America's Got Talent Again

Today, let's talk about Talent...Of course, outside of my endless bounty of persona, there are others...Or, so Network Execs would have you believe in America's Got Talent.

Say What?
Now, before you start snickering with laughter, as I often do upon hearing this alleged proclamation (Well, I'm Brit and never remiss opportunity). Why I always inadvertently mutter the word ("Less") at the end of the word Talent as purely imaginary reflex...Ah, I'm rolling into a good mood again over this revelry.

With said, this week marks the return of another season of America's Got Talent (NBC). Not sure if you have been watching past seasons (Do not feel badly, I have not as well), so for our sake let us review the intended premise of the show for context.

According to a recent press release issued by friends at NBC:

"America's Got Talent" -- From "American Idol" producers FremantleMedia North America and Simon Cowell's SYCO Television -- returns with the hottest performers from across the country ready to compete in the blockbuster reality show's fourth season. The multi-talented entertainer-producer-comedian Nick Cannon joins as the new host. The series will continue to be presided over by the explosive combination of celebrity judges Sharon Osbourne, Piers Morgan and David Hasselhoff. With the talent search open to acts of all ages, "America's Got Talent" has brought the variety format back to the forefront of American culture by showcasing performers from across the country -- all hoping to win America's hearts and the $1 million prize.

We'll see...

Dancers, Singers, Musicians and Simon?
You may or may not be aware that our friend Simon is largely responsible for creating the show and of course heavily involved in the show's production (Hence the similar look to American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, et al).

However, the good news is that Simon does not appear as a judge due to the conditions of his American Idol contract. Despite this, Simon does appear as a judge on Britain's Got Talent.

Out with A Springer In With A Cannon
The major change in the new format is the addition of 'Mr. Mariah Carey', I mean Nick Cannon is surely a cutie-pie. Mariah, you know I think the world of ya' - After all, you gave us Glitter (Terence Howard, I am still mad at you) and Mimi you taught me how to work out on the Stairmaster wearing my 4” heels – who knew?

My question, and this may appear from nowhere, “What do you see in this kid?” I am all about looking forward to being 40 and dating a 20 something year old (With certain conditions such as maturity being one of them...).

My point (Yeah, I am searching for one as we speak), is that if the intention is to 'Young up' the show for an MTV crowd, choosing Cannon was a definitive move (Jerry Springer is much too old and completely not relatable).

However, the question remains if this was the correct personality to choose from the perception of experience, strength (As in appeal), and persona. Nick (Cannon) may be too young for such an enormous task.

A host of this type of high-level visibility in this type of top tier program, should be well experienced, confident and prepared to engage the contestants and have the ability to mix-it-up with the judges to enhance the entertainment value. From a timing stand point, the show cannot afford such a dramatic re-build of audience...This type of adjustment in brand strategy would need to occur over several seasons.

My suggestion would have been to bring in someone like a Rosie O'Donnell type of personality, but with charm (To be clear, I am NOT a fan, but she can bring in the ratings). NBC had yet another opportunity to make an impact and change the landscape, but yet again failed to break away from mediocrity of same.

Moreover, let us look at the panel of judges. David Hasselhoff - Really, You HAVE to LOVE the lack of shame and enthusiasm that this man reeks - it's an ongoing charming smarmy and caricature of himself. Honestly, who could make a drunken cheeseburger escapade on the floor look like such fun? Well, Cheeseburgers and hard liquor do not mix (I am aware of this for a number of reasons, the first being when I used to eat meat some years back and the other in 'Unruly' times - let us just say...).

Further, Sharon Osborne - terribly well mannered in Prime Time to the point of excessive and unnatural from the persona we know and love. I exclaim, who is this Fembot and what have you done with the real Sharon Osborne? Final judge Pierce Morgan; 'Brits' love their Pierce...Brosnan that is...and 'Brits' really meaning me. Enough with the recycle of Brits, Simon. America's Got Talent is a show that should be judged by American Talent!

Calling All Talent
What may be equally as interesting is that the show (Reminiscent of the Gong Show - I'm big Chuck Barris fan), is the variety of participants. Really, where else can you have a 50 something year old couple dangling from a Hula hoop in a hippie drenched love fest, a fire breathing and wearing (Literally) magic act, a broke down parody singer, and a heart-wrenching group of kid singers with a mother recovering from a coma? Well, that's the 'talent' in America's Got Talent. Put on your boots...

Here is the audition schedule:

• Tuesday, June 23: Audition Show #1 (2 hours)
• Wednesday, June 24: Audition Show #2 (1 hour)
• Tuesday, June 30: Audition Show #3 (1 hour)
• Wednesday, July 1: Audition Show #4 (1 hour)
• Tuesday, July 7: Audition Show #5 (1 hour)
• Wednesday, July 8: Audition Show #6 (1 hour)
  

So, it possible to find yet another Paul Potts and/or Susan Boyle? We have seen the evidence of the American Paul Potts (Neil Boyd) and my speculation is that an American Boyle copy has already been secured by Producers of the show. Why should the Brits have all of the fun?