The Anne Curtis Syndrome

I could still tolerate the local singers of today who come out with albums and live shows full of recycled materials. But when I learned of celebrities who cannot sing having best selling albums and jampacked concerts, my level of tolerance has finally reached its peak. Like a pus filled fluid bursting out of an abscess, I have to vent my frustration against this gross insult to intelligence by money driven producers and cunning celebrities. Gretchen Barretto. Dennis Trillo. Gabby Concepcion. Bea Alonzo. Aljur Abrenica. They are just few of the culprits who are guilty of using their celebrity stature as a license to record albums and perform as “singers.” But among those who joined the celebrity-turned-singer bandwagon, no one is as successful as Anne Curtis. I have no beef with Anne Curtis… until this happened.

As if it is the mysterious Bermuda Triangle, it baffles me how people could derive listening pleasure from albums by Anne Curtis and company. Aside from being run-of-the-mill and poorly conceptualized, these albums contain mostly bad covers of old songs. I’d rather be publicly scandalized by Annabelle Rama than buy and listen to these albums. Neither artistic nor entertaining, the sole purpose of these record albums by those celebrities turned singers is to milk money out of their zealous fans.

A concert is supposed to be a celebration of an artist’s music. Marred with smorgasbord guest stars, comedy skits and variety show-like segments, some local concerts these days are nothing but a farce. I find it strange how people could spend thousands of pesos on something they are already accustomed in seeing on television. When I learned of the sold out concert of Anne Curtis from a news clip, it further strengthens my conviction that the success of celebrities in our country is based more on media hype and the gullibility of the masses.

Unless you’re a novelty singer, music is a serious profession. Only those with pure talent can carve their niche in this business. Anne Curtis may have had admonished beforehand that what she is doing as a “singer’ is all for fun. On several occasions, she may have even mocked herself for being out of tune. Sly that she is, she even marketed her forgettable singing as a butt of ridicule to amuse her audience. But one thing is definite beyond this façade: Anne Curtis is making big money out of it at the expense of her fanatic followers.

We are a celebrity obsessed nation. No matter how crappy they are, people would patronize any materials from famous celebrities. Smart and enterprising, producers and stars have wisely exploited this notion to make more money. Some may argue that as long as the consumers are being entertained I have no business in meddling with their affairs. It’s their money anyway. Yet, to continue with this horrible cycle is like putting a stake to the hearts of genuine artists who could offer quality songs and praise-worthy performances. Bigots may accuse me of indulging in crab mentality. But to charge me with it is like saying all these aforementioned celebrities are real, perfect and faultless musical talents. Avid fans may dispute that I am depriving Anne Curtis and company of their artistic freedom. But what artistic freedom is there to restrict when there is no art at all. It annoys me when people find what these celebrities are doing as amusing. Everytime I hear someone says how “cute” an artista is while singing out of tune, I always wish I have a plastic bag full of urine.