Iggy Pop on 'American Idol': Still magnetic, still disturbing the American populace with 'Real Wild Child'

Thursday night on "American Idol," Iggy Pop managed to shock enough of the American populace that it's still discussing it the next morning, even though the song he performed, "Real Wild Child," isn't one of his hardest, weirdest or most obnoxious. It's more like Alan Vega lite, a little rockabilly-ish ditty with those hard early-'90s drums, a cheesy organ line and, in the video, the Igster sporting a black dye job. But Thursday night he managed to earn a standing ovation not only from the crowd, but from the judges, the contestants and, apparently, a large part of the viewership.

But Iggy's always good for some spectacle, and more than four decades into his career -- he's 63 years old, believe it or not --  something about him is still enthralling and dangerous. Hopefully some of the less magnetic potential Idols were taking notes: as in, "when in doubt up on stage, act crazy and shimmy around on the stage."

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-- Randall Roberts

Photo: Iggy Pop on the 'American Idol' stage. Credit: Fox

Comments

[Chuck Davis]

spaz

[Stratone]

The Igg is the undisputed KING !
Rock Royalty, in the flesh, even
David Bowie, went to the Igg to
learn style.

[Diana]

I have no words..well maybe I do. DISGUSTING

[Patty]

He is totally pathetic. Always has been; always will be...

[Loud Gorge Winstun]

"..believe it or not -- something about him is still enthralling and dangerous."

Duhhhhhhh! Iggy is an artist, he knows what he's doing-----in any atmosphere!

[Allen]

What a total waste of airtime. What was American Idol thinking? This man obviously ate too many paint chips as a child. I would rather watch Pee Wee Herman sing Bing Crosby's greatest hits than watch this dork prance around the stage acting like a complete fool.

[Rick]

Who the hell is this guy anyway? I'm from the 60's and I don't ever recall listening to this guy.

[Cyn]

Why was he on American Idol? He was disgusting, and gross. Now, I cannot watch it live with my 12 yr. old since Idol allows creepy old men to perform and do whatever they want because it is "artistic".

[Denice]

Wear a shirt & get off the drugs....your scary! I hope that AI is never this desperate again for "entertainment" & the AI hopefuls took note on what not to do! JL's horrified face said it all!

[Adam Schramm]

I don't believe in prophesies or end of the world theories but I can't think of a better sign that the end is near than Iggy Pop appearing on American Idol.

[Kymee]

he's an idiot. i hate to say it 'cause i use to like him but he's tired

[Ali]

He was creepy - Steven Tyler should have performed instead.

[sportelan]

The problem is that she is better in all departments compared to all the other contestants and simply I believe that the American public do not like see clear winners become winners right out of the box. Rather the American public would vote repeatedly for cinderella runners up. For some reason the only one they ever got right was Carey Underwood.

I like the concept used by the "Sing-Off" competition where only up to 3-4 votes are allowed from any one voting submission address or phone number. This would end such things a sore fingers in the morning and I believe computer generated voting programs from skewing the numbers towards those that simply don't deserve to be there at the end of the competition like has happened repeatedly in the past. Often we simply cannot remember the finalist winner 4 months following the end of the show.

I am sure an agent will grab Pia in a heartbeat and turn her into a super-star with a bit of on-stage coaching. But isn't that what American Idol concept is suppose to do?

I suggest that by limiting repeatable voting from single sources and by having the show judges continue to play a weighting role (ie 5% voting weight for each of the three judges from 12 remaining down to the last two standing) that these steps will get the show to deliver what it is suppose to ....an "American Idol" and not...... "who was that anyway"

[Nanaberthaa]

He was HORRIBLE...to say the least....

[Derek Jones]

It's obvious the producers of AI know the show is going downhill with all the celebrities they're inserting into the show to try and jazz up what's becoming a tired formula. Note to Iggy Pop - once you turn 60 please wear a shirt!

[Nanaberthaa]

Oh,I forgot...I am sure JLO Had no idea who this aging Rock Star was................WAS...

[Saucedaddy]

Always act like you know what you're doing, even if you don't. When someone questions you, then act nuts.

[mzl]

One more reason NOT to watch this season

[uncle brother]

As a musician, performer and teacher, may i remind the reviewer that rock 'n' roll has always been as much about the show as the content of the music. if that wasn't the case many old blues artist and questionable bands would have never garnered a following. Iggy is one of the best at baring rare emotion since his early days of peanut butter and the first stage dives into an audience. And at 63 he's looking pretty good for it all...everyone have fun and good luck to all, i am uncle brother...saying peace and love.

[Wally]

IGGY POP STILL ROCKS....STILL HAS THE VOICE WE LOVE...KEEP ON ROCKIN' MAN...GREAT TO SEE YOU PERFORM

[Carole Gilman]

How many times was he bleeped last night? And what were those vile words that he shouted? And what was the youngest age of the children in the audience? If you are going to put him out there, warn the parents NOT to bring their youngsters to this show. By the way, doesn't he have enough $$ to buy himself a shirt by now? 63 yrs. old & still half naked.

[Eric Chicago]

Iggy rocks! I hate American Idol. There is no originality, the singing is all the same-it is just bad music. It takes whatever is lifeless and soulless and waters it down even more. Most of the listening public takes its musical cues from these kinds of shows, radio stations, etc. They are taught by osmosis to like this kind of stuff. I am not against pop or dance music. I listen to both. But they present its worst features ad nauseam. It is everything boring and predictable. I have seen plenty of musicians and singers who are technically proficient and yet they are prosaic. Someone with a good voice or even a great voice does not mean they are good musicians or worth listening to-Great musicians and performers have that special something that reaches us a deeply emotional level. Most of them do not have the greatest singing voice you ever heard. They have something more important. I think it is GREAT that Iggy was on American Idol because it introduces Iggy to a massive audience who probably has no idea who he is. It would have been even better if Iggy sang “I Wanna Be Your Dog” or “Search & Destroy”, but there was no way that was going to happen. I also understand why Iggy said yes. He would be foolish to turn it down. Performers want and need to get in front of the largest audience possible. Punk did not just die. It got some much needed massive exposure. I am happy with the result!

[Steve]

What a bunch of lame ducks ragging on Iggy. When you know nothing about the man, don't comment. Iggy puts on one of the most energetic live concerts ever. This man let's it all hang out (literally) during every concert performance and does not rip you off for your concert money. Sure, I was stunned to see Iggy on AI, and he's not for all you teeny bopper rap lovers out there. Plus, his performance was definitely kept "mellow". He's labelled as the "King of Punk Rock", maybe not deserved in my opinion, but anyone who can last for almost 40 years in this biz deserves credit. Iggy never wears a shirt live and was never ashamed about it. He's in great shape for 63, still rockin' after all these years. Iggy brings shock value and sure, he's been thru the drug scene, but who among the "oldies" has not. Iggy for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, never let me down in concert, ever.

[Barb]

I am very embarassed for him.

[Lindazilla]

aaahahaha... I don't even watch Idol, but I caught this performance and had to giggle. I love Iggy. I don't know why he was on the show .. but I think it was a hoot.