Celine's critics?

[fyoung98]

Could someone please explain to me what issues Celine's critics really have with her? Is it really about her voice because even on a bad day she sounds better than good (and I'm not saying that just because I'm a fan ). Is it because of her personality (you don't hear them being cruel to Elton John or even Madonna like they are to Celine)? Is it because of the way she moves/dances (she enjoys herself. What's wrong with that)? What is the deal? Is she not "whorish" enough? Is it because she doesn't have a long history of sexual liasons with men or women? Is it that she's just too "squeaky clean" for them in areas where many celebrities are not that they have to try to find fault somewhere?

 

I've been thinking about this for a while and I don't see any reasoning behind some of the comments that are made about Celine. I know she's not perfect but she's also not what some of her critics try to make her out to be. Many of their comments are cruel and unnecessary and it seems they can never find anything nice to say. They are never objective in their responses. They don't seem to look at the facts. They don't seem to be willing to acknowledge her successes both inside and outside of the profession.

 

What is wrong? I am hurt when I read some of these comments (not just because they are about Celine) but also because I can't believe that people can be so mean and unrelenting towards another human being.

 

I don't know if any one can really answer this question (who's not one of these critics) but if there is someone out there willing to take an educated guess, I sure would like to know what your thoughts are.

 

(What kind of criticisms am I referring to: References to her physical appearance, comments about her voice, her lifestyle, her decisions about RC, her tour).

Edited November 29, 2008 at 06:02 PM by fyoung98

[ladyt]

I THINK U JUST ANSWERED YOUR OWN QUESTION !! MAYBE IF SHE WERE OUT THERE DRINKING & DOING DRUGS & PARTYING SHE WOULD GET BETTER TREATMENT !! ITS SAD BUT TRUE. EITHER WAY, CRITICS ALWAYS FIND SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT SOMEONE..DONT LET IT BOTHER YOU..WE KNOW THE REAL DEAL..AND IM SURE CELINE CAN CARE LESS WAT ANYBODY HAS TO SAY ABOUT HER..AS LONG AS HER FANS ARE BESIDE HER, F*CK THOSE WHO CRITICIZE !!

 

AND AS FOR HER VOICE....PLEASE !! WHOS THE BEST SELLING FEMALE ARTIST IN HISTORY ??? OBVIOUSLY SOMEONE LIKES HER VOICE !! DUUUHHH !!

[fyoung98]

I understand what you are saying and I agree. I'm just curious to know if there is a criteria by which these critics make their judgments about artists and why it seems Celine is so often at the bottom when it comes to ratings among them. For instance, during live performances, are they considering the audiences response or is it solely how they respond to the presentation? DO they let they their own prejudices towards certain music go, to be able to judge fairly (I guess they would only know the answer to this one)? How do they know how passionate Celine is feeling when she's singing (one critic reported that there was no feeling in the song "I Knew I Loved You" when she sang at the Oscars)? I'm sure it doesn't bother Celine so much what her critics say because the final word does come from the fans. I guess my question has to do more with the intensity of their criticisms. What is their bias/prejudice against her that prevents them from offering objective commentary? How are they judging her? Perhaps it is jealousy and a way to seek revenge because she is the top selling female artist in history and she can sing circles around the "artist" they do like

 

Am I trying to make sense out of something that makes no sense? Is it really possible to answer this question?

Edited November 29, 2008 at 08:35 PM by fyoung98

[Nmj]

The dont like that music for one and TWO they are bored with her ...shes not like Mariah who had a break down and left for 6 years or Whitney who lefted and got hooked on drugs. Celine is the only diva of the 90s who made it and only left to have a baby and come back. And last she is two grounded they want DIRT on people and Celine is clean as Bleach.

-Nmj

[cmcdaori]

I THINK U JUST ANSWERED YOUR OWN QUESTION !! MAYBE IF SHE WERE OUT THERE DRINKING & DOING DRUGS & PARTYING SHE WOULD GET BETTER TREATMENT !! ITS SAD BUT TRUE. EITHER WAY, CRITICS ALWAYS FIND SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT SOMEONE..DONT LET IT BOTHER YOU..WE KNOW THE REAL DEAL..AND IM SURE CELINE CAN CARE LESS WAT ANYBODY HAS TO SAY ABOUT HER..AS LONG AS HER FANS ARE BESIDE HER, F*CK THOSE WHO CRITICIZE !!

 

AND AS FOR HER VOICE....PLEASE !! WHOS THE BEST SELLING FEMALE ARTIST IN HISTORY ??? OBVIOUSLY SOMEONE LIKES HER VOICE !! DUUUHHH !!

 

 

Pretty much the same things u said already i meant it too.The point is that they really cant say anything wrong about her and then they just invent things to make sth happening without any point and reason cuz they CANT ACCEPT that she is like an angel and that she is UNIQUE person in the showbis..and u shouldnt take this crap they say to ur heart.Forget it about.I was like that too saying and complaining all the time why are they like this,but i learnt it that it just makes me pissed off more and i decided to finish with that.They cant just accept it my dear.That's all..she is almost perfect even nobody can be like that..she is..

[pascaladolphejean]

I know it's been mentioned before in the Forum, but Carl Wilson's Let's Talk About Love - A Journey to the End of Taste is an excellent in-depth analysis of Celine and her musical appeal. In particular, it examines the concept of musical taste and how and why it varies to such dramatic extremes in Celine's case. There is a wonderful chapter on this very subject entitled "Let's Talk About Pop (and Its Critics)" that provides insight into this strange yet familiar phenomenon. There is also a lot of really interesting general information on Celine that I had not read before. On the downside, just so no one has unreasonable expectations, the author overstates his case from time to time, and this can be a bit annoying. I also thought he was somewhat lenient on Celine's harshest critics (Rolling Stone Magazine, for example) who, for a very long time now, have behaved more like juvenile pack animals and slaves of "cool" than musical professionals whose knowledge and opinion one might be inclined to respect. The lack of originality and conformity among Celine critics, and the general deterioration of the level of criticism, may mean the cycle is nearing an end. Some of the recent Celine coverage in the New York Times and other publications seems to be breaking with the trend. Last year's Times review of Taking Chances was at least fair.

[firebird]

Actually I like Carl Wilson. I like reading his blog from time to time. I think he's one of the better critics because even though I don't agree with everything he writes, how he writes is enjoyable to read.

[Snowhite]

they don't like her ballads.that's all

[light_secret]

Because she is a good person with a good heart who knows how to take control of her life and career. Critics find ways to destroy her, but Celine is a tough woman. No matter what these critics say about her, it's just nothing to Celine, 'coz she knows herself better than these critics. Look at where is now, at the top, and she's never coming down.

 

I feel for you...Our Celine is a strong woman.

[MTJ]

Well she has an amazing voice but not very much talent in music. Madonna writes most of her own music and has been very influential over the years, and Mariah has always stayed contemporary with her styles. Celine just kind of floats along singing whatever she likes. I don't think anyone really understands the industry. Look at Bjork! She has a beautiful voice and lots of talent, but she's on the other side of the spectrum. She's TOO artsy with her music so everyone thinks she's weird and annoying. Celine's too safe like Bjork is too scary. Madonna seems to be the only one who really knows how to stay popular all the time. Musically, Madonna is the queen. Of course, Celine has more vocal talent.

[Jacqui]

I think it's because it's just not considered "cool" to be a good person, who has morals, and works hard to achieve all they have. So maybe people are embarrased to like her? If she was a half naked rap artist, she'd probably be more popular with critics, but her career probably wouldn't last as long, she probably wouldn't have sold as many records, or been as successful in as many countries around the world, with such a variety of audiences. Through asking people who aren't fans, I realised that people who don't know Celine's personality think she's old fashioned, boring, cheesy. Most will happily sing along to any of her songs though, after they've had a bit of wine...

[chatwuann]

I say let them criticise away, their negative comments only bring more attention to Celine's talent.

[samart]

First of all, she's not American and I truly believe that's one of the main reasons. There are not many singers who are SO popular, particularly in the US, and who are not American. Plus, whatever people might say, people differ in different parts of the globe. Customs, background, culture - it all matters and what's normal in one country/family can be not so normal and easy to accept in another. That's why her open personality, her sentimentality, her not being dirty annoy the critics.

 

On the other hand, you can't possibly rely on their opinion. They're usual people with their OWN tastes in music, fashon e.t.c. But the point is that they have to be proffesional and POLITE. That's too bad it means almost nothing nowadays...If they prefer Mariah who's replaced words like "SOUL" and "HEART" with "BODY" and "TOUCH", then why should we be worried?

After all, if you like it - you like it. It seems to me like all the reviews are fun and interesting to read, but nothing more. People don't choose what they listen to and what thay watch, taking into consideration only the words of the critics.

[Céline's Blues]

Like with everything else in life one has to differentiate some things here first. There are lots of levels that the critics or fans are acting upon and I don't truly think I feel like discerning it all in one single post but let me say one thing: A vast majority of critics simply feel she underperformed artistically. So do I as a matter of fact. She may have achieved a sweeping success across the music business but as she has been diving more and more into the deep waters of commercially selling her soul out the critics become harsher and harsher.

 

It's no secret she's never had a huge critical acclaim following for what it's worth to begin with. But she did get her credit as her English career unfolded. Not to say she hasn't gone her way, she very well has and the end result we have now right in front of our eyes: Couldn't care less attitude of lipping 50% of her songs on her allegedly live concerts and some albums thrown in between without much focus. Do you seriously think casual critics have time to divulge her personal life? No, they judge music as they listen, without much afterthought.

 

Céline is a hard working woman and not that she's cared for the critics to begin with but then again if she would have paid a little more attention I'd dare to say, she'd be now in a better place artistically. Now I still shudder when I hear her saying "Oh, I had absolutely NO idea that my fans wanted a JAZZ album!" or "I had no idea my fans want me to sing 'Us' live"". It's almost sad. That's not to say the critics shouldn't have respect towards her which should be a matter of course on one hand and on the second it's pretty hard to take someone as goofy and ambivalent on stage as Céline seriously, especially in the USA.

[samart]

Underperformed artistically? I'm sorry but she can't please everyone. Power ballads are her "trade mark", but you can't say she didn't sing anything different(in fact she's sung everything from rock-and-roll to jazz - nobody just paid any attention). That's just what her fans want to hear(you gotta admit she's the best at singing this kind of songs - that's what they call "personal style"). And how is she supposed to know that her fans want a jazz album? It's not her mistake, maybe someone didn't do the research they were supposed to do, but she's not the one to blame.

And it's such a shame her french albums are so underestimated. One critic in Russia called the D'elles album predictable, usual and boring. Seriously, deep songs with great melodies, great lyrics, soulful vocals? That's the album that doesn't belong in show-business, it's Music(with a BIG BIG M). But still, no-one gives her any credit.

 

P.S. When and where did she mention the jazz album thing?

[Céline's Blues]

P.S. When and where did she mention the jazz album thing?

Rene mentioned it in 2003 after the jazz gala she participated in and then she mentioned it to Jenna during her private interview. She also said there'll be many interesting projects coming in future but she had no idea fans would love her to record a jazz album.

[martele]

I'm always wondering why there's nothing in our daily press about her. But I know: It's because she rarely or almost never does something scandalous that the press can write something "interesting", something "scandalous" about her. In one newspaper, they put every day something from Madonna on their people page or they write about Amy Winehouse breaking down once again and so on.

 

And if they critize something which is just invented, they need that to write at least something about her. If the press would leave her like she is, they couldn't write anything.

[je t'aime]

Everyone has critics, sadly. I read bad things about my favorite artists all the time. The best thing to do is to stop reading, don't give them the satisfaction.

[fyoung98]

I'm always wondering why there's nothing in our daily press about her. But I know: It's because she rarely or almost never does something scandalous that the press can write something "interesting", something "scandalous" about her. In one newspaper, they put every day something from Madonna on their people page or they write about Amy Winehouse breaking down once again and so on.

 

And if they critize something which is just invented, they need that to write at least something about her. If the press would leave her like she is, they couldn't write anything.

 

 

This makes sense to me: you can't write about anyone who doesn't give you anything to write about (unless you want to be sued, of course ). Although Celine is not as "wholesome" as some people would like to make her out to be, the way in which she presents herself makes it almost believable that she is "wholesome". I don't believe it is an act either. It's just the way she is. Perhaps for some people, she is "too good to be true". Not even the people who live or work in her household have ever said anything negative about her (and they spend more time with her than anyone outside of her bad I'm sure) whereas I've heard how "bitchy" and "a--holish" some celebrities can be from their own staff. What's wrong with not being scandalous? What's wrong with not doing things that could bring harm to oneself or others (sleeping around, DUIs, drugs, etc.)?

 

As far as not reading some of the criticisms, I try not to. I try to keep up with "all things Celine" because I want to know what's going on with her. However, some of those deceptive titles get in there. I read to see what they're saying but the minute they get outrageous, I stop reading. By then though, it's too late

[rathnakumar]

They're all probably jealous that there's someone sooooooooo talented and yet soooooooooooooo sweet, down-to-earth and nice! Edited December 2, 2008 at 02:33 AM by rathnakumar

[CynthiaTDL]

I THINK U JUST ANSWERED YOUR OWN QUESTION !! MAYBE IF SHE WERE OUT THERE DRINKING & DOING DRUGS & PARTYING SHE WOULD GET BETTER TREATMENT !! ITS SAD BUT TRUE. EITHER WAY, CRITICS ALWAYS FIND SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT SOMEONE..DONT LET IT BOTHER YOU..WE KNOW THE REAL DEAL..AND IM SURE CELINE CAN CARE LESS WAT ANYBODY HAS TO SAY ABOUT HER..AS LONG AS HER FANS ARE BESIDE HER, F*CK THOSE WHO CRITICIZE !!

 

AND AS FOR HER VOICE....PLEASE !! WHOS THE BEST SELLING FEMALE ARTIST IN HISTORY ??? OBVIOUSLY SOMEONE LIKES HER VOICE !! DUUUHHH !!

 

 

REMEMBER THEY DIDN'T LIKE CHRIST AND HE DID NOTHING WRONG EITHER. CynthiaTDL. We all Love our Celine

[CynthiaTDL]

The dont like that music for one and TWO they are bored with her ...shes not like Mariah who had a break down and left for 6 years or Whitney who lefted and got hooked on drugs. Celine is the only diva of the 90s who made it and only left to have a baby and come back. And last she is two grounded they want DIRT on people and Celine is clean as Bleach.

-Nmj

 

Jesus did nothing wrong and look what the "critics did to Him.

 

How many other artists can sing in French, English, Japanese, Spanish, Italian; can sing opera, the blues, Jazz, a phonebook, gargle the theme to Titanic, play the piano (this one I know many people can do) just to name a few things; and she has learned to sing at least one song of a country's native language just to please her fans and make them feel welcome. Let's ask those critics this.

 

"Celine we love you and always will!! Say Hi to the family for us

[wandac]

It is true that Celine has taken a lot of abuse from critics, especially from holier-than-thou rock critics like Rob Sheffield at Rolling Stone Magazine. On the other hand, Celine has received high praise from most musicians. This includes many classical singers and instrumentalists who recognize just how remarkable Celine's talent is. In reality, Celine's harshest critics are people who try to assert their own credentials and worth by disparaging anything remotely sentimental or traditional. And let's face it, Celine sings traditional romantic ballads.

 

Most of the really vile material written about Celine is of a dubious nature to begin with - take, for example, Rolling Stone's idiotic review of Taking Chances. This is a perfect example of a review that attempted to be flip and scathing, but backfired on the writer in reflecting a less than clever point of view.

 

I personally hope that Celine is immune to such trash. I would hate to think that all the conformist jump-on-the-bandwagon nothing-new-to-say Celine bashers of the past 15 years have taken a psychological toll on her. I wonder how she deals with it.

[pascaladolphejean]

From the Boston Globe, Thursday, December 4th:

 

 

Caption: I have a new respect for Celine Dion

 

Link|Comments (0) Posted by Michael Saunders December 3, 2008 09:11 PM

Celine Dion is singing Janis Ian's "At Seventeen" in a surprisingly subdued way, not trying to put her personal stamp on the song. If anything, it's a bit too low-energy, but that's a welcome change...

 

EDIT: OK....I was just a little creeped out by her ending, done in sort of a scary semi-coma.

[takeachance]

Celine Dion would be A1 with all the critics if she would only shave her head, hit cars with umbrellas, go in and outa rehab a few times...........Shed be right back on track with the world and all her critics!!!

 

I think there problem with her is the fact she has not done all this, apparently 2 be famous these days thats what youv'e gotta do....................So insane, whats wrong with this crazy world

Edited December 7, 2008 at 09:09 PM by takeachance

[fyoung98]

What other artists share a reputation that is similar to Celine's, past or present, male or female (meaning the quality/characteristic of their lifestyle, level of success, and have received as much criticism as she has)? I hope this question makes sense.

[j411celine]

They don't like the love ballads but the will praise Britney Spears and her albums well some lol.

[dj_a_rock]

maybe they just dont like ballad.

[angel_christ]

Do they want to see Celine shave her own head and admit to rehab like Britney Spears? So that they can write something nice about Celine in return? I'm really happy for Celine that she's optimistic about the world and not minding about those who wants to destroy her. She's always has a good heart. That's why we all love her so much. Just think that those pea-brained critics are just out of ideas to say anything about Celine because she's too high for them.

 

[xserenityx]

People just need something to complain about. Since Celine is such a good girl, shes something they can use as a target, since all the other stupid celebs out there being crazy have been talked about so much, they needed a new celeb.

People are just jealous. And it's also just their job, and are willing to step on and say hurtful things about anyone to get ahead.

 

I just wouldn't pay attention to it and let it bother you. There is nothing we can do about it. And it seems Celine doesn't let it bother her, so I don't think it should bother us.

Celine knows how awesome she is and better and above all that. lol

Edited December 15, 2008 at 02:52 PM by xserenityx