In a recent episode of the talk show “Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend,” musician John Mayer joined the host to discuss his career and the challenges he faces on stage. O’Brien admitted that he has always admired musicians like Mayer and even expressed a desire to pursue a career in music if he could.

Mayer, however, revealed that he faces his own set of worries and anxieties when performing. While O’Brien assumed that Mayer would feel confident and invincible on stage, the musician shared that his concerns lie in whether he is playing the songs that the audience wants to hear. With multiple albums and different musical styles, Mayer sometimes struggles with striking the right balance between playing his hits and pleasing the crowd with deeper, more textured songs.

This dilemma of meeting audience expectations is something many artists experience, whether in comedy or music. The fear of disappointing the crowd can be overwhelming, leading performers to constantly question their choices and worry about losing the audience’s interest. Mayer explained that he never aims to play the hits because they lack the artistic depth he craves, but at the same time, he fears that deviating from the familiar might cause audience members to lose interest.

O’Brien chimed in, noting that audiences are highly perceptive and intelligent. They can sense any lack of confidence in a performer and look to the artist for leadership and authority on stage. The host drew parallels between this phenomenon and leadership in other areas, such as cults or even politics. People tend to follow those who speak with confidence and authority, regardless of the substance behind their words.

The conversation then veered towards politics, without directly naming individuals. O’Brien humorously suggested that if former President Donald Trump used his bombastic speaking style to deliver benign messages, he could narrate movies or audiobooks. He praised President Joe Biden’s quieter speaking voice and the substance of his words during a recent conversation they had.

As the discussion unfolded, it became evident that both O’Brien and Mayer view confidence and authority as essential elements in entertaining and leading an audience. Breaking away from this principle would not only undermine the performer but could also cause the audience to lose faith in them.

Mayer concluded by highlighting the importance of never apologizing to the audience during a performance. He emphasized that artists should project confidence and stand by their work, despite any technical glitches or personal issues. Apologizing, in his opinion, weakens the connection between the artist and the audience. O’Brien interjected, recalling instances when guests on his show had criticized their own stories, leaving the audience feeling awkward and disconnected.

The conversation between John Mayer and Conan O’Brien shed light on the delicate dance performers engage in to satisfy their audience while remaining true to their artistic instincts. It is a constant challenge to strike the right balance between meeting audience expectations and pursuing creative fulfillment. Indeed, the realm of entertainment is a fascinating world where confidence and authority play crucial roles in captivating and involving an audience.