American Idol: 5 Suggestions To Improve The Show

Every summer since 2003, the finalists of American Idol have hit the road for a concert tour.  This year is no different although their trek was truncated by twenty-five percent.  Apparently, American Idol tickets, much like its television ratings, aren’t what they used to be.  In 2013, the A.I. tour begins July 19 and ends Aug. 31—it had been scheduled to start on June 29.  The 11 American Idol finalists will visit just 30 venues instead of the originally scheduled 40.

The decline in concerts is similar to the show’s decline in television ratings.   In 2013, American Idol viewership slipped 23 percent and the show is no longer number one—an honor it held for eight years.  Some will say it’s time for A.I. to go away but when the NFL or MLB has a bad season no one says they should take their ball and go home.  A.I. is a great competition and it appeals to people who find the testosterone laden world of sports a little dull.  There’s no reason why American Idol can’t continue for years.

To keep itself on the boob tube, the program will need to undergo a few changes.  That’s why I’ve come up with five suggestions to make American Idol better.  If FOX listens to me not only will the upcoming 13th season of American Idol be the best ever but the reality show will go back to the top of the television ratings.  Below, are five things American Idol needs to do for the 2014 season.

Hire Critical Judges
FOX executives have already said there will be just three judges for the 2014 season of American Idol.  At least two of the judges will be new—Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj, and Mariah Carey are not returning.  As of press time the only judge that hasn’t bolted for greener pastures is Keith Urban.  Whether or not the country music star stays or goes, the show needs at least one judge that can be honest and forthright.  Singers, Urban included, identify with the contestants way too much and tend to be way too passive in their critiques. 

I’m not saying FOX needs to hire someone mean (even though that would be great) but they need at least one judge who can tell it like it is and not pull punches.  The show hasn’t had that since the departure of Simon Cowell.  Jimmy Iovine could be that judge and FOX should definitely consider giving him a judgeship.  I know hiring a singer creates a buzz while the announcement of an unknown record executive is a yawn-fest, but FOX needs to do what is best for the show in the long term.  That’s why they need to hire judges who aren’t afraid of hurting someone’s feelings.

Make Contestants Choose Less Obvious Songs
So for “Week X” of American Idol, producers have the contestants sing the songs of The Beatles, or Motown, or the 1980s.  These genres are chosen because they have produced a lot of great music that a lot of people really enjoy.  That’s fine, but you’re asking teenagers—who are growing up in an era where they’re never forced to listen to music they don’t want to listen to—to pick songs from a catalog that not only predates them but predates their parents.  I love The Beatles as much as anyone but I don’t need to hear another A.I. contestant butcher “Let It Be” or “Eleanor Rigby.” 

Contestants, especially those of the teenage variety, need help when it comes to themes that are rooted in the 20th century.  Someone needs to play for them, and steer them towards, great songs that aren’t so obvious (i.e. tired and played out).  Sticking with The Beatles, how about singing “Mother’s Nature Son,” “If I Fell,” or “Here, There And Everywhere?”  This suggestion is not intended to help the contestants.  It’s intended to please the television audience.  It prevents us from having to hear the same old songs over and over again.  Steering away from the Fab Four, none of us need another rendition of “Without You,” “I Will Always Love You,” or “I Believe I Can Fly?”

A Wider Range Of Themes
A.I. producers need to be strict when it comes to their weekly themes.  Again, let’s stick with John, Paul, George, and Ringo.  If it’s “Beatles Week” don’t let them sing “Imagine” which is a John Lennon song.  If it’s the “Year They Were Born Week” don’t let them perform a cover.  In 2012, Amber Holcomb was allowed to sing “Without You” for 1994, the year she was born.  That song however was originally released by Badfinger in 1970.  Well, A.I. allowed her to sing the song because Mariah Carey covered it in 1994.  Since just about every decent song is covered by at least one artist every year, a contestant can basically pick any tune they want. 

Furthermore, have the weekly themes push the contestants.  The way the show operates now it’s seem like whatever theme is selected a contestant can still find a way to pick a Whitney Houston or a Stevie Wonder or a Carrie Underwood or some other tired song we’ve all heard a million times.  Themes of “rock” and “divas,” which were used in 2013, are too broad and too easy.  I suggest something more challenging like “Heavy Metal Week,” “Showtunes,” or “The Songs of Jimmy Buffett.”  That would be interesting.  Randy Jackson always said if you know how to sing you can sing anything.  If you want my vote, tackle a KISS song or belt out a selection from Wicked.

Allow All Ages To Compete
If there’s one thing our culture teaches, especially the culture surrounding popular music, is old people are bad.  That’s why The Rolling Stones and Fleetwood Mac face such tremendous ridicule every time they tour or release an album.  It’s like you’re supposed to stop rocking when you reach 30.  Nowhere is youth more celebrated than American Idol.  Even so, the show should open its doors to karaoke singers of all ages.

I know what you’re thinking.  The show would be ruined if America voted for a 50-year old Idol.  No it wouldn’t.  Besides, the show was already won by a 50-year-old.  His name was Taylor Hicks.  The 12 finalists are not organically chosen.  They are picked by producers.  That’s why the finalists are always musically and ethnically diverse.  FOX can open up the auditions to mediocre singers of all ages because a young person is always going win (Hicks’ victory notwithstanding).  Throwing a few “old timers” in the mix will add drama, especially during the Hollywood phase, and give those whippersnappers at home something to laugh about.

Make Each Week Mean Something
You know that joke about you and your friend being chased by a bear?  You don’t have to be faster than the bear you just have to be faster than your buddy.  American Idol is like that.  You really only have to be the best singer once, the last week.  Prior to that you only have to sing better than the last place finisher.  While you can’t really change that dynamic you can add meaning to winning the weekly vote.

For example, if you receive the most votes one week for the next week you get the first choice of song and/or you can choose when you get to perform.  If you’re the second to the last singer, the judges get to pick your song or you get one less day to rehearse or you have to perform in bathing suit.  I’m just spit-balling here, but I think you catch my drift.  Placing importance on where contestants finish each week will be intriguing and exciting.  American Idol is a singing competition, so why not make the finalists compete every week and for more than just “not being last.”

By David B.

Hunter Hayes Touring This Fall

The prodigy… the phenom… the heartthrob has just announced the next phase of his plan to take over the world of country music.

Hunter Hayes, 21, will be touring this fall.  The “CMT on Tour: Hunter Hayes Let’s Be Crazy Tour” gets underway Oct. 10 in Knoxville, Tennessee and ends Dec. 7 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Opening for Double-H is Pistol Annies alumni Ashley Monroe.  Hayes chartered Monroe to sing a new version of his song “What You Gonna Do.”  Expect both artists to team up and perform the duet at upcoming Hunter Hayes concerts.

Hayes announced his pending trek the right way.  First, he got everyone’s attention with a rousing and energetic performance at the 2013 CMT Music Awards (June 5).  Performing outside of Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, Hayes dazzled fans with a vibrant rendering of his latest single, “I Want Crazy.”

Then the following day Hayes made a track from his forthcoming release available for free download.  Thousands of “Hayniacs” flocked to the internet to get their complimentary copy of “Light Me Up.”

By the way, his forthcoming release is actually a deluxe re-release of his debut album.  Called Encore, the package is set to re-drop on June 18.  Also on the 18th, Hayes will perform at Webster Hall in New York City as part of MTV’s concert series “Artists To Watch.”

This is Hayes’ first big-time headlining tour.  He’s hit the road before (and is currently performing all over the country) but this is first time he dominates the marquee and has complete creative control.

Hayes said he spent his whole life planning his first record and the same can be said for his first tour.  Therefore, fans with Hunter Hayes tickets should expect a lot.  They should also expect their country music hero to deliver.

A lot is happening for the 21-year-old singer and multi-instrumentalist.  But don’t think Hayes is some fabricated act or another Justin Bieber with a twang. 

Hayes is a real talent.  He’s a child prodigy with a legitimate chance to be a musical genius as an adult.  Even though he’s barely old enough to get served in a honky tonk bar, the Louisianan has already put together an impressive career. 

In fact, it’s so impressive that if you’re a middle aged adult excited about finally getting your student loans paid off, or you’re pleased with yourself because you can name at least one of your state’s U.S. senators, you might want to go to your happy place before continuing.  Reading about Hayes’ accomplishments might just send you into a shame spiral—I know I was close to drowning my sorrows in a pint of mint chocolate chip after writing this article.

Below, is a look at everything Hunter Hayes accomplished before turning 21 (and a few things he did afterwards).  You’ll soon see that Hayes is a bona fide artist who has done more before turning 21 than most country music singers do in an entire lifetime.

Hunter Hayes’ Timeline
>>Hunter Hayes was born on Sept. 9, 1991.
>>Hayes receives an accordion from his grandmother when he was two years old.
>>When Hayes was just four years old, he begins making appearances on local and national television programs including Maury and The Rosie O’Donnell Show.
>>While still four years old, Hayes plays “Jambalaya” on stage with Hank Williams, Jr.
>>On Sept. 9, 1996, Hayes turns 5.
>>When Hayes was six years old, he receives his first guitar from actor Robert Duvall.  Both Duvall and Hayes were cast in the movie The Apostle.
>>When Hayes was seven years old, he performs at a White House lawn party for President Bill Clinton.
>>In 1998, a seven-year-old Hayes performs on the Nickelodeon game show Figure It Out.

>>On Feb. 8, 2000, Hunter releases his first independent album, Through My Eyes.  The record is released on the label Louisiana Red Hot.
>>On Sept. 9, 2001, Hayes turns 10.
>>On Nov. 6, 2001, Hayes releases his second independent album, Make a Wish.  This time he’s working with the record label Sugar Town.
>>November of 2003, Hunter self-releases his third independent album, Holidays with Hunter.
>>In 2004, when Hayes was 13 years old, he competes on the PAX show America’s Most Talented Kids.  He came in second to Tori Kelly.  
>>In 2006, Hayes releases Honoring Our French Heritageon the Juicy Pear Productions label.
>>On Sept. 9, 2006 Hayes turns 15.
>>In 2008, Hayes and his family move from Louisiana to Nashville.
>>In October of 2008, Hayes releases Songs About Nothing.  His fifth indie album is released on the Whirlwide label. 
>>In 2010, Hayes co-writes “Play” for country music giants Rascal Flatts.  The song appears on their album Nothing Like This.
>>Also in 2010, Hayes signs with Atlantic Records Nashville.
>>In 2011, Hayes opens for Taylor Swift during her insanely successful “Speak Now World Tour.”  During this era of his career, Hayes tours with several big-time country music artists including Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, and Lady Antebellum.
>>On May 16, 2011, Hayes releases his debut single “Storm Warning.”
>>Also in 2011, Hayes embarks on a ten-week radio tour where he introduced tracks from his upcoming album.
>>On Sept. 9, 2011, Hayes turns 20.
>>On Oct. 8, 2011, Hayes launches his first headlining trek dubbed “The Most Wanted Fall Tour.”  His modest jaunt encompasses 15 small venues in 15 cities and lasts just over a month.
>>On Oct. 11, 2011, Hayes releases his self-titled, debut album on a major label.  Hayes co-wrote every song, co-produced the album, and played all of the 30-plus instruments used in its production.
>>On Oct. 14, 2011, a remake of the film Footloose hits theatres.  For the movie, Hayes teams with Victoria Justice to cover “Almost Paradise.”
>>In early 2012, Hayes opens for Rascal Flatts during their “Thaw Out” tour.
>>On Feb. 24, 2012, the movie Act of Valor debuts.  Hayes’ “Where We Left Off” is included in the film’s soundtrack.
>>In May of 2012, Martin Guitars makes Hayes their newest “brand ambassador.”  Hayes tells reporters that his ambassadorship is an “absolute honor.”
>>On July 24, 2012, Hayes receives an RIAA Gold Certification plaque for his second single, “Wanted,” during an appearance on CBS’ The Talk.
>>On Aug. 23, 2012, ”Wanted” is certified Platinum.
>>On Sept. 7, 2012, Hayes becomes the youngest inductee into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.
>>On Sept. 9, 2012, Hayes celebrates his 21st birthday.
>>On Sept. 14, 2012, Hayes tours with Carrie Underwood.  Hayes supports the country music princess for more than 90 concerts.
>>For the week of Sept. 29, “Wanted” is number one on the country music charts.  That makes Hayes the youngest solo male artist to ever top the country music charts.  He’s three months and a week younger than Johnny Rodriquez was when he scored a number one hit in 1973 with “You Always Come Back To Hurting Me.”
>>On Dec. 5, 2012 the NARAS announced the 55th Annual Grammy Award Nominations.  Hunter learns that he’s been nominated in three categories: Best New Artist, Best Country Solo Performance, and Best Country Album.  He loses all three but is still the youngest male country artists to be nominated in each of those categories.

By David B.

Adam Levine & Five Other Musicians Who Have Made Controversial Remarks

In a recent episode of NBC’s karaoke competition, The Voice, Adam Levin was overheard mumbling “I hate this country.”

Cue righteous indignation and moral outrage.

Apparently, Levine was upset over the ousting of a couple of cruise ship singers that he was sponsoring, or mentoring, or coaching or something.

I’ll admit I’m very sensitive to anti-American sentiments. They seem to be vogue among artists and entertainment types. What’s particularly frustrating about the “blame America first crowd” is most of them couldn’t last two seconds in a country other than the U.S.

Furthermore, it’s irksome when they besmirch a country that gave them a lifestyle of wealth of luxury. After all, Adam Levine and his band Maroon 5 didn’t become world famous because their albums sold well in Tanzania.

With that being said, Levine’s comments did not infuriate me. Instead they made me laugh. I guffawed because no sane person would disparage an entire country over the results of a reality show. Not even someone as vapid as Levine would commit verbal treason because a couple of pageant singers got the boot.

If the Voice’s vote did turn Levine into a dissident I’d question his sanity long before I would his patriotism.

A reality show is just too inconsequential and trivial to spark hatred in America. In fact, reality shows are too inconsequential and trivial to spark much of anything.

Levine was upset at the voting and chose his words poorly. He was dismayed at the way some Americans voted not at America itself. That seems pretty obvious from the context. Again, he was on a reality show, the toy department of humanity. He was not discussing something important like a presidential election, a congressional vote, or an NFL game.

That doesn’t mean the “Moves Like Jagger” singer shouldn’t apologize. He had the “I hate this country” bullet in the chamber and ready to fire. While I think his poor choice of words were uttered sans conviction he did go there with much alacrity.

Levine was clearly frustrated but I can’t think of anything that could happen on a reality show that would make me vilify my nation of origin, use the word “hate,” or do anything more than yawn.

If anything, Levin should apologize for his Tweets. After his remarks, he posted definitions of “joke,” “misunderstand,” and humorless” on his Twitter account. Odd, as I don’t know how “I hate this country” is a punch line. It seemed like he was blaming others for what he said.

On Wednesday, Levine released a statement “clarifying” his remark. In the presser, he expressed his love of country and claimed that his remark was made out of frustration. I believe him.

Of course, Levine is far from the only famous musician to say something controversial. Below, BSTLV looks at five other artists whose mouths got them in big trouble.

John Lennon
John Lennon is responsible for the mother of all controversial remarks when he told a reporter in 1965 that The Beatles “are more popular than Jesus.” The comment was ignored in England but not America. In the States, Beatles records were burned and death threats were made. His comments even attracted the ire of the KKK. Lennon was just documenting the demise of faith like intellectuals had been doing for a century. Unfortunately for him, the Beatles, and fans who liked to see them perform live (the incident was a big factor in The Beatles quitting touring) Americans took what he said the wrong way.

Sinead O’Connor
In October of 1992 Sinead O’Connor appeared on Saturday Night Live. She sang the Bob Marley song “War” and during the performance ripped up a picture of the Pope. SNL had no idea she was going to do such a thing since in rehearsal she held up a picture of a child. O’Connor changed the lyrics of Marley’s song to protest the Roman Catholic Church and its alleged sexual abuses. The peacock network received a total of 4,400 calls and all but seven were hostile towards the singer. The incident basically ruined her career. O’Connor also had a famous run in with the Grammys. The Irish thrush feels passionately about several issues, but unfortunately for the causes she champions, she goes too far. Instead of raising awareness and changing minds, she alienates and infuriates.

Dixie Chicks
On March 10, 2003, amidst the buildup to the second war with Iraq, and while performing at a theatre in England, Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks told the crowd “we’re ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas.” The remark was not well-received by country music fans. A boycott of their music was organized and in two weeks their latest single, a cover of “Landslide” originally released by Fleetwood Mac, fell off the charts. The Chicks tried to apologize but it did nothing to win over those they angered and it only alienated those who supported their anti-war stance. What they said was defendable where they said it wasn’t. If you’re an American and you want to criticize your country don’t be a coward and do it in overseas.

Kanye West
On Sept. 2, 2005, during a benefit concert for Hurricane Katrina relief, Kanye West said “George Bush doesn’t care about black people.” It was a ridiculous and ignorant thing to say and even if it was excusable, he said it at a completely inappropriate time. West later apologized and Bush accepted. What was really sickening is how many celebrities came to West’s defense. Additionally, many remember his “outburst” at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards where he interrupted Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech to proclaim that Beyoncé should have won. That incident pales in comparison since it was contrived and aired on MTV.

Hank Williams, Jr.
On Oct. 3, 2011, Hank Williams Junior referenced a round of golf between President Barack Obama and Republican House Speaker John Boehner as “Hitler playing golf with Netanyahu.” Williams’ remarks had dire consequences as ESPN dropped him and his music from the opening of Monday Night Football. Williams had opened MNF since 1989 and had done so with aplomb. It’s a tragedy that one measly comment ended a 20-plus-year run of “All My Rowdy Friends Are Here On Monday Night.”

By David B.

Ten Greatest Rock & Roll Songs With Words “Rock and Roll” In Title

Fall Out Boy gets it.

The band’s latest album, Save Rock and Roll, came out in April and went straight to number one.  During interviews promoting the opus and upcoming Fall Out Boy concerts, members of the Illinois quartet, in particular Pete Wentz, have shown that they know exactly what rock and roll is all about.

Wentz was recently quoted as saying “rock has become this quiet and quaint little thing.”  He then goes onto explain that rock and roll needs saving and he hopes Fall Out Boy can do so by inspiring “an attitude of fun, danger.”  Wentz is absolutely right.  Rock and roll is loud, destructive, rebellious, and a whole lot of fun.  When it loses any of those attributes it stops becoming rock and roll and becomes something else.  Bottom line, Wentz and his band mates know the true definition of rock and roll.  They know rock and roll isn’t necessarily guitar riffs and drum beats but as Wentz said “an attitude of fun [and] danger.”

Fall Out Boy isn’t going to save rock and roll although they’re pretty good live.  If you have a chance to get Fall Out Boy tickets make sure you take it.  You can also catch Fall Out Boy in Lowell, Massachusetts on Sept. 6; Fall Out Boy in Brooklyn, New York on Sept. 7; and Fall Out Boy in San Francisco, California on Sept. 21.  Why can’t they save it?  For one, their latest album, the one titled Save Rock and Roll, is more pop than rock.  So, if they can’t save it who can? 

We have no idea, however we do know all about great rock and roll of the past—the type of music Wentz said is no longer being made.  Below, are the ten greatest rock and roll songs that contain the words “rock and roll” in their title.  Interestingly, the band that inspired this list, Fall Out Boy, didn’t make the cut.  The title track of their latest album, which happens to feature Elton John, is good but nowhere near as good as the following ten songs.

10. "Rock and Roll Never Forgets"

Our first selection may be our most controversial.  We picked Bob Seger’s “Rock and Roll Never Forgets” over “Old Time Rock and Roll” because the latter has been covered so many times that it has rendered the original version impotent.  Also, Seger’s “Rock and Roll Never Forgets” is a headier song that teaches you that even though you’re too old to rock and roll all the time, you’re never too old to rock and roll some of the time

9. "Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution"

Maybe it’s not the best song ever written, but there’s certainly no better beginning to a rock track than the opening few bars of AC/DC’s “Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution.”  The song and its poor grammar are the final track of the band’s seminal 1980 album Back in Black as well as its fourth single.  During the song, Brian Johnson sums up our favorite musical genre succinctly and articulately by crooning: “rock ‘n’ roll ain’t no riddle man.”

8. “Rock and Roll Fantasy”

“Rock and Roll Fantasy,” and the 1979 album it opens, Desolation Angels, are really Bad Company’s swan song.  The single peaked at number 13 and the album at number 3—the band never came close to equaling that type of success again.  The song, written by Paul Rodgers, daringly describe just about everyone’s rock and roll fantasy: loud music, dancing in the aisles, and you mother disapproving of your debauchery.

7. “Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo”

“Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo” was the first song Rick Derringer wrote for Johnny Winter.  Winter recorded it in 1970 and then Derringer recorded it in 1973.  Derringer’s version did much better as it peaked at number 23—Winter thought the song was a little corny.  Derringer said the “rock and roll” part came about because that’s what he was supposed to be brining to the mix while the “hoochie koo” part was inspired by Winter’s standing as a blues idol. 

6. "Rock and Roll All Nite"

The rock anthem “Rock and Roll All Nite” is KISS’ most identifiable song and since 1976 the closing number of every one of their concerts.  The song was written with alacrity by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons at the behest of the head of their record label.  He wanted Stanley and Simmons to write a rock anthem.  Boy did KISS deliver.  “Rock and Roll All Nite” is one of the greatest rock anthems to ever come out of a guitar.  The song speaks to everyone who appreciates the schedule of rocking and rolling all night and partying every day. 

5. "Rock and Roll Suicide"

David Bowie’s “Rock and Roll Suicide” is the best written song on our list and the least rock and roll.  Some might even call it a show tune.  If so, then why is it included?  Besides being a masterpiece, “Rock and Roll Suicide” deals with that timeless question of what happens to rock and rollers when they get old. “You’re too old to lose it, too young to choose it/And the clocks waits so patiently on your song/You walk past a cafe but you don’t eat when you’ve lived too long.”  “Rock and Roll Suicide” is the last song on Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust” album.

4. “Rock and Roll”

“Rock and Roll” is one of Led Zeppelin’s most popular tracks and one of the few where all four members of the band share songwriting credits.  Zep stumbled onto this song while recording “Four Sticks.”  During a break, John Bonham started playing a beat that inspired Jimmy Page to start playing a riff.  Tapes were rolling and in a manner of minutes they had the basis for one of the greatest rock and roll songs in the history of humanity.  The song’s structure follows the tried and true rock cliché of the 12-bar blues and while bawling out the lyrics singer Robert Plant mentions three classic rock songs: "The Stroll," "The Book of Love," and "Walking In the Moonlight."

3. “Rock And Roll Music”

Chuck Berry wrote “Rock and Roll Music.”  His original 1957 version went to number six on the singles chart.  The Beach Boys covered the song in 1976 and their version peaked at one better.  Of course, the most well-known edition of this song, and a version that fooled many into thinking it was the original, was by The Beatles.  Their take on “Rock and Roll Music” appeared on their 1964 album Beatles For Sale.  This classic rock and roll song has also been covered by REO Speedwagon and Humble Pie.

2. “I Love Rock and Roll”

“I Love Rock and Roll” is the quintessential rock and roll song.  Three chords supported by simple lyrics about a rocker trying to get a “dance” with a perspective paramour.  Most people don’t realize that this is not a Joan Jett song although her 1981 cover is by far the most successful and popular version.  The original was recorded by Arrows in 1975.  We think Fall Out Boy should play this song during their live shows.  Think about it when Fall Out Boy performs in Dallas on June 8 or when Fall Out Boy rocks Las Vegas on June 15.  Co-songwriter Alan Merrill said he wrote the song as a reaction to first hearing our number one selection…

1. “It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll (But I Like It)”

Although it’s credited to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the former composed this classic rock and roll tune in response to critics chirping about The Rolling Stones’ new stuff not being as good as their old stuff.  It was also Jagger’s answer to pundits who took the band way too seriously.  Jagger originally recorded the song at Ron Wood’s house (long before he was a Stone).  Bowie sang backup, the great Willie Weeks played bass, and Kenny Jones, future member of The Who and former member of Small Faces and Faces, played drums.  “It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll (But I Like It)” perfectly sums up the genre.  Rock and roll isn’t much but it’s still very affable.  Leave it to the greatest rock and roll band to write the greatest rock and roll song.

By David B. >

Miami Heat Winning Streak: Eight Reasons To Root For South Beach

The Miami Heat is on their way to another championship.  After they dispatch the San Antonio Spurs in five games, the Heat will be the first team to repeat as NBA champs since the 2009-2010 Los Angeles Lakers.  If you line up all their credentials—the Heat are the media darlings of the NBA and the league’s marquee team—and take into account how much sports fans love underdogs, it’s easy to see why the Heat are a team basketball fans root against.

You shouldn’t, however, be saying “my favorite teams are (insert NBA franchise here) and whoever are playing the Miami Heat.”  You should let go of your animosities and root for the team from South Beach.  Why?  Below, we’ve listed eight reasons to cheer for the Heat to repeat as NBA champions.  Please don’t misunderstand.  We don’t want you to abandon your favorite team; we’re not advocating that you jump on the Heat band wagon and deck yourself out in black and red.  There’s not need to buy anything.  We just want you to realize that as far as historic, once-in-a-lifetime, championship teams go, the Miami Heat isn’t that bad.

Eight Reasons To Root For The Miami Heat
They’re Going To Win
No one is going to stop the Miami Heat.  They’re going to win a championship if you root for them or not so you might as well be on the winning side.  The Heat won 66 games in the regular season including 27-in-a-row.  They led the league in field goal percentage, were fifth in points scored, and second in point differential.  Furthermore, they have home court advantage throughout the playoffs and Finals, a player that can score anytime he wants to and from anywhere on the court (LeBron James), and, if that wasn’t enough, the referees are always on their side. 

They Have A Player Who Averaged 26, 8, 7, 2, and 1.
If I told you there was a player in the NBA Playoffs that averaged 26 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block in the regular season you’d raise an eyebrow.  If I told you that player was LeBron James, your shoulders would slump and a frown would wash over your face.  Thanks to an oversaturation by ESPN, and the fact he can legally travel (crab dribble), James is easy to root against.  You need to get over that.  James keeps his name out of the police blotters, tries hard to say and do the right things, and is, overall, a decent human being.  He’s also the greatest players not named Michael Jordan to ever put on an NBA jersey.  There is literally nothing he can’t do on a basketball court.

Took Nicole Muxo To The Prom
On May 17, Dwyane Wade surprised future Miami Heat ticket holder Nicole Muxo by appearing at her prom.  The senior from Archbishop Coleman Carroll High School posted a YouTube video asking Wade to be her date for the big dance.  She heard nary a word leading up to the event but the former NBA Finals MVP came through and arrived at the La Jolla Ballroom in Coral Gables, Florida on prom night.  Wade brought flowers, posed for pictures, and even joined Muxo on the dance floor for a song.  Granted, Muxo is a future NBA player’s wife, but you still have to root for a guy who made a high schooler’s dream come true.

Beleaguered Erik Spoelstra
How can you not root for Erik Spoelstra?  He’s coaching in a lose-lose environment.  With the big-three on his team’s roster, he’s supposed to coach the Heat to championships.  That means he gets no credit when they win and all of the blame when they lose.  Also, if the Heat were to ever struggle, he’ll be the first personality thrown under the bus.  On top of all that, his boss is NBA coaching legend Pat Riley.  How would you like a hall of famer waiting in the wings to take over your job if you falter?  Spoelstra, 42, who was on the court when Hank Gathers died, is the NBA’s most underappreciated personality.

The Poor People of South Beach
Your gut reaction is to be jealous of those that call the Miami Metro area home.  After all, they live in a tropical paradise with beautiful beaches and perfect weather.  They also live in what Forbes.com calls the most miserable city in the United States.  Miami residents can wear shorts every day of the year but they also have to endure heavy traffic, rising housing costs, and high crime rates.  Basically, Miami and the surrounding area, is great IF you have lots money but miserable if you don’t.  So another Heat championship would go a long way to helping those poor Miamians cope with their interminable misery.

Root For NBA History
If the Miami Heat emerges victorious from the 2013 NBA Finals it will be the franchise’s third championship.  Amazingly, the Heat’s haul of three banners will tie them for the fifth most all time in the league.  That’s quite incredible when you consider the NBA Finals have been contested since 1950.  Theoretically, in just three seasons, a team can go from having no NBA titles to being one of the league’s most decorated teams.  We have the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers to thank for all this.  Together they’ve won 33 championships.

Heat Are Miami’s Only Chance At A Championship
The Miami Heat is as great as the other Miami professional sports teams are bad.  If the Heat doesn’t win a championship then no team in South Beach will be winning a championship.  The Miami Marlins are the worst team in the National League.  The Florida Panthers can do them one better; they’re the worst team in the entire NHL.  Miami’s other professional sports team, the Miami Dolphins, aren’t bad, but as along as Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are in New England, the Fish aren’t winning a Super Bowl.  The Heat are Miami’s only championship team and will be for a quite long time.

Send David Stern Out On A High Note
Although he’ll be the NBA commissioner until Feb. 1, 2014, this will be the last Finals David Stern will preside over.  For all he’s done for the league you should want his final NBA Finals to be the Miami Heat, a team from the nation’s fourth largest urban area, sweeping the San Antonio Spurs, a team from the country’s seventh largest city.  You don’t want the 2013 NBA Finals to be the Indiana Pacers versus the Memphis Grizzlies.  That would all but sink the NBA.  If you have any compassion for Stern and his achievements, you’ll want his last championship series to be won by a team from a major television market.

By David B.