Shilling for NBC
I'm not really a reality series person. I swear. Yes, I have been known to dabble in a little Top Model. And by "little", I mean watching hours-long marathons. Anyway. That's different. Today, I'm here to talk to you about America's Got Talent.
I know what you're thinking! Cheesy Idol-ripoff, pandering to current American TV tastes. And, well, you're kinda right. But wait! There's more! This show, it gets me right here ::thumps chest::. It's a chance for people with the weirdest talents to get a moment in the spotlight. Where on Earth could they ever find that? I like that idea right off.
People on the show use phrases like "you're what this show is all about" and "this is my dreams coming true, right here" and other cheese-tastic phrases, but the thing is they're all true. When someone says their dreams are coming true, and they've got tears in their eyes, and they're looking at an audience of 2,000 people screaming and cheering for them, it's true. Watching that moment is like a drug for me, and America's Got Talent is my dealer. There's absolutely nothing like these people's faces in that moment. Wouldn't you love to see someone at the moment their dreams are coming true?
One performer who has stuck with me is Queen Emily, a woman who gave up dreams of a singing career order to raise her four kids by herself. Her performance and the reactions of those who watched it was very affecting. ... oh, for the love of Pete. NBC, if you would like me to use Hulu and not pirated YouTube, don't give me an embed code that leads to an error messages encouraging me to visit Hulu. Argh! Fine, no embed, you can use this link to see her.
I especially love when the audience initially dislikes the performer, but in the space of 90 seconds, the performer wins them over. It's an unbelievable shift. I'm always impressed when they finish the performance in any case. I certainly wouldn't have it in me to keep singing to an audience of people booing and screaming for my elimination. That takes guts to begin with. But to stick it out - and bring that audience with you? In 90 seconds? My hat is off to you.
My favorite this season (and I did miss a few early eps) has been Donald Drasswell. You go watch it right now. I dare you to watch that clip and not get goosebumps at the key change when the crowd shifts. Amazing.
ETA: Also, check out this dancing brother and sister, Junior and Emily and the clogging Southern Belles. I think the Southern Belles are my new faves!