Roots, Toots n' Hoots Blog

Don't do it Brad

Jeffrey Remz  |  July 25, 2012

Rumors are rife that Brad Paisley will be the next new judge on American Idol. Brad, don't do it.

The longevity record of recent judges isn't all that stellar. J Lo lasted a few years. Steven Tyler of Aerosmith held down the job during this past year. J Lo wanted to get back to her singing career (she's now on tour with Enrique Iglesias) and her twins. Tyler finally got going with a new Aerosmith disc, which means the guys had to hit the road and tour.

With regard to Tyler and Lopez, it's not as if they're careers were on the downslide and they needed a boost from the show. One of their replacements, Mariah Carey, doesn't either. But she sure is getting well paid for her efforts - to the tune of a reported $18 million! Big bucks to say the least.

Chances are Paisley doesn't need the money (not that Carey does either). And he doesn't need a career boost, considering the level of success he has had with his typically very strong CDs and touring record. He gets a lot of face time out there with his music along with hosting the CMA awards with Carrie Underwood.

I just don't see any upside in doing AI. Maybe it's because I'm not a big fan of the concept. Paisley got to where he is the old fashioned way - by working in the trenches and honing his skill. It's not so much that those who are on Idol don't work at some level to where they got (and I don't blame them for entering either. In this day and age, you need to do whatever you can to make a go of your career).

The problem is that AI comes off as overly commercial, milk toast music without any sense of pushing the edge. That's not Paisley.

Fortunately, he is one of the most dyed-in-the-wool country acts out there and isn't going to start veering over towards pop country and go for crossover status anytime soon. He does push the envelope at times with instrumentals on his records along with his great guitar playing, funny songs and serious songs.

Let's hope the rumors are just that.