight success with the upload of his 6th grade talent show to YouTube. Unlike other "overnight successes," Greyson deserves every bit of his success, as his genuine talent shines through. Recently a snippet of a song from his upcoming album was released, and I was blown away. It's the title track of the album, Waiting Outside the Lines. When you listen to it, it's hard to believe this "kid" is only 13, because his music is deep stuff to say the least.
Greyson is now under the wing of Ellen DeGeneres, and I'm not sure if he was looking for a career at the rip age of 12 when he recorded "Paparazzi," but Greyson is sure to have a long career ahead of him with the public backing he's secured. It's not everyday that Ellen creates a record label for someone! Keep your ears open for Greyson, and if you haven't heard him yet take a listen here, you won't regret it!     

Billboard's "21 Under 21"

Below is a list of Billboard's "21 under 21: Music's Hottest Minors"

Billborad 21 under 21

Surprisingly, only one Jonas Brother made the list (guess who), Miley Cyrus was almost beat by the girl who loves to hate her,  and the country queen reigns. You'll see lots of names that aren't yet regularly poppin on your radio.The list is based on these stars' potential to take over pop culture (at least for the next year, according to Billboard). Although some of these names have appeared for several years... 

Did your favorite stars make the list? 

21. Sean Kingston

20. Cody Simpson

19. Nikki Yanofsky

18. New Boyz

17. Never Shout Never

16. Wonder Girls

15. Diggy Simmons

14. Miranda Cosgrove

13. Chris Colfer

12. Taylor Momsen

11. Lex Luger

10. Miley Cyrus

9. Greyson Chance

8. Demi Lovato

7. Willow Smith

6. Nick Jonas

5. Soulja Boy

4. Charice

3. Selena Gomez

2. Justin Bieber

1. Taylor Swift

A Record Deal is in YOUR Future!

There’s a great article in this week’s Billboard Magazine entitled, “Meet the Biebers.” It discusses the immense success of Justin Bieber, the overnight success of Greyson Chance, and the scramble to find the next, or next, next,( considering many “Beliebers” have already become fans of Greyson) pop superstar. The article goes on to talk about Bieber, his success, and how it’s a breakthrough for kids who want to get signed. The article relates that due to Bieber, and other rising sensations, record companies are more apt to sign an artist without a Disney or Nickelodeon affiliation. Not to take anything away from the many singer/actor combos who have come out of these networks, but the idea is to get back to the pure pop star teen idol.  In lieu of regurgitating the entire article, the take home message is clear- young stars are what’s hot in the entertainment industry.  The article discusses  the careers of thirteen year old  Australian Cody Simpson, fifteen year old Khalil who is signed under the same label  as Bieber,  and seventeen year old Aaron fresh of Trinidad. According to Billboard, the US version of Simon Cowell’s  X Factor will have a lower age limit of fourteen. There are more opportunities than ever for aspiring young entertainers. Hopefully labels will choose wisely, (I might have some great recommendations for them), and raw talent will not lead to pure superstardom but an expression of passion for music and the entertainment industry.

Credit: Herrera, Monica “Meet the Biebers” Billboard page 5, June 5, 2010