The Next Big Singing/Talent Competition? -Veda Rains

It seems like everywhere you look, there's a new singing competition on American TV. The Voice has slowly been building momentum over the past two seasons, and this year its ratings have proven it to be a show to reckon with. I admit, I've been sucked into the show when channel surfing quite a few times this season. But I'm not here to tell you about The Voice, but rather-yet, another-singing competition show: Duets!

So What is Duets?

From the email I received: Duets is a one of a kind singing competition that takes the superstars out from the judge's panel and onto the stage. Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Nettles, Lionel Richie, and Robin Thicke are on a journey to find undiscovered talent worthy to be their protégés. Through a series of competitions, each superstar will choose two singers to be their duet partners. Together, the Superstar and their protégé will take the stage each week and perform in front of a live studio audience. In the end, only one duet will be at the top of the charts and the winning amateur will receive a recording contract with Hollywood Records.

I'm a fan of Kelly Clarkson, so I'm intrigued. The show will premiere on ABC Thursday, May 24, at 8/7 Central. Check out the video below to get a sneak peek:

BONUS: On Camera Audiences

I was first made aware of the show, Duets, by On Camera Audiences, a television audience company that lets you know about shows you can actually go see for free (in the LA area)! My dad told me about their website when I was living in LA and he had heard that Carrie Underwood was taping a Christmas special. On Camera Audiences was setting up people with tickets to go to the taping-and I got to go! When you're broke in LA, it's nice to know you can get hooked up with free stuff like shows/concerts. Just a few weeks ago I got a notice to go to an American Idol taping and this past week I was offered a chance to go see Duets.

If you're in the LA area,  and want to join the waitlist for a chance to see the show and the artists live in action, go here: http://on-camera-audiences.com/shows/Duets

Bad Recomendations - Joan Finch

By and large the source of most bad recommendations is the trailer. Whether its a television promo or feature trailer the one thing you can count on is that they are going to lie to you. How much is relative but you can be sure they aren't going to show you the bad. Its like politics in that way. The more you participate in the process the more apt you are to see a sucker coming a mile away.  It they tell you the whole story in the trailer, if they rely too heavily on action sequences, if you can figure out the ending from the minute and a half video clip....that's a BAD sign.
Its far more difficult to avoid the bad recommendations when they come from friends. These people know you, right? Whoever suggested The Ninth Gate and Silent Hill to me really should rethink the giving recommendations ever. If there's anything I dislike more than horror films with no plot I could think of them after watching these two flops.
But there is a way to avoid this misleading pitfall.  Get to know what your friends favorite and most watched films are. For example I won't consider the advice of anyone whose watched more than one of the Hostle or Saw series. People who know me know my most watch tv shows and films because I talk about them. The slightest references sends me into an hour long rant about how great Doctor Who is, How unexpectedly awesome Pandorum was, & How the brilliant Joss Whedon should be my pen pal, etc. If you like your friends favorites than your onto a good source of recommendations. And hopefully, won't find yourself considering the quickest path to the theatre exits.

SMASH (2012, TV) Review - Veda Rains

Two weeks in, and I think I've found a new guilty pleasure in NBC's SMASH. I was first drawn to this drama/musical due to its subject matter: a behind-the-scenes look at making a Broadway musical-starting at the very beginning. I grew up on musicals and one of the first things I did when I went to NYC (for the first time) was go see Wicked. I love how much goes into live-action musicals-and how much those musicals can make you feel (well, unless the musical is pretty bad) so this subject matter piqued my interest.
The women vying for the lead in this particular musical are-Karen Cartwright (Katharine McPhee), a waitress with dreams of grandeur, and Ivy Lynn (Megan Hilty), a chorus girl who's put in her time. Both actresses do a good job with what they're given-in Hilty's case, it's a little more interesting. I was concerned the creators would make both girls very polarizing: incredibly good or devilishly bad, but I'm rooting for each character. However, I have to say, on the surface, at least, I'm somewhat disappointed with how stereotypical McPhee's character and her situation is (I think I've written this character a fair amount of times myself). Her parents are from the Midwest and want her to get married already, she constantly disappoints her patient boyfriend and she's green as can be. Thank goodness McPhee turns in a pleasant performance and the second episode shows promise of her character fleshing out. This is my only negative comment, I have to say, because I do really enjoy the writing on the show! All of the characters have a lot of promise and room to grow. It's good to see Anjelica Houston in such a meaty role-throw that drink in that bastard of an ex-husband's face again!
Sure, because this is a musical show, I could say you'll love it or you'll hate it, but I don't think I can. You really need to check out a couple of episodes before you judge. As for me, I'll keep watching to see what happens next.
P.S. They use original music (by the guys who brought you the musical adaptation of Hairspray!) as well as revised versions of current and classic hits!

NBC's Fall Shows - Joan Finch

NBC has announced its new fall schedule with some returning favorites and a whole slew of new shows.  Like most years theres little in the promos that I can pin my hopes on.  Follow the link for the complete list. http://collider.com/nbc-schedule-2011-2012/91015/

The first new comedy show I'm most excited about....Free Agents.  Thank you to whoever cast Hank Azaria and Kathryn Hahn.  I bow humble at their combined talents and absolutely think that Hahn is one of the most desperately underated actresses of her generation.  From what I've read and can decipher from the promo NBC released the show seems to be a grown-up version of the 'friends with benefits' premise thats so popular right now.  I heard a rumor that one of the executive producer helms a BBC version of the show.  It wouldn't be the first time the American media monster stole a premise from our friends across the pond.  And I love most of those shows so more power to them I guess.