I haven't watched children's tv for years now as I'm 19 nearly 20, so it no longer appeals to me. I'm watching the latest season (6) with my mum who's 54 and we're both surprisingly enjoying it! It's interesting seeing how familiar, new-ish music artists interact, give feedback and overall uplift 13/14yr olds as I remember when I was that age, how much of an anxious self-conscious wreck I was. I really enjoy the current host Anna (Connor Maynard's sister): she's young, funny, energetic, relatable and generally makes it more enjoyable to watch. This tv show feels modern, useful and very relevant addressing current themes like social media, press, in Oscar's case gender conformity within fashion etc. I also like how the show doesn't just focus on the young people, but their mothers as well who participate and compete in different challenges each episode helping their children get to the top of the scoreboard. Sometimes you do catch the girls giving each other and the guests questionable looks which can be uncomfortable to watch, but I think it's inevitable in a competition show and when you have a room full of females.
***OK, SO HERE ARE THE CONS***
1. I don't really see the point of having a competition show if none of the contestants are going to be sent home each week. Whilst I acknowledge this would would be rather upsetting for a child, they are intelligent and old enough to know that rejection- especially in the industry they are choosing to enter, naturally comes with the territory. It does mean that if they were going to implement this into the show, there would either have to be more participants or maybe start sending contestants home in the 3rd/4th episode, so it at least gives them a chance to settle-in and become comfortable in the environment.
2. It's not a level playing field; most of the contestants already have agents and probably attend stage school. It would be nice to see some teens who don't have these advantages be given the same opportunity, as many of them are extraordinarily-talented and just need the same exposure and chance that their privileged peers get. Not sure whether it's down to circumstances like travelling or having a parent be able to take time off work to accompany them as to why they're not included in this show, however the production team should be more than capable of offering some sort of attainable resolution.
3. In the most recent series that I'm watching Elisse is the only (obvious) POC contestant. I would have thought that in 2020/21, that the BBC or whoever the casting agents are would be 'woke' enough to know that's not ok. Feels very much like tokenism and performative inclusivity. There's also only 2 boys whilst 3 girls - it would be better to have 1 more boy to balance it out.
4. George, singing-wise isn't at the same level as the other contestants. He's even admitted several times that he's not a great singer! Whilst he is a undeniably skilled guitar player, this sadly is not a guitar competition. I think the BBC knew what they were doing by throwing him into the mix, knowing that his appearance and his overall Indie Rock persona would attract a young female audience, thus boosting the viewings. Unfortunately, he's taking the place of someone who is a stronger, more versatile singer.
5. The guest and resident judges rarely give pragmatic or negative feedback. I'm all for up lifting others, however it's extremely valuable in the industry to be given constructive criticism to help you improve and become a better musician. I feel as if they're holding back due to sensitivity surrounding the ages involved and 'woke culture', but these are teenagers - I'm sure they can handle a few criticisms.
Overall, I do recommend watching - I find myself getting impatient to wait the following week for the next episide! Don't expect it to be groundbreaking, but it is entertaining and a pass-time viewing. I think with some minor tweaks, this would be a great and original show :)
***OK, SO HERE ARE THE CONS***
1. I don't really see the point of having a competition show if none of the contestants are going to be sent home each week. Whilst I acknowledge this would would be rather upsetting for a child, they are intelligent and old enough to know that rejection- especially in the industry they are choosing to enter, naturally comes with the territory. It does mean that if they were going to implement this into the show, there would either have to be more participants or maybe start sending contestants home in the 3rd/4th episode, so it at least gives them a chance to settle-in and become comfortable in the environment.
2. It's not a level playing field; most of the contestants already have agents and probably attend stage school. It would be nice to see some teens who don't have these advantages be given the same opportunity, as many of them are extraordinarily-talented and just need the same exposure and chance that their privileged peers get. Not sure whether it's down to circumstances like travelling or having a parent be able to take time off work to accompany them as to why they're not included in this show, however the production team should be more than capable of offering some sort of attainable resolution.
3. In the most recent series that I'm watching Elisse is the only (obvious) POC contestant. I would have thought that in 2020/21, that the BBC or whoever the casting agents are would be 'woke' enough to know that's not ok. Feels very much like tokenism and performative inclusivity. There's also only 2 boys whilst 3 girls - it would be better to have 1 more boy to balance it out.
4. George, singing-wise isn't at the same level as the other contestants. He's even admitted several times that he's not a great singer! Whilst he is a undeniably skilled guitar player, this sadly is not a guitar competition. I think the BBC knew what they were doing by throwing him into the mix, knowing that his appearance and his overall Indie Rock persona would attract a young female audience, thus boosting the viewings. Unfortunately, he's taking the place of someone who is a stronger, more versatile singer.
5. The guest and resident judges rarely give pragmatic or negative feedback. I'm all for up lifting others, however it's extremely valuable in the industry to be given constructive criticism to help you improve and become a better musician. I feel as if they're holding back due to sensitivity surrounding the ages involved and 'woke culture', but these are teenagers - I'm sure they can handle a few criticisms.
Overall, I do recommend watching - I find myself getting impatient to wait the following week for the next episide! Don't expect it to be groundbreaking, but it is entertaining and a pass-time viewing. I think with some minor tweaks, this would be a great and original show :)
