EW's Slezak critical of 19 Entertainment

In his latest Entertainment Weekly article, Michael Slezak is critical of 19 Entertainment, in the press releases of Adam and Kris's contract signing and debut albums. Here's an excerpt:

And yet, how come I feel like I'm hearing from an eight-year-old boy reacting to the choice of boiled Brussels sprouts or chocolate ice cream whenever I re-read the respective statements that Simon Fuller, Creator and Executive Producer of American Idol and Founder & CEO of 19 Entertainment, made about Kris and Adam? Check 'em out for yourself and tell me if I'm onto something:

"Kris won the hearts of millions of Americans with his soulful voice, good looks and gracious demeanor. However it is his passion for music and love of performing that will make sure Kris stands the test of time and makes American Idol proud."

Vs.

"To find a talent as exceptional as Adam Lambert is a rare and special event. I am thrilled that American Idol was the platform for the world to discover this brilliant young man. He is unique and unforgettable and a certain star of tomorrow."

Let me get this straight: Adam gets slathered with "exceptional," "rare and special," "event," "thrilled," "brilliant," " unique and unforgettable," and "certain star of tomorrow." Kris, by comparison, receives "soulful voice," "good looks," "gracious demeanor," "passion for music," "love of performing," and "stands the test of time and makes American Idol proud." Now don't get me wrong: I'm not saying Adam hasn't earned every superlative his new label wants to throw at him, but why am I having visions of Fuller trying to banish Kris to indie-land after a hastily released, poorly promoted debut? Oh, and anyone who thinks 19 is above burying its own artists should simply take a look at the way the company promoted records from Blake Lewis, Diana DeGarmo, Justin Guarini, and even season 5 winner Taylor Hicks. Which is to say, not at all. (We now interrupt this blog item so I can say for the umpteenth time that Blake's Audio Day Dream was a damn fine record.)

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