Rob Thomas Open to Mentoring 'American Idol' Contestants

By David Chiu Posted Apr 12th 2010 05:00PM

Attention 'American Idol' contestants: Rob Thomas could be your musical guru.

The Matchbox Twenty singer and hit songwriter told an audience at a TimesTalks event at New York City's TimesCenter that he would be interested in mentoring on 'American Idol' if asked.

"I had a time when I loved [the show]," he said "and then there was a time when I thought it was killing the music business. Now I have time where I realize there's a lot of talented people out there and it's giving them a chance to be heard."

Thomas singled out his friend and former 'Idol' hopeful Chris Daughtry. "He's the real deal. He's got a great voice and he's a really great songwriter," Thomas said. "He has a voice that probably would have not been heard had it not been for that forum. If I was asked to mentor, I'm sure that I would."

When asked by New York Times culture reporter Melena Ryzik if he would have auditioned for 'American Idol' had the show been around when he first began in music, Thomas said no.

"When [Matchbox Twenty] started," he explained, "where we came from, that would have been the kiss of death. Real songwriters didn't do that. [But] we are in a time now where the very bands that wouldn't do commercials are the only bands doing commercials.

"Like Wilco and MGMT -- they're the bands that people like me love but don't get their music heard enough, so that's their outlet to do it," he continued. "There was a time when I hear a Volkswagen commercial and hear Wilco on it, and my heart would sink. Now I hear it and I go 'Right on! Good for you guys!' So I think it all kind of changed around."

Tags: american idol, AmericanIdol, matchbox twenty, MatchboxTwenty, rob thomas, RobThomas

Comments

(1)

Monday 12 April

By kefferfam

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Rob Thomas would be amazing on 'Idol'. He and Matchbox 20 are the real deal. Not only are they talented in all aspects of their career, they know how to handle being in the public eye. They have also stayed true th what they believe in as artist and as individuals. I vote - YES!

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