In recent years a lot of reality shows have hit the TV screens in our homes. We have all watched episodes of Mentor, Stars of the Future, Next Movie Star, Talented Kids and all the beauty pageants that have been aired on various channels.
Some of these television shows unearthed the talents of many of our stars and served as the genesis for stars such as Irene Logan, Efya, Lydia Forson, Martha Ankomah, Yvonne Nelson among several others. It is for this reason that I personally applaud those that help the youth to reach their full potential.
I have been a giant, devout, shameless fan of every singing competition. It’s refreshing to hear Ghanaians who can sing any song effortlessly. I also love watching the auditions because I get to laugh at those who want to at least get their 15-30 seconds of fame even when it is very obvious that they won’t go beyond their first audition.
Yes, I do believe that’s an extension of Schadenfreude, a German word used to describe people’s delight and entertainment at the failings and problems of others. However, what I can’t accept is when the people who are acting as judges humiliate these contestants so badly that even viewers at home cringe.
Two nights ago I happened to be watching a talent reality show on one of the television stations found somewhere in Labone, Accra. Now, this show is supposed to be aimed at unearthing and developing skills and talents from individuals and groups from all walks of life. I have also heard that there are no age restrictions and talent barrier, the show gives the public an equal opportunity to exhibit their unique abilities.
So, imagine my shock when after one contestant tried to show his “unique” ability by performing what I’m sure he thought was a good rap, the youngest judge; who happened to have one of the worst comedy shows I’ve ever come across on that same television station just looked at the guy and said “Get out!!!”. That wasn’t all; he made rude remarks to a lot of other contestants after that.
I don’t think that these wannabes leave their homes to be insulted and humiliated on national or even cable television. If they are bad, just tell them politely.
I think that rejection is enough humiliation but outright disrespect/impoliteness is a big NO. For crying out loud, if these contestants were professionals, they wouldn’t even come auditioning on the show!
Do you think that the behaviour of some of these judges on our talent shows is justifiable? Do these contestants really deserve disrespect just because they could not make these judges laugh with their jokes or impress them with their vocal ability? Share your views….
good one but GC has written something similar before.
@Kwaku Bonsu, you could have skipped it and besides not everyone here remembers all of GC’s articles or better still, have the chance to read all articles. so repetition is welcomed 😛
dis article is on point. that prticular talent show or reality show that i would call a wannabe america got talent show is just trash. i watched it for the first time last week and the 3stars on the desk or table or wateva just made me cringe cos i said to myself “oh comon did they really have to copy the stars from america got talent?” thank God there were no buzzers in that small room tho. i was so sad when i saw the host cos he happens to be one of my favourite celebrities. the straw that finally broke my back was when i saw the judge who happens to be the worst comedian in the universe, whose program happens to be the worst wanna be comedy show on the planet diss people. how cud the station do that? hoooooooooooooow? then i just tot mayb hes related to the owner of the station cos this guy is not even good at what he does. he has absolutely no idea of wat he is about and for him to come and judge people, i was so so mad. i told myself i would never ever watch that program again and i even fell asleep b4 it was over.
I agree with the writer that sometimes the judges can be harsh on the contestants but i also think some of the contestants deserve that treatment. Some people just want to be on tv, so no matter what their abilities are, they take part in such a contest and end up making a fool out of themselves.
I advice if anyone knows he/she cant stand any kind of embarrassment./humiliation then stay away from such contest otherwise be ready to be treated like an idiot if you act like one.