Nicole Scherzinger aka the only Pussycat Doll we can identify by name had to make a troublesome decision last night in the X Factor eliminations. However instead of making the tough calls, she acted more like Rachel Crow, the thirteen year old being eliminated.
Let me be clear, I haven't watched the X Factor beyond the clips and soundbites on the entertainment news shows. But I am well aware of the judges' constant bickering, contestants' attitudes and anxieties, and the general tepid nature of the show.
Last night, Scherzinger decidedly didn't vote and the deadlock sent the decision to a higher authority who sent Rachel home. Rachel collapsed but ultimately knew this wasn't her end. Nicole, well. She continued to hear booing from the crowd and disappeared at the end of the show.
This incident pretty much illuminates the core problems of shows like the X Factor. Judging is never easy or completely objective. The judges have to place themselves in the ears and expectations of the audience. And that's hard when these shows rely on judges who aren't complete household names in their own right.
And it's not just Scherzinger who isn't that well known beyond the musically fickle youth. You can also lump Sara Bareilles a relatively new singer/songwriter in that category. Ironically enough she replaced Scherzinger on the Sing Off. Not that her musical insights are wrong, but let's be honest if we don't know the name of the person on the screen, it's harder to trust them. Now there is one show that did get it right. NBC's The Voice has the perfect combination of talented judges and a unique approach that sets them apart.
But this latest happening only challenges the authority and insights of the ever-changing television landscape. They may have the money, but they don't always have the power.
Showing posts with label Reality Shows. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reality Shows. Show all posts
Friday, December 9, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
Dumb and Dumber
If you've heard in the past couple of days Vinnie of Jersey Shore fame recorded a rap song (ear curdling scream #1) and in one verse talks about having sex with some poor drunk guidette "like he's raping it" (ear curdling scream #2). It was bad enough he insulted our musical intelligence by releasing music, it's even worse that he's mentioned something as horrible and sensitive as rape.
Whoever gave him this opportunity needs to be slapped and so does Vinnie. When has rape ever been a popular subject? And if it has, is it ever appropriate to mention it in the same breath as consensual sex? Okay then, you see my point. Rape is a horrible experience that should never be compared to pleasure in any way.
And furthermore, it is in bad taste to actually think you can change the public opinion in the confines of a rap song. No matter if you are a publicity hound like these cray-crays from Seaside Heights or Slim Shady himself, it's never going to work.
My thing is this, it's bad enough we have to deal with these fools in reality television, but how about for once not letting them impose their stupidity in other mediums. There's enough stupidity from career musicians to solve that problem.
Whoever gave him this opportunity needs to be slapped and so does Vinnie. When has rape ever been a popular subject? And if it has, is it ever appropriate to mention it in the same breath as consensual sex? Okay then, you see my point. Rape is a horrible experience that should never be compared to pleasure in any way.
And furthermore, it is in bad taste to actually think you can change the public opinion in the confines of a rap song. No matter if you are a publicity hound like these cray-crays from Seaside Heights or Slim Shady himself, it's never going to work.
My thing is this, it's bad enough we have to deal with these fools in reality television, but how about for once not letting them impose their stupidity in other mediums. There's enough stupidity from career musicians to solve that problem.
Monday, September 26, 2011
What Patti Says...
"The Millionaire Matchmaker" is doing it again. Patti Stanger is making comments that offend groups that probably watch her show: women, gay men, and Jewish men.
I've seen "The Millionaire Matchmaker" and sometimes I find Patti's advice a little bit too much. No one can always look a certain way, behave in such a way that attracts the right person, and leave their foot out of their mouth. I mean, look at the Presidential Race, and that should give you some idea of what I mean.
Patti isn't always wrong though. She does help her clients with severe emotional problems receive advice, therapy, and counsel. And sometimes there are clients who need to change their approach because either it's too docile or too aggressive, but her comments last night were over the top.
Saying that gay couples can't handle monogamy- without anything to back her up but personal experience is wrong. The only people gay or straight who know if they can handle monogamy are the people themselves. And even then some people spend a long time defining monogamy within their relationship. But to generalize is to err and in television to err in this way is not human but inhumane.
But what really should make everyone mad is her comments about single women in Manhattan. She implied that some women are too smart with men and that because these men are dumb, they should be treated as such.
This statement should offend anyone. Why? Because she inevitably says that women have to be someone their not to get someone they should be lucky enough to get. I think that's all wrong. If you're smart be smart, don't overcompensate for the fact that you meet someone who can't understand how you operate. People who play pretend, never really end up happy.
And for someone who's job is to make sure people are happy, she should know this above anything else.
I've seen "The Millionaire Matchmaker" and sometimes I find Patti's advice a little bit too much. No one can always look a certain way, behave in such a way that attracts the right person, and leave their foot out of their mouth. I mean, look at the Presidential Race, and that should give you some idea of what I mean.
Patti isn't always wrong though. She does help her clients with severe emotional problems receive advice, therapy, and counsel. And sometimes there are clients who need to change their approach because either it's too docile or too aggressive, but her comments last night were over the top.
Saying that gay couples can't handle monogamy- without anything to back her up but personal experience is wrong. The only people gay or straight who know if they can handle monogamy are the people themselves. And even then some people spend a long time defining monogamy within their relationship. But to generalize is to err and in television to err in this way is not human but inhumane.
But what really should make everyone mad is her comments about single women in Manhattan. She implied that some women are too smart with men and that because these men are dumb, they should be treated as such.
This statement should offend anyone. Why? Because she inevitably says that women have to be someone their not to get someone they should be lucky enough to get. I think that's all wrong. If you're smart be smart, don't overcompensate for the fact that you meet someone who can't understand how you operate. People who play pretend, never really end up happy.
And for someone who's job is to make sure people are happy, she should know this above anything else.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Great X-pectations
The X-Factor debuted on Wednesday to decent ratings. But for the heavily anticipated, Simon Cowell produced extravaganza, it was a slight misfire. The ratings for Wednesday night were only at twelve and a half million, only half of what the latest season premiere, of network rival Idol netted. What happened? Why is this show not gaining enough attention?
Well, in my opinion I think people are finally tired of being over-saturated with similar shows. Besides the X-Factor on Fox, there's also American Idol, NBC's The Voice and The Sing-Off as well as general variety show America's Got Talent which also includes singing. I think people are finally tired of watching a different version of the same thing.
There's only so many approaches that a concept can take before it gets worn, which is why people are now tuning out to the supposed next big thing. This new season has proven that there is still an appetite for scripted programming that is original. Reality shows with an established audience like The Biggest Loser and Dancing with the Stars are still proven favorites, however competition shows are really becoming a dime a dozen.
So is the celebrity judge. To be honest, they are as detrimental to the process in some ways because alot of people watch for the judge rather than the actual new or fresh talent. But then there are judges who have little recognition like new Sing-Off judge Sara Bareilles who replaced new X-Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger. While both aren't household names, the level of trust someone has with an identifiable and highly successful talent is greater than someone with a niche appeal.
Essentially these shows become re-launching pads for the careers of judges rather than a way for new talent to gain a foothold in the ever changing music industry. Let's be honest even though there are ten winners of American Idol, there are only about two or three who really have maintained and established success and those aren't even the winners. Take for instance Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson. While her foothold was a combination of talent beyond the Idol stage, how many more stories like that will we hear?
Here's hoping the X-Factor lives up to x-pectations.
Well, in my opinion I think people are finally tired of being over-saturated with similar shows. Besides the X-Factor on Fox, there's also American Idol, NBC's The Voice and The Sing-Off as well as general variety show America's Got Talent which also includes singing. I think people are finally tired of watching a different version of the same thing.
There's only so many approaches that a concept can take before it gets worn, which is why people are now tuning out to the supposed next big thing. This new season has proven that there is still an appetite for scripted programming that is original. Reality shows with an established audience like The Biggest Loser and Dancing with the Stars are still proven favorites, however competition shows are really becoming a dime a dozen.
So is the celebrity judge. To be honest, they are as detrimental to the process in some ways because alot of people watch for the judge rather than the actual new or fresh talent. But then there are judges who have little recognition like new Sing-Off judge Sara Bareilles who replaced new X-Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger. While both aren't household names, the level of trust someone has with an identifiable and highly successful talent is greater than someone with a niche appeal.
Essentially these shows become re-launching pads for the careers of judges rather than a way for new talent to gain a foothold in the ever changing music industry. Let's be honest even though there are ten winners of American Idol, there are only about two or three who really have maintained and established success and those aren't even the winners. Take for instance Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson. While her foothold was a combination of talent beyond the Idol stage, how many more stories like that will we hear?
Here's hoping the X-Factor lives up to x-pectations.
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
Monday, August 15, 2011
Kate Plus 8 Minus Checks
It was announced today that TLC is cancelling Kate Plus 8 after a combined total of 150 episodes. While you begin to cry and wail into your coffee, this is wonderful for those of us who demand real entertainment.
I've only seen a couple of episodes of John+Kate/Kate Plus 8 and let me tell you it was worse than watching paint dry. Yeah, I said it. It's worse than watching paint dry. John+Kate was so horrifically tense that you could tell there was a breakup looming. But worse than that was the way she berated John; for a moment in time it had me feeling sorry for John until the whole dating your family friend's daughter thing broke out. Kate, I can see how she suffered but she still had too many reasons for keeping the cameras on her kids.
The kids are who I've always sided with. In any kind of limelight affair, the kids always face the most scrutiny because they are the most innocent. People who have a chance to grow up before cameras are involved, at least have more of a fighting chance. I sincerely hope this gives these kids what every child around the world deserves a happy, healthy, encouraging and empowering childhood surrounded by love, family, learning and not cameras.
Kate Gosselin, for some reason has become a model mom. I think so many women have become stuck in this rut of looking for women who supposedly are great mothers. Women in the limelight like Mrs. Obama, Angelina Jolie, and Heidi Klum. These women do have the tough task of balancing family and career, but it was their choice. They didn't want to have it any other way. My problem with Kate is that she used her family to get a career instead of getting a job she could do.
Nonetheless, I sincerely hope that TLC figures out how to actually give us something that we don't see in everyday life.
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20518349,00.html
I've only seen a couple of episodes of John+Kate/Kate Plus 8 and let me tell you it was worse than watching paint dry. Yeah, I said it. It's worse than watching paint dry. John+Kate was so horrifically tense that you could tell there was a breakup looming. But worse than that was the way she berated John; for a moment in time it had me feeling sorry for John until the whole dating your family friend's daughter thing broke out. Kate, I can see how she suffered but she still had too many reasons for keeping the cameras on her kids.
The kids are who I've always sided with. In any kind of limelight affair, the kids always face the most scrutiny because they are the most innocent. People who have a chance to grow up before cameras are involved, at least have more of a fighting chance. I sincerely hope this gives these kids what every child around the world deserves a happy, healthy, encouraging and empowering childhood surrounded by love, family, learning and not cameras.
Kate Gosselin, for some reason has become a model mom. I think so many women have become stuck in this rut of looking for women who supposedly are great mothers. Women in the limelight like Mrs. Obama, Angelina Jolie, and Heidi Klum. These women do have the tough task of balancing family and career, but it was their choice. They didn't want to have it any other way. My problem with Kate is that she used her family to get a career instead of getting a job she could do.
Nonetheless, I sincerely hope that TLC figures out how to actually give us something that we don't see in everyday life.
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20518349,00.html
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Signing Your Life Away: Life in the Real World
According to The Village Voice the real world isn't all that's cracked up to be. No, not the world as we know it but MTV's the Real World. Is anyone really surprised? All reality shows are set-up/scripted for promoting hook-ups, conflict, and drama. But there are some surprising points within the contract.
One I found interesting was that you can't blame MTV if you catch a venereal disease while filming. Does that really need to be in this contract? Well, I guess it does because of the litigious nature of the US. I mean, where else can you sue McDonald's for hot coffee? I digress, but the point is anyone who is irresponsible enough in this day and age to have intimate relationships without taking proper precautions should have no one to blame but themselves. If the last thirty years has taught anyone anything, you can't be too careful.
Another stipulation I have a slight problem with is that becoming pregnant during taping warrants termination from the show. I think that's unfair especially considering the reputation MTV's development of shows like 16 & Pregnant. Someone on the Real World, is older but not necessarily wiser so showing the repercussions of unplanned parenthood and the decisions that fall in line with it.
MTV does not consider your appearance on the show a performance or employment. Well, considering it garners both, I think they should change their tune. Is Mikey from Idaho really a hound dog or is that the effects of Susie from Colorado and tequila? I'm not trying to say that people on the Real World aren't real, but every person fits a formula that seems to replicate itself. For instance, the uncomfortable gay guy, the outspoken black girl, or the naive country bumpkin. Is it possible that every college-aged and twenty-something individual fits these stereotypes? I doubt it. MTV plays upon the obvious for ratings so therefore it becomes easier with each season to replicate.
Finally, you can't change your looks without talking to the producer. What about when you bloat from too much food in your respective filming location? What if you get drunk in spray paint your hair Bozo Red? I'm just saying it sounds easier said than done.
Well that does it, I think I'll just stay here because no one's gonna get mad at me when I decide to dye my hair ice blue and call myself Pool Princess.
.http://popwatch.ew.com/2011/08/02/mtv-real-world-reputed-contract/#more-151580
http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/2011/08/mtv_real_world_contract.php?page=2
One I found interesting was that you can't blame MTV if you catch a venereal disease while filming. Does that really need to be in this contract? Well, I guess it does because of the litigious nature of the US. I mean, where else can you sue McDonald's for hot coffee? I digress, but the point is anyone who is irresponsible enough in this day and age to have intimate relationships without taking proper precautions should have no one to blame but themselves. If the last thirty years has taught anyone anything, you can't be too careful.
Another stipulation I have a slight problem with is that becoming pregnant during taping warrants termination from the show. I think that's unfair especially considering the reputation MTV's development of shows like 16 & Pregnant. Someone on the Real World, is older but not necessarily wiser so showing the repercussions of unplanned parenthood and the decisions that fall in line with it.
MTV does not consider your appearance on the show a performance or employment. Well, considering it garners both, I think they should change their tune. Is Mikey from Idaho really a hound dog or is that the effects of Susie from Colorado and tequila? I'm not trying to say that people on the Real World aren't real, but every person fits a formula that seems to replicate itself. For instance, the uncomfortable gay guy, the outspoken black girl, or the naive country bumpkin. Is it possible that every college-aged and twenty-something individual fits these stereotypes? I doubt it. MTV plays upon the obvious for ratings so therefore it becomes easier with each season to replicate.
Finally, you can't change your looks without talking to the producer. What about when you bloat from too much food in your respective filming location? What if you get drunk in spray paint your hair Bozo Red? I'm just saying it sounds easier said than done.
Well that does it, I think I'll just stay here because no one's gonna get mad at me when I decide to dye my hair ice blue and call myself Pool Princess.
.http://popwatch.ew.com/2011/08/02/mtv-real-world-reputed-contract/#more-151580
http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/2011/08/mtv_real_world_contract.php?page=2
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