News From Ben
As I scrub the soot from my NBC issue designer dinner jacket post this week's twitter flaming (from villagers who were upset about this past Monday's decision), allow me to offer my perspective on reality TV and reality.
On reality TV, the talented Afro-Blue was 'sent home'. In reality they're not at home, they're in Los Angeles preparing for their guest spot on "The Sing-Off" season finale with Smokey Robinson.
On reality TV, Afro-Blue 'lost'. In reality, by the end of this season they will cumulatively have performed on the show roughly the same amount of times as the 'winners' will have.
On reality TV, we're holding a competition. In reality, we're involved in a music form that is by nature, nearly void of competitive ego. That's why a cappella is so special. It's about harmony and working together while a usual singing competition is about divas, ego, dissonance, and of course, music.
Read more at my blog, On Key with Ben Folds at "The Sing-Off" website.
Comments
Coming late to the comment party - I couldn't read the blog entries in real time since I was watching the season a bit late, on hulu, with my 9-year-old son, who LOVES the Sing-Off.
I love the format of the show - that until the end all decisions are made by the judges. Honestly, I haven't watched other competition shows except for a few guilty forays into Dancing With the Stars, but I generally agree with - or at least understand - the judges' decisions, and the comments are enlightening and interesting. And constructive - the combination of high expectations with support is key to a kind show, in my opinion!
The Sing Off has really been a lovely and fascinating show for my kid and I to watch together and bond over. We were both very happy that Pentatonix won, and were also happy for all the groups that did so well. Last season we were huge fans of Street Corner Symphony.
Anyway, thanks tons for a great show.
SO in reality do any of the groups that were "cast off' get contracts or gigs from just being on the show? DO you as the "Star" judges help any off them get started by connecting them with people you know in the industry?
My favs were Pentatonix, Dartmouth Aires and Vocal POint.
Amazing season, it will be hard to top for sure !