Greyson Chance recently appeared on Ellen to promote his new music and tour. However, besides Ellen he isn't garnering much attention since his viral cover of Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi." Why is this? He seems to be talented and have a knack for writing his own material. But the real problem lies within the timing. He was second in a new emergence of teen idols. So I present Second Banana Part Two, the Teen Phenom edition.
Back in the late 1980s Tiffany and Debbie Gibson both emerged as new pop princesses. However, Debbie Gibson is fondly remembered as a multi-talented producer, writer, and singer and still does Broadway. Tiffany was featured on an episode of the VH1 show, Where Are They Now? and had to do Playboy for attention ten years ago (Debbie Gibson did as well, but to less fanfare). While they recently united for a tour, it's obvious that Tiffany still has to compete with Debbie Gibson for the spotlight. Debbie Gibson held a twenty year record for being the youngest artist to have a number one that was self-written and produced. Tiffany was known as a one-hit wonder who did a cover of the Tommy and the Shondells hit to reach the top of the charts. Debbie Gibson was known for her well-produced and choreographed videos. Tiffany's most memorable video was footage from her infamous mall tour. While it seems that they are both fondly remembered, Debbie Gibson's impact is still more highly regarded.
Britney Spears is still topping the charts and recently won an award for her achievements in music video at the MTV Video Music Awards. Her former Mickey Mouse Club co-star Christina Aguilera is on NBC's The Voice, but her album sales and hits seemed to have stalled. At the time of their debut on the teen scene, Christina was considered to be the better talent with her astounding voice and delivery. Britney seemed to appear as the headline-grabbing sex-kitten with shocking antics. The climax of the media-fueled rivalry culminated at the 2003 MTV VMAs when they both kissed Madonna. The problem was that everyone only remembered Britney's kiss because it was first and afterwards they panned to her ex-boyfriend JT for a reaction instead of seeing the Christina kiss. Christina later fumed about this, but it didn't matter. The pop torch had been officially passed from Madge to Britney. They even collaborated on "Me Against the Music." Christina continued to receive critical acclaim, but Britney continued to dominate the charts. Even in her tumultuous period, she dominated from afar. They both started families and had relationship issues, but still even now Britney is the icon and Christina is a great talent.
Justin Bieber has been capitalizing on Bieber fever since his meteoric rise nearly three years ago. His YouTube postings featuring covers of Justin Timberlake and Usher hits resulted in the two artists in a battle to sign him. While he ended up with Usher, he meteorically rose to success on hits like "Baby" and "Somebody to Love." He successively embarked on a multimedia takeover with everything from a concert film to nail polish. Greyson Chance had a famous YouTube video that landed him on Ellen and Ellen's newly formed record label. While he's had success online, there's yet to be a result that has been close to the Biebs. However, they're both still young and things could change. But it's hard to overcome the curse of the second banana.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Trying to Erase the Hate
A new show will debut tonight on the CW. It's called H8R. This show is created in a Punk'd like format for those who don't like a certain celebrity and that celebrity randomly confronts them to dispel rumors and misconceptions. I think this is a great idea, whether or not I agree with the choice of celebrity. There's too many anonymous commenters online, snarky bloggers with too much attitude, and people who feel that because of the internet you can say whatever about whoever and not be accountable.
I disagree. Whatever you write, rather you are bold enough to sign your name to it or not, you should be accountable. I recently heard about a woman who posed for provocative photos or videos (I don't remember) in her past and they were online. When she went to check YouTube, there were snarky comments made by random users about her appearance. She filed a complaint to find out about these people's real names and whereabouts and won. It just goes to show that because of the internet and the lack of accountability, people feel the need to say whatever and then get offended when people demand their rights to the truth.
This show is created by a woman with a gay relative, who although not famous, has dealt with alot of judgment and chastisement. So she can see how the internet age has turned many people in our society into judgmental, close-minded, venom-spewing cowards. I say cowards because anyone who doesn't put their real name or identity online for people to find out. That's why I'm not afraid to sign my real name to my work, because it's my opinion, my research, or my thoughts and anyone who wants to challenge that respectfully has that right. Just like I think these bloggers who truly get a rise out of us by being negative and demeaning to public figures feel like they have that right.
Yes celebrities can be irritating because they don't understand the everyday person's struggles, they are out of touch with reality, they feel a sense of entitlement that extends to the law and beyond, or they just do stupid stuff. Who doesn't? I don't feel this culture of negativity and judgment does anything but create a society of people who will say anything online, but face to face will not own up to what they really think. If you don't like someone's behavior say so. But how can you hate someone you've only learned about through blogs, interviews, and appearances? I think people can appreciate and admire from a far, just like they can judge from the shadows. We'll never know the truth unless we see that person and see who they are beyond the speculation. That goes for anyone in our lives rather they're on tv or not.
I hope this show does succeed in opening people's eyes to see beyond what's fed to us through blogs, gossip shows, and such. I think we owe it to ourselves to face the truth rather than just try to blog about it.
H8R NY Times
I disagree. Whatever you write, rather you are bold enough to sign your name to it or not, you should be accountable. I recently heard about a woman who posed for provocative photos or videos (I don't remember) in her past and they were online. When she went to check YouTube, there were snarky comments made by random users about her appearance. She filed a complaint to find out about these people's real names and whereabouts and won. It just goes to show that because of the internet and the lack of accountability, people feel the need to say whatever and then get offended when people demand their rights to the truth.
This show is created by a woman with a gay relative, who although not famous, has dealt with alot of judgment and chastisement. So she can see how the internet age has turned many people in our society into judgmental, close-minded, venom-spewing cowards. I say cowards because anyone who doesn't put their real name or identity online for people to find out. That's why I'm not afraid to sign my real name to my work, because it's my opinion, my research, or my thoughts and anyone who wants to challenge that respectfully has that right. Just like I think these bloggers who truly get a rise out of us by being negative and demeaning to public figures feel like they have that right.
Yes celebrities can be irritating because they don't understand the everyday person's struggles, they are out of touch with reality, they feel a sense of entitlement that extends to the law and beyond, or they just do stupid stuff. Who doesn't? I don't feel this culture of negativity and judgment does anything but create a society of people who will say anything online, but face to face will not own up to what they really think. If you don't like someone's behavior say so. But how can you hate someone you've only learned about through blogs, interviews, and appearances? I think people can appreciate and admire from a far, just like they can judge from the shadows. We'll never know the truth unless we see that person and see who they are beyond the speculation. That goes for anyone in our lives rather they're on tv or not.
I hope this show does succeed in opening people's eyes to see beyond what's fed to us through blogs, gossip shows, and such. I think we owe it to ourselves to face the truth rather than just try to blog about it.
H8R NY Times
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Silver Fox Goes For Daytime Shine
If you don't know Anderson Cooper at this point in time, you will soon. The award-winning host of CNN's highly rated and critically acclaimed AC360 is now hosting a daytime show which premiered September 12. I watched the second episode on September 13. I have to say it was decent. But I can't really tell how far this show will go. Anderson, aka the Silver Fox is definitely trying to strike a field recently left with a huge void by Oprah.
The first segment is Anderson Cooper talking with Gerard Depardieu, the actor who recently made headlines for not being able to hold his bladder on a plane. It also inspired a viral segment on AC360's RidcuList in which Anderson mentions the most ridiculous members of pop culture, sports, or politics. Unfortunately, the interview is hard to understand because native French speaker Depardieu is very hard to understand. What I could understand was funny.
From their Anderson continues with the episode he calls the Summer Hot List. He talks with his New Year's Eve co-host and friend Kathy Griffin about the weekend they spent together. Then he shows one of the worst videos I could ever imagine. For some reason, he thought we would enjoy all of their escapades on tape. He was wrong very wrong.
But this is just the beginning, he then has a segment with Snooki who he previously criticized for her novel. They talk and then share another video of them going spray tanning. Why Silver Fox, I cry why? This is not interesting or funny. And nobody really cares you're paler than Edward Cullen in Twilight.
He redeems himself with his Daniel Radcliffe interview. I've never seen or read Harry Potter so what I know of him is from interviews. I think this is the high point of the episode. He asked relevant questions about his celebrity, what drives him, why he wants to be a "real" actor and much more. Anderson Cooper hit his stride here. If he just keeps up with being himself, I think that it will be more interesting than trying to fit in with other shows dealing with pop culture.
From what I've seen he's kind of like Ellen, trying to be fun and hip. It's not as natural for him because obviously Ellen is a comedienne and actress who knows how to play to the crowd. I think he does know a good bit about pop culture which helps, but it has to come across as more of a part of his life than his job.
He taps into the Oprah element with the Amy Winehouse family interview, which I didn't see but it's directly focused on an issue and a current event so he's trying to develop there. The September 14th episode supposedly deals with abandonment, particularly child abandonment so he might can bring up interesting points there.
I think the key to the Silver Fox shining in daytime television is maintaining the charm and appeal that draw people to him at night, just into a new lighter format. He isn't Ellen or Oprah, he's Anderson hence the name of the show. If he just continues to be himself, I'm sure he'll be just fine.
The first segment is Anderson Cooper talking with Gerard Depardieu, the actor who recently made headlines for not being able to hold his bladder on a plane. It also inspired a viral segment on AC360's RidcuList in which Anderson mentions the most ridiculous members of pop culture, sports, or politics. Unfortunately, the interview is hard to understand because native French speaker Depardieu is very hard to understand. What I could understand was funny.
From their Anderson continues with the episode he calls the Summer Hot List. He talks with his New Year's Eve co-host and friend Kathy Griffin about the weekend they spent together. Then he shows one of the worst videos I could ever imagine. For some reason, he thought we would enjoy all of their escapades on tape. He was wrong very wrong.
But this is just the beginning, he then has a segment with Snooki who he previously criticized for her novel. They talk and then share another video of them going spray tanning. Why Silver Fox, I cry why? This is not interesting or funny. And nobody really cares you're paler than Edward Cullen in Twilight.
He redeems himself with his Daniel Radcliffe interview. I've never seen or read Harry Potter so what I know of him is from interviews. I think this is the high point of the episode. He asked relevant questions about his celebrity, what drives him, why he wants to be a "real" actor and much more. Anderson Cooper hit his stride here. If he just keeps up with being himself, I think that it will be more interesting than trying to fit in with other shows dealing with pop culture.
From what I've seen he's kind of like Ellen, trying to be fun and hip. It's not as natural for him because obviously Ellen is a comedienne and actress who knows how to play to the crowd. I think he does know a good bit about pop culture which helps, but it has to come across as more of a part of his life than his job.
He taps into the Oprah element with the Amy Winehouse family interview, which I didn't see but it's directly focused on an issue and a current event so he's trying to develop there. The September 14th episode supposedly deals with abandonment, particularly child abandonment so he might can bring up interesting points there.
I think the key to the Silver Fox shining in daytime television is maintaining the charm and appeal that draw people to him at night, just into a new lighter format. He isn't Ellen or Oprah, he's Anderson hence the name of the show. If he just continues to be himself, I'm sure he'll be just fine.
Popping Back Up Into Culture
Even though many people decry the state of music videos and their success, VH1 is once again returning one of their most iconic series in a couple of weeks. That's right. Pop Up Video is making a grand comeback. The show known for quirky factoids, celebrity trivia, and snarky anecdotes is back. And back in a big way. On October 3, we'll see for ourselves how this show has evolved.
For those of you who don't know, Pop Up Video debuted back in 1996 as a new way to watch videos. Instead of watching videos and just looking at the image, you get a behind the scenes glimpse into the making of the video and the circumstances. In small bubbles, you get to see what happened or what should have happened on a video set.
It signaled the birth of the internet age by inserting trivia and random facts. It also helps those in pursuit of world domination of all things trivia. I always liked watching it because it's equal parts funny and interesting. What's also enjoyable is how they give specific themes to each episode. For instance, back in the days of VH1's Divas franchise you would watch a show featuring all five divas in their respective music videos. Or if you were a devoted metal-head you'd watch the Metal Mania episodes. So you could see how this translates into catering to the interests of the music video viewer. The show ended several years ago, but some episodes replay from to time to time on sister network VH1 Classic. But now with the Twitter and Facebook revolutions, it only makes sense to capitalize on the new generation of video viewers.
It also reflects a return to nostalgia-influenced programming on both VH1 and sister networks. VH1 also resurrected the award-winning franchise of Behind the Music a couple of years ago. 120 Minutes, the independent and alternative music video showcase, has made a comeback on VH1 Classic and MTV2. MTV has shown various new episodes of Unplugged as well. It's good that these networks are finally realizing that way actually do want some music on channels that were originally created to showcase music and that there's only so much Snooki and the Situation you can bombard us with.
Here's to Pop Up Video recapturing the glory of yesteryear.
Pop Up Video Preview
Pop Up Show Page
For those of you who don't know, Pop Up Video debuted back in 1996 as a new way to watch videos. Instead of watching videos and just looking at the image, you get a behind the scenes glimpse into the making of the video and the circumstances. In small bubbles, you get to see what happened or what should have happened on a video set.
It signaled the birth of the internet age by inserting trivia and random facts. It also helps those in pursuit of world domination of all things trivia. I always liked watching it because it's equal parts funny and interesting. What's also enjoyable is how they give specific themes to each episode. For instance, back in the days of VH1's Divas franchise you would watch a show featuring all five divas in their respective music videos. Or if you were a devoted metal-head you'd watch the Metal Mania episodes. So you could see how this translates into catering to the interests of the music video viewer. The show ended several years ago, but some episodes replay from to time to time on sister network VH1 Classic. But now with the Twitter and Facebook revolutions, it only makes sense to capitalize on the new generation of video viewers.
It also reflects a return to nostalgia-influenced programming on both VH1 and sister networks. VH1 also resurrected the award-winning franchise of Behind the Music a couple of years ago. 120 Minutes, the independent and alternative music video showcase, has made a comeback on VH1 Classic and MTV2. MTV has shown various new episodes of Unplugged as well. It's good that these networks are finally realizing that way actually do want some music on channels that were originally created to showcase music and that there's only so much Snooki and the Situation you can bombard us with.
Here's to Pop Up Video recapturing the glory of yesteryear.
Pop Up Video Preview
Pop Up Show Page
Sunday, September 11, 2011
With Friends Like These
The other night I was flipping channels and stumbled upon Friends. For some reason, before then I never watched a full episode. I had placed my deep seeded prejudices about television and culture on to the show before fully evaluating it. I finally decided to throw caution to the wind and really watch the show as a television lover. And what I found was that I loved Friends more than I could have thought.
There's something enchanting about it that I didn't see before. There is no radically new character, but the way each character interacts with each other is so funny. The romantic tensions add a layer of vulnerability to the show as well. But what I love is how each episode title is complimenting the central plot of the episode, so you know what to expect.
I also can appreciate how each character has different struggles with their careers, relationships, and family. Joey trying to be an actor is especially funny. I mean there are very few things funnier than an actor playing an actor. And Matt Le Blanc does it superbly. Or how about Monica trying to tame her neurotic tendencies that was presumably brought on by her struggles with weight as a teen? I think that is a very relevant way to address something that so many people deal with.
Are any of these characters realistic? Well, I would say to a certain extent yes and also no. For example, there are many people like Rachel Green who suffer the fate of learning about everyday life by being cut off from their parents. But is there a Ross Gellar who can't seem to find the right wife? Yes but would he continue to marry? Um, ok I guess you could look at Donald Trump as an example of that. But as a whole could six people completely exist as such as these? I guess only time and television history will tell?
There's something enchanting about it that I didn't see before. There is no radically new character, but the way each character interacts with each other is so funny. The romantic tensions add a layer of vulnerability to the show as well. But what I love is how each episode title is complimenting the central plot of the episode, so you know what to expect.
I also can appreciate how each character has different struggles with their careers, relationships, and family. Joey trying to be an actor is especially funny. I mean there are very few things funnier than an actor playing an actor. And Matt Le Blanc does it superbly. Or how about Monica trying to tame her neurotic tendencies that was presumably brought on by her struggles with weight as a teen? I think that is a very relevant way to address something that so many people deal with.
Are any of these characters realistic? Well, I would say to a certain extent yes and also no. For example, there are many people like Rachel Green who suffer the fate of learning about everyday life by being cut off from their parents. But is there a Ross Gellar who can't seem to find the right wife? Yes but would he continue to marry? Um, ok I guess you could look at Donald Trump as an example of that. But as a whole could six people completely exist as such as these? I guess only time and television history will tell?
9/11 and Pop Culture
Today is one of those days where I struggle what to feel. There are times where I feel sad because of all the anguish and heartache so many people have to deal with. There are times I'm angry that I can't escape the memories of ten years ago. There are times I am scared of having to face another day like this. Another day where the inexplicable becomes all you can try to explain. This is a day marred by history, scarred by fate, and enveloped by fear, but we prevail.
Pop culture inevitably changed because of 9/11. As did everything else. We had to think of how to conceptualize and express ourselves differently. We had to find a way to address terrorism, promote heroism, and entertain. So in honor of today, I'd like to present some examples of how post-9/11 culture infiltrated popular culture.
This weekend I couldn't help but notice that USA is essentially running a 2-day NCIS marathon. For anyone who doesn't know what it stands for it means Navy Criminal Investigative Service. Essentially, it serves as the police department for various criminal offenses. The show is part procedural sleuth show and part counter-terrorism agency. I've watched several episodes of the show and while it is not outwardly obvious that it is about preventing terrorist attacks, one of the main characters is symbolic of the 9/11 change. Ziva David (Cote De Pablo) was part of a supposed terror organization and is brought in for questioning. In exchange for a pardon, David is offered a role on the team helping with terrorist threats. The show will enter into its 9th season next week and has no signs of slowing down. It is also one of the highest rated shows on television and has a spinoff in NCIS: LA.
The Dark Knight is probably the most popular movie addressing post-9/11 life without explicitly talking about terrorism. It mirrors the confusion we suffer in the fight between good and evil. Bruce Wayne didn't know rather to be the person he was born as, shaken by his parents' death, alone, and discontent or be the creation of his youth, Batman, brash, aggressive, and in search of justice. As dark as the movie is, it mirrors how we feel trapped between looking out for justice and serving ourselves primarily.
Today is by no means an easy day for any of us, but unlike those on that fateful day ten years ago we can still look ahead with hope.
Pop culture inevitably changed because of 9/11. As did everything else. We had to think of how to conceptualize and express ourselves differently. We had to find a way to address terrorism, promote heroism, and entertain. So in honor of today, I'd like to present some examples of how post-9/11 culture infiltrated popular culture.
This weekend I couldn't help but notice that USA is essentially running a 2-day NCIS marathon. For anyone who doesn't know what it stands for it means Navy Criminal Investigative Service. Essentially, it serves as the police department for various criminal offenses. The show is part procedural sleuth show and part counter-terrorism agency. I've watched several episodes of the show and while it is not outwardly obvious that it is about preventing terrorist attacks, one of the main characters is symbolic of the 9/11 change. Ziva David (Cote De Pablo) was part of a supposed terror organization and is brought in for questioning. In exchange for a pardon, David is offered a role on the team helping with terrorist threats. The show will enter into its 9th season next week and has no signs of slowing down. It is also one of the highest rated shows on television and has a spinoff in NCIS: LA.
The Dark Knight is probably the most popular movie addressing post-9/11 life without explicitly talking about terrorism. It mirrors the confusion we suffer in the fight between good and evil. Bruce Wayne didn't know rather to be the person he was born as, shaken by his parents' death, alone, and discontent or be the creation of his youth, Batman, brash, aggressive, and in search of justice. As dark as the movie is, it mirrors how we feel trapped between looking out for justice and serving ourselves primarily.
Today is by no means an easy day for any of us, but unlike those on that fateful day ten years ago we can still look ahead with hope.
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