Best and worst acting in a music video (by an artist)

Zen Tue, Aug 19, 2008 at 02:10 PM EST

You want to see powerful? Watch Unkle "Rabbit in the headlights" It really captures the nature of the song.

As for Carrie Underwood, she like everthing else that has been mass pumped into society by POP USA, absolutely blows the big one. I don't think she could have done anything to make me like her song. As they say...you can't polish a turd.

There is nothing worse then over praised pop music...oh wait, there is. Country music.

Alyssa Wed, Aug 13, 2008 at 09:32 AM EST

I think Carrie Underwood did an amazing job acting in "Just A Dream"
Those are real tears she is crying and she shows the emotion in her voice along with her actions AMAZING!!
Carrie Underwood is such an amazing singer and every one of her videos are truly amazing.The only thing i dont like is the fake eyelashes. Carrie Underwood is so pretty she doesn't need all that make-up.
loveee the video!!!!!!!

LL Tue, Aug 12, 2008 at 05:42 PM EST

Having just been a bridesmaid, I take issue with how high Carrie's carrying her bouquet. The florist told us "wrist bone to hip bone" so you don't hold it up to your face!

David Mon, Aug 11, 2008 at 10:19 PM EST

Kelly Clarkson in Because of You still gives me chills.

Raven_Moon Mon, Aug 11, 2008 at 04:54 PM EST

Carrie's acting was kind of cheesey. I think the video would have packed a more emotional punch if she had hired an actress & set the video in the present day.

virtuous Mon, Aug 11, 2008 at 03:45 PM EST

Have just watched Carrie Underwood in "Just A Dream" video for the third time, and I cried for the third time. The director of the video is to be commended for pulling that performance out of her, as she is reportedly quite reserved and was even criticized on American Idol for being "robotic", though an amazing singer. I think she is PERFECT as a 60's girl. Love that video and song.

Anna Mon, Aug 11, 2008 at 06:42 AM EST

Suzanne, i hardly think this movie is about making a political statement, nor is it her place to say so. She is a musician, not a politician. This have very little to do with politics anyway, its about loss. Why the crap, dummie shouldnt it be set in the 60s, it is when carrie envisioned it initially, its her video and vision. Also, because the vietnam war was sooo popular. "rolls eyes"

Milo Sun, Aug 10, 2008 at 01:59 PM EST

Aron you dog! you took the words out of my mouth! Yes, for someone who gets pan for being a "bad actress" she sure is oscar worthy in her videos. when it comes to music video acting Madonna wins the Meryl Streep award by a landslide. Just check any video of hers for proof.

kate Sun, Aug 10, 2008 at 11:03 AM EST

best - jared leto

Ken Sun, Aug 10, 2008 at 09:23 AM EST

Worst picture of Carrie ever.

Suzanne Sun, Aug 10, 2008 at 09:10 AM EST

What distracted me most about this video was how it was set in the 60s so Carrie wouldn't insult Republican fans if it was set in present day. That political dodge is so transparent. Loved ones are heartbroken about soldiers's deaths in Iraq now. Sweet Carrie wouldn't want to make a statement though. She's too genteel.

Nghi Sun, Aug 10, 2008 at 07:04 AM EST

http://www.romanwhite.com/

U should read this. Her tears are real!!

Nghi Sun, Aug 10, 2008 at 07:03 AM EST

If u click this following link, u will find out that Carrie was not fake. Her tears are true tear. She do get into the theme and lyrics and her emotion are there. Maybe her emotion when being portrayed is diff from norm, so she looks awkward ... but that's good enough!

jay Sun, Aug 10, 2008 at 04:09 AM EST

I didn't find Carrie Underwood's acting that distracting, but I do agree that LeAnn Rimes acted circles around her. Still, pop music has historically been littered with videos with far worse acting. Though there are exceptions (Kelly Clarkson in Because of You comes to mind), the vast majority is cringeworthy. Take, for example, the following: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikI-4D_1s-c

Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 11:26 PM EST

The video for "Just A Dream" would have been much better without Carrie Underwood in it. She just does not emote very well. The video nearly ruins the song.

lambo Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 09:04 PM EST

Carrie did an excellent job of acting here. No one compares with when it comes to her voice. Women wore a lot of makeup back during the 60s with heavy eyeliner and mascara. Don't understand why some you guys don't get that. This writer must have another agenda.

Michael Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 06:37 PM EST

Alicia Keys with If I Ain't Got You...

Best acting by far... very emotional.

Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 06:11 PM EST

I'm not sure what Mandi's problem might be, but I recently watched the "Just A Dream" video by Carrie Underwood, and it's easily one of the best I've seen in quite a while. The video is amazing and Carrie's performance is a hundred times better than I would have thought. If someone is "distracted" by her in the video, they might consider taking some Ritalin.

aron Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 03:54 PM EST

Madonna in...
I want you
oh father
bad girl
take a bow
and oh so many others....

Laura K. Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 02:29 PM EST

I'll tell you what distracted me--those crazy eyelashes!

Jessica S Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 01:24 PM EST

I agree with Duffy. I just watched the video for Warwick Avenue a few days ago and it absolutely choked me up. So simple and understated, but truly powerful. Others I've enjoyed throughout the years are Annie Lennox in anything(she's amazing) and Justin Timberlake in "Cry Me A River". He was pretty good as a psychotic, stalker of an ex. So devious and, yes, sexy...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7p4mioawIA

Paul Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 10:56 AM EST

It's obviously another award-worthy, powerhouse vocal performance by Carrie. But I agree, she needs to step away from Roman White for now. He lost me with his interpretation of "Last Name." It's like there are these occasional "disconnects" between lyrics and images with Roman that are just distracting.

Kelly Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 07:53 AM EST

Carrie did an INCREDIBLE job. SO much emotion. But the distraction isnt to be blamed on her. Its the director. Carrie did absolutly nothing wrong in the video, she was perfect.

Bri Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 01:23 AM EST

We don't even need to keep having this discussion. It's all about R. Kelley in Trapped in the Closet.

People, it's an OPUS.

Sat, Aug 9, 2008 at 12:03 AM EST

to Allison
I get that but it was way too much - if they had toned it down a notch it would have been perfect. no need to yell

Ames Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 11:45 PM EST

to Jonathan F.

I totally agree about Duffy in the "Warwick Avenue" video. It is simple, but it's completely effective.

LK Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 10:51 PM EST

Wake Up Call by Maroon 5 - Hands down crappiest video in the past year.
Maroon 5's lead singer Adam Levine is horrid in all their videos, especially in this disasterpiece. He just stick to performing the song.

Heather Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 09:58 PM EST

Whatever - Leann Rhimes' "Probably Wouldn't Be This Way" is one of the best videos I've ever seen. The song AND the video make me cry. Spot on, subtle, perfect. And on the same note, singers who didn't act and left it to professionals (thankfully), making the video heart wrenching - Rascall Flatts for "What Hurts The Most". On the same note (and theme), the video for "I Love You" by Nickelback actually left me wishing they'd done the acting, since it was a pale imitation of the two videos mentioned.

scott Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 09:16 PM EST

If you want to see a country artist who can act just watch Reba from her tv show,her movies,and her numerous music videos.

Stephen Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 08:51 PM EST

The video for Carrie Underwood's latest single "Just A Dream" is fantastic by anyone's standards. I agree, the acting was distracting, but only becuase she played her part (ALL 3 LINES FOR YOU DRAMATIC HATERS) very well. She evoked the fear and anxiety one experiences before a loved one goes off to war, and she evokes the sadness everyone expects of a grieving wife. This video is one of the best I've seen in a long while.

Jonathan F. Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 08:15 PM EST

Though it's not much, I was impressed with Duffy in "Warwick Avenue"

Michael Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 07:32 PM EST

Carrie Underwood shows real promise as an actress here- it is not distracting at all. I am not sure what you are talking about. But more importantly-- the video and song itself, are incredible! I cried like a baby, and I am a 50 year old man. lol

Sina Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 07:16 PM EST

I liked R Kelly in Downlow. He was good in that.

Sade in "is it a crime"

Pat Benatar in song that goes We are young, no one to tell us were wrong. Just saw that on PopUp videos.

Michael Jackson as a Criminal in Smooth Criminal

Beth Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 07:12 PM EST

Leanne rimes was WAY over the top in her video-- I hated it! Carrie was better because she was not over-acting, the way Leanne Rimes was.

Allison Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 07:10 PM EST

The fake eyelashes were to portray the 1960's- Vietnam War era-- which is where this video is set. Don't you guys see that?? The blue eyeshadow and fake eyelashes is what people wore in the 1960s-- look at Jackie-O. It was perfect!

NY4CARRIE Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 07:08 PM EST

Carrie ROCKED in this video- she was actually very good at acting- much better then jessica simpson or lindsey lohan, that is for sure. Though that doesn't take much. lol I think she did very good for having no acting experience. Why are you guys focusing on that anyway-- when you should be commenting on the video itself- which is incredible!

I have family in Iraq right now and I really cried at this video, but in a good way. Carrie's vocals are the best EVER, and the song is brilliant in its pain, sadness, and desperation. I love everything about this- and it really honors the troops without being political or over the top. Bravo Ms. Carrie- best performance ever!

Jim D Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 06:46 PM EST

I thought Chris Isaak was great in "Wicked Game".
Also thought Bruce Springsteen was pretty good in "I'm on Fire".
Not so great: Paula Abdul in "Rush Rush". Of course, she was paired with Keanu Reeves, so it was sort of a double whammy.

millie Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 05:56 PM EST

i liked the acting carrie usually doesn't act in her videos but i think she did great for not having any acting under her belt not bad not bad at all!!...theres people who should never act hint: (mariah and jessica)
i think she put so much emotion and is a different carrie i haven't seen before she did an amazing job. as far as the make up goes it is based in the 60's and it was popular back then to do the eyelash thing...they were just tryin to capture the whole 60's theme relax people! carrie looks 10x's better when her make up is fresh natural looking she don't need the make up she's a very beautifull lady!!

d Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 05:11 PM EST

acting - as in portraying a character, folks. not just being horrible in a video like The Stroke, or, We Built This City (Grace Slick).

Best - George Michael driving a Taxi around and obsessing over the model in Father Figure, always loved that one.

gaby Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 04:29 PM EST

i actually like carrie acting in this video...her emotion came across very well imho, and made me even tear up a little

Sara Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 04:08 PM EST

Maybe she's just not a pretty crier.

Stephanie T. Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 04:06 PM EST

1. Melissa Joan Hart- Drive Me Crazy, Britney Spears. And the movie was just as stupid.

2. Rick Ocasek- Drive, The Cars

I loved The Cars, but Rick can't act his way out of a paperbag (see the original Hairspray as an example. "REEFER?!").

3. model Bobbi Brown- MC Hammer's Pray, and Warrant's Cherry Pie

...Yet another reason why Cherry Pie destroyed Warrants music career.

4. Ray Parker Jr.- Ghostbuster

"Who 'ya gonna call?" Certianly not him.

5. Greg Khin- Jeopardy, Greg Khin Band

Great song, bad acting.

Best

1. Dennis Quaid- A Thing Called Love, Bonnie Raitt

2. Taylor Hawkins/Dave Grohl- Everlong, Foo Fighters

3. Stevie Ray Vaughn- Cold Shot, Stevie Ray Vaughn

4. Pat Bennetar-
Love is a Battlefield

5. Dave Ghan- I Feel You, Depeche Mode

Striptease at the end. Oh Yeah!

Christina Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 03:47 PM EST

I think there's a time for the singer to be the actor in the video and then there's the time when they shouldn't be. I think Carrie did a decent job with the acting, but the video would have been a lot more effective if an actress did the job instead. Although the video could have been a lot more effective if she used a decent director other than Roman White for a change. Dude doesn't do Carrie any favors in her videos

Carolyn Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 03:37 PM EST

That is not an overapplication of mascara... that's fake eyelashes. And I agree... pretty distracting. What did she get up early to get to the MAC counter before the funeral?

MD Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 03:36 PM EST

Carrie did all right. The person who glued the caterpillars to her eyelashes should be fired

Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 03:29 PM EST

Worse - anything with David Coverdale and Tawny Kittaen

To Lee Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 03:27 PM EST

Right on! I thought everyone had forgotten about that video, but Bad Girl is truly one of Madonna's best.

Royale with Cheese Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 03:14 PM EST

To piggyback on Broadway Baby, it's a shame that "Rock Me Tonight" killed Billy's career. Great song - awful video.

Lee Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 03:11 PM EST

Madonna in her Bad Girl video was amazing!

Michael Berg Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 03:04 PM EST

I agree with the earlier post. The problem is not the acting - it's actually pretty good (though nothing touches Leann in Probably Wouldn't Be This Way), it's the makeup. The more successful Carrie becomes there seems to be this fear that she'll be percieved as 'just' an Oklahoma girl. Man alive, she's never looked prettier, just stop caking on the damn mascara.

Sean Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 02:55 PM EST

Best acting in music videos:
Annie Lennox (in anything)
LeAnn Rimes (agree with Mandi)
Kelly Clarkson (either version Because Of You)
Foo Fighters (in several videos)

Worst Acting in Music Videos:
Mariah Carey (in anything)
Clay Aiken (ditto)
Axl Rose (November Rain)
Grace Slick (We Built This City)

Shayna Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 02:49 PM EST

I think you are TOTALLY wrong on this one..sorry. Carrie did a superb job acting and is a great singer....gotta give it up for miss underwood!

h Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 02:35 PM EST

There is a problem that's bigger than the acting, and that's the over-application of mascara! I like CArrie, but get a new makeup artist!

Shasta Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 02:33 PM EST

Ah, man, what about the high point of story telling music videos...the 80s? Cyndi Lauper in "Time after Time." It was like a mini-movie. I was pretty young when it came out, and I actually thought it was depicting her life. It made me so sad as a little girl, but I totally loved their shiny trailer.

jaime Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 02:27 PM EST

Oh yeah Wiskey Lullaby is a sad video. . .and so is Stay by Sugarland.

jaime Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 02:26 PM EST

Oh yeah Wiskey Lullaby is a sad video. . .and so is Stay by Sugarland.

Melinda65 Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 01:48 PM EST

Here's the Carrie video: http://myplay.com/video-player/carrie-underwood/?bcpid=14270988&bclid=14246943&bctid=1713823510

Whiskey Lullaby:
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=4_tyCXYibZE

Amanda Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 01:46 PM EST

I thought her acting was really nice. The emotion in her voice during the parts where she speaks really gets me. I think that just added to the emotion of the video. All of her acting (in other videos where she has to act the part of a character) is done very well for someone who doesn't consider herself a great actress.

Amanda Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 01:45 PM EST

I thought her acting was really nice. The emotion in her voice during the parts where she speaks really gets me. I think that just added to the emotion of the video. All of her acting (in other videos where she has to act the part of a character) is done very well for someone who doesn't consider herself a great actress.

Melinda65 Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 01:39 PM EST

I have to disagree. I thought that she did a good job, and agree with Dan D.--the guy was kind of wooden.
As for singers acting in videos, I usually like it, although some songs are more powerful with "real actors" in the video; for instance, I don't think that Allison Krauss and Brad Paisley could have played the parts in the video for "Whiskey Lullaby" as well as Rick Schroeder and (sorry, don't know the actress's name.) It's really the video director's job to be sure the artist can handle the acting required.

Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 01:30 PM EST

I normally don't like it when they have singers deliver lines in videos because it takes away from the song. I think this one would have been good without the scripted lines, but I thought Carrie did a good job acting in this.

nunya Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 01:27 PM EST

beyonce's acting is always terrible in her videos. especially 'me, myself and i'. she's no actress.

vp Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 01:02 PM EST

i'm not sure but it must be #4 for hits on youtube for a reason, everyone tries to hate on her cause she is that good at everything she does.

Dana Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 12:58 PM EST

Wentworth Miller is great in those Mariah Carey videos. Man that guy is HOT!!!!!!!!!!

wontonjon Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 12:56 PM EST

Ok, she isn't actually acting (per se), but any one of Pink's videos, she rocks it. Sure, she's singing, and she isn't necessarily in some situation or whetever. But just watch "Stupid Girls" where she manages to lampoon most of young hollywood, while singing. Then watch "Who Knew". It may not be her on those rides, but when she's on the screen she just sends out so much emotion. She's a performer, and that's acting right there

Dan Daoust Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 12:54 PM EST

And now, having watched the video -- Mandi, wow, I could not disagree with you more. I thought she was pitch perfect in that video, especially the first time she breaks down mid-lyric. Very moving. (Of course, it's not a video I would race to watch a second time.) If anything it's the guy that ruins it!

jaime Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 12:53 PM EST

Aww. . .i cried when i heard this song for the 1st time and i knew it would be a single and i knew it was going to be a single when we get closer to the presidintail election as a tie and kinda how the country feels anywho in my head i had the video way diff than this but i still thought she did a good job. When she get the card that her husband dies that is a tear jerker. My heart goes out to any man or women who has ever lost their husband wife partner lover whatever in any war. I couldnt do it. . .it would be too hard!

Dan Daoust Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 12:47 PM EST

The Aerosmith-Alicia Silverstone trilogy will always have a special place in my heart. And Liv Tyler rules them all.

Kathgal Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 12:45 PM EST

Wow, Jamie Lynn Spears looks great in this video...whoops, I mean Carrie Underwood....

Aaron Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 12:44 PM EST

I actually got give it up to both Brandy and Monica for "The Boy is Mine."

Snarf Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 12:38 PM EST

Worst - Celine Dion (love her as a singer but the cheese factor is distracting)

Lauren Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 12:31 PM EST

Duh...I meant "opposite," sorry!

Lauren Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 12:29 PM EST

I really liked Annie Lennox in "Walking on Broken Glass"...held her own as the wronged ex opposed John Malkovich and Hugh Laurie. Great song and beautiful video.

Broadway Baby Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 12:17 PM EST

Since it single handedly killed his career I would go with Billy Squier "Rock Me Tonight" as the worst - but personally I can't get enough of it. Make sure you keep with it until at least 1:20 - but you'll want to see the whole thing if you've never before.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fR0j7sModCI&feature=related

Sally in Chicago Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 12:10 PM EST

Carrie's lip synch is way off. Way off! She needs to re-cut that video.

JoeC Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 12:08 PM EST

I actually prefer it when singers DON'T act in their videos. The best videos are simply performance clips a la Michael Jackson in 'Billie Jean.'

Liddy Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 12:01 PM EST

Can't really comment on Carrie's acting in this video (I haven't seen it) but it would've been more realistic to have her looking bad. No new widow spends hours in a makeup chair. I find it a turn off when artists "act" in their videos. Leave it to the pros, but I suppose their egos won't let them.

funkymono Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 11:44 AM EST

My vote is for the guy from Milli Vanilli dude at the beginning of "Girl You Know It's True" -- if that's really him talking. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSqV3rWM4iQ

Eme Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 11:12 AM EST

You're so wrong about Carrie Underwood, her emotion is perfect for the video. I will admit that it isn't as understated and beautiful as LeAnn Rimes' but still it's not that bad.

Stacey Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 10:52 AM EST

I personally loved Carrie in the "Just a Dream" video. She was very believable, given the time period. And it's sad song. Amazing job. And gave the video power. It would have lost something I think if it had been actress with Carrie's voice in the background. But I agree, there are video's where it can backfire. But it didn't I think with Carrie's.

CineRam Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 10:49 AM EST

I gotta go with Alanis Morrisette in "Ironic." She's playing four different characters sitting in the car, each with a slightly different personality. That takes skill, to make them SLIGHTLY different instead of totally different.

Winona Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 10:48 AM EST

Worst has got to be Paula Abdul in "Rush Rush". Of course, Keanu isn't much better... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbU1fKXxqvY

cajunsblues Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 10:43 AM EST

I would say Axel Rose in the video for November Rain. Slash though was very convincing as a guitar playing guy in a church parking lot