ART has never been about fitting into a single mould. It thrives on diversity and experimentation.
Today, however, audiences seem more comfortable consuming what is familiar than appreciating what is unique.
As trends dominate the entertainment industry, anything that falls outside the norm is often dismissed without much understanding.
This preference for sameness raises an important concern. Have we become so accustomed to commercial entertainment that we no longer recognise artistic expression?
A recent example can be seen on Big Stage, where contestant Qilo faced criticism from netizens over his jazz and blues-inspired singing style. Many labelled his performance as “over” because it differed from the conventional pop vocals we hear every day.
What many failed to recognise is that jazz and blues are built on expressive storytelling, improvisation and dynamic vocal techniques. These characteristics are not flaws but defining features of the genres.
There is nothing wrong with preferring pop music. The problem begins when unfamiliar art is judged as bad because it does not match mainstream expectations.
Art should not be measured using a single standard. Every genre has its own identity, techniques and cultural significance.
Jazz and blues are more than musical styles. They have shaped generations of musicians and influenced many of today’s most popular genres.
Social media has only accelerated this narrowing of taste.
Viral trends and short attention spans often reward familiarity over originality, leaving little room for creativity.
The reaction to Qilo’s performance is more than just another online debate. It reflects a broader question about whether society is slowly losing its appreciation for artistic diversity.
Daninas Hezry
City University Malaysia
Cyberjaya