Nouvelle Star: Do the French do it better?

2010 May 14

by TopIdol

My day job has nothing to do with American Idol. Or the United States. But while checking out the website for one of France’s biggest networks this afternoon, I decided to watch some Nouvelle Star videos. And guess what? They’re kind of entertaining. All the archetypes are there…as are some familiar songs.

A month ago, Ramon performed Ain’t No Sunshine. Husky-voiced, partially-dreaded blond Stefanie did George Michael’s Faith.

Katy Perry doppelganger Lucci did Whole Lotta Love. That same evening, Benjamin sang Mad World.

Hmmmm…

This week, Lucci did Thriller. Look at all the tard signs! In FRENCH! And [Lost Fine Young Cannibal member] Dave totally made Lady Gaga’s Poker Face his bitch. You need to be watching this shit right now. It’s more inventive than anything I’ve seen on Idol this season. Its terrible. Its beautiful. Its I JUST CANNOT DECIDE. Look at Dave work the stage! Listen to his oh-oh-oh-ohhhh.

Spread the word. Do it.

erinnthered

I wish I could thank you for introducing me to this bit of awesome, but my total lack of free time right now is just killing me even more. I agree so much about the house band. AI has the shittiest sound mix too.

I understand the Indian version is awesome for it’s faux drama, but I have a playback singer to American translator who explains it. I really want to watch the Arab version.

http://topidolblog.com TopIdol

I did a post on the Indian Kid Idol show last fall/winter. It, too, was outrageous.

I’m going to look for new Nouvelle Star clips every week

erinnthered

I will come back every week to watch them, and hug them,
and love them as they should be.

What about the crazy Eastern European versions? We’ll need something while Nouvelle Sat is on hiatus…

deez

OT, but I figured this would be the most apt thread for this. OK, I know it’s ridiculous sexist hooey, but is anyone watching the Miss USA Pageant? Does anyone have a clue how they “grade” these girls? Scores in the swimsuit competition varied pretty widely, but all the girls pretty much look like they have the exact same body. A head of massive hair and teeth atop a tootpick with an obvious boob job. How do they distinguish? Confusing.

deez

and that would be “toothpick”

Verbally Dyslexic

This is way more enjoyable. These guys seem to be more comfortable onstage. Like the camera work better too.
justpeachy

Thank you, TI. These are a lot of fun. Of the ones I’ve watched so far, there don’t seem to be any children up on stage plus they seem to have plenty of experience performing. I’ll go watch the rest now.

justpeachy

I forgot to add that they get to sing pretty much the whole song, too.

Mithra

saskin

That is aahhtistreey. He made it his own.
et

I think I just peed my pants laughing at that. THAT should be someone on Idol’s response to the judge’s “You have to make it your own, dawg!”

Bwah.

Verbally Dyslexic

That was both lulzy and awesome at the same time!

http://topidolblog.com TopIdol

I need Verbally D and Lauren to start spreading the Nouvelle Star love to everyone else!

Verbally Dyslexic

I’m on it! I am loving Julien Dore.
http://topidolblog.com TopIdol

And isn’t the house band so much better than that Ricky Minor shit?

It’s soooooo good.

Mithra

Julien is all sorts of awesome – and he WON!

http://www.votefortheworst.com/forum/topic/64341/julien-aka-the-french-sanjaya-zomg-he-won/page1

I love Idol versions from other countries. They get it right. The US takes this crap way too seriously and I think it’s programmed to this tendency.

Verbally Dyslexic

His song choices are just superb! Who would’ve thought Madonna and swing that isn’t of the sex variety would go together well? He also did Tainted Love and You Really Got Me. And he sang a duet with Carla Bruni! Totally tardworthy.
et

Julien and the pornstache FTW. Ha!!
erinnthered

Wait…the first lady of France appeared on their Idol show? That is just too awesome to even comprehend.

Lauren

I liked that version of Poker Face! Ramon is kinda pretty.

Lauren

Ok, I am in love with Lucci. Her dress is amazing.

Lauren

Just saw Thriller. I think I love her more now.
et

Votez Lussi! Heh, Thriller was great. Love those pants.

Idol needs more *camp*.

http://topidolblog.com TopIdol

I have a feeling you’re thinking the same thing I’m thinking…

http://topidolblog.com TopIdol

Ramon did Ain’t No Sunshine. Dave did Poker Face. Ha. I want to start watching this show. I think I will watch a bunch of foreign Idol shows now. Who’s on board?

et

Haha, bring ‘em on, these are great fun. Like I need to watch more stuff on the internet… but it’s better than sparring with tiger92 over stupid fanwars that I don’t even care about. Bring it on. I want more Votez Dave!

Lauren

Votez Lussi! Hee. Je une Lussi-tard.

et

Haha, Benjamin’s “Mad World” made me giggle. As did the inevitable “Leave it to Adam!” comments. I want to see the “wurn” out places

Votez Dave! Oh-oh-oh-oh!

Maybe we just need the Idols to sing in French accents?
saskin

Actually Idol is a great concept for a TV reality show. Theoretically it is like Jeopardy or any other TV contest. It should never get old. I think it got old because both the producers and the audience took it too seriously for too long. It is a karaoke competition. That is all it is. If you make a karaoke competition then accuse people of sounding karaoke; you are undermining your own concept. It is like accusing a contestant in a quiz show for not rediscovering the answer. Duh. Also I think that offering a contract thing is a bit of a conflict of interest. With the contact in mind, they start casting the show not for ratings but to make sure the person they’d like to offer a contract wins. That feels too manipulated. What they did last year and this year is inexcusable. A reality show should not spoil the end from the beginning. Last year people stopped watching because Adam was going to win this year it is Crystal. Then what is the point? Watching an infomercial? Boring.

I think they can still save the show. But I don’t think they are capable of.

Mary

ITA saskin. I hope the X-Factor is not as serious as Idol, especially since in the UK its more of a silly and cheesy karaoke competition.
liane

My fave karaoke show from a few years back. The singers sometimes just get the song before the performance and they have to sing it no matter what. Pure entertainment.

Oh and this contestant kinda reminds me of Kris Allen.