December 23, 2024
Column

Reality TV talent searches have run thin

Reality TV is all about becoming rich and famous overnight, and it seems like more and more shows are searching for “true talent.” But what is true talent and is there really enough of it to fill up all the reality shows that are searching for it?

Is it brains, brawn, good looks, a great voice, stage presence or a combination of everything?

Is it Rappin’ Granny on “America’s Got Talent”? I don’t think so.

She might be the judge’s favorite thus far on NBC’s latest talent search, but she’s certainly not mine.

Yes, she’s funny. Yes, she’s entertaining. But she’s just not our nation’s next rising star.

I was under the impression that the purpose of the show was to find the person or group who had the “it” factor that America’s looking for – the most talented person in America. In my opinion, Granny’s not the one for the $1 million prize.

And even though I picked Bianca Ryan, the 11-year-old with the amazing voice, when I first wrote about the show, I’m not so sure after her second performance.

She changed her hairstyle and clothes at the judge’s request, but it was her song choice that didn’t seem quite right. Hopefully she’ll step it up in the finals.

There’s also a whole new level of reality talent searching with NBC’s “Star Tomorrow.”

It’s an online competition that’s searching for the first Internet superstar band or singing group. Each week performers will compete online at NBC.com. Online viewers then will vote and determine what bands survive to the next round.

In the end, Grammy-winning producer David Foster will help pick the winner of a development deal with a major record label.

As for ABC’s most recent attempt to find a star, they failed.

“The One” has been canceled after four episodes. The only message ABC released was a note on its Web site thanking those who participated and stating that there are no plans for additional episodes of the show.

Singers on “The One” also were competing for a major record deal.

I think America’s pretty well sung out. What happened to becoming famous the old fashioned way? Either because you came from an already rich and famous family, or by waiting tables by day and playing in dingy clubs by night until you were found and magically made a star.


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