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?

Your TV Rundown...Just The Highlights Please

Aloha Fellow TV Watching Citizens!

I am in a good mood (Yet again)...We are ending yet another Great week here in tinsel town (Never a moment).

Quick update on this side, we have wrapped up the MTV gig, I am already working on a new venture for you (More on this later), my regional ProCo is formulating a new agreement with another major cable television provider, and much more.

Having said, I am largely a "Personality", but also happen to own a media company which is really an endless set of topics within itself - we may need to establish Blogs for each of my adventures in business (Too much to write about within this fun escape!).

Ah - enough talk of business, let us focus on our more entertaining subject of television!

Here we go...

1. Britian's Got Second Place Susan
Street dancers Diversity were the surprise winners of television contest "Britain's Got Talent" on Saturday, beating favorite Susan Boyle who became an Internet phenomenon and global celebrity after appearing on the show.

The troupe, which includes three sets of brothers and comes from southeast England, won 100,000 pounds ($160,000) and the right to take the stage at the Royal Variety Performance in front of the Queen.

My Comments: First, it's rather amusing how my fellow Brits still have a "King & Queen" - for it is only the 21st (I know a bit of a disappointment on this side; can we please advance?!).

Anyway returning to the point...After a number of messages about Susan Boyle (Thank you), the issue may have been one of over exposure. Think about it, Susan Boyle mania was everywhere Celeb News sites, TV, Web, Radio and you must admit that you have seen the footage, repeatedly heard the singing, "I Dreamed A Dream".

It is rather concerning that all of the pressure may have had a detrimental affect on Susan Boyle who is now allegedly recuperating in a mental facility.

Whether a pre-existing mental condition existed remains in question, however British commission is now requesting an investigation of the treatment of the contestants and the Producers of Britain's Got Talent - claiming that greater care for contestants, including their lives should be taken by show Producers. The notion is beyond preposterous (Babysitter Wanted, must be good with former Reality TV personalities) and we will surely continue this discussion within later blogs. Anyway, get well soon, Susan.

2. Jay Leno bids farewell to "Tonight Show"
Jay Leno bid farewell to "The Tonight Show" last Friday, ending his 17-year run as host with a finale that stayed true to the style that made him the top-rated performer on U.S. late-night television. The main difference was a long ovation that Leno struggled to quiet as he took the stage for an opening monologue that poked fun, as usual, at politicians, celebrities and current events.

My Comments: I am curious, just as you, to discover if this move works for NBC. After all, daytime talk fests works for Oprah, Ellen, Bonnie Hunt, Wendy Williams, and a plethora of others - Why not 8, 9, 10 PM? Why not just have talk shows occupy every square hour of television, for that matter? Oh my, there I go again...

Now then, during the Rosie O meltdown, I had suggested that NBC consider having Rosie host a late-night talk show. To be clear, I am NOT a fan of Rosie, but never mind that, the woman can command ratings (My motives have been unduly revealed).

My idea (I have a number of them) was to simply have a female presence in late night (Yes, I know Chelsea Handler is on E!), I am clamoring for equal representation in network television (Ah, this could be an entire series of blogs for another time).

3. Jon and Kate Plus 8 and millions more who seem to care...
The TLC show "Jon & Kate Plus 8" had its beginnings two years ago as a reality show about a super-sized family. After having twins, the couple had sextuplets in 2004. The show seemed to portray a wholesome, happy family. Until this year, when the marriage began to implode with accusations of cheating. Needless to say, ratings have soared with this turn for the worse.

My Comments: Well, you are more than aware of my affections for TLC. However, I have never watched the show and do not have any interest. Quite frankly, despite the ratings delivered by tabloid hoopla, the show should be taken off the air - people allow TV cameras into their lives and then lament over not having privacy - one should expect a certain level of descent and ruckus.

The family is going through obvious turmoil and the children should not be subjected to this level of borderline abuse (Note: the family is paid roughly $75,000 per episode).

Hair plugs and all (Jon), this program has been an obvious commercial venture decided by BOTH parents (One could speculate that Octomom has the same intention). Really, the intent is not different from any other actor seeking a vehicle in which to attain fame.

4. American Idolatry
On-going controversy continues over recently crowned winner Kris Allen from this season's American Idol. The latest controversy alleged that AT&T employees provided cell phones that would automatically send numerous votes over the phone line.

My Comment: First, this is disappointing news and I expect better of AT&T (Bad, bad little Mega-monopoly)...

Ah, indeed I had hoped that Adam would have been the season winner - his performances were full of style, flair, and creative talent. Given past results, the second runner up has always fared much better than the actual winner (With the exception of Kelly Clarkson).

Furthermore, I am not even remotely concerned with Adam's personal life - despite tabloid fodder. As I have mentioned to many, Adam will have a great career.

Until next blog, Chao Chao!