The summer season has begun, and this week brought the 5th season premiere of “America’s Got Talent.” Over the course of the 3 hour-two day premiere we saw acts that ranged from break dancing 6 year olds to a half blind flaming knife twirler. It’s this kind of terrifically trashy entertainment that keeps many of us occupied during the hot summer months. These opening episodes are filled with some of the most ridiculous and grotesque acts that have graced our TV screens since the girls of “Flavor of Love.” Imagine the terrible auditions from American Idol, but with chainsaws and roller skates.
The thing that sets “America’s Got Talent” apart from the other talent competitions that are so popular, is that on AGT almost anything flies. At one point in the premiere a man from Dallas, claiming to be a genital daredevil, proceeded to light firecrackers in a bucket while he hung his junk overtop.
It is this level of theatricality that keeps this clusterfuck of a show engaging. It’s amazing how with each season the production seems to top itself. I believe this comes from the shows general acceptance of all its contestants. While other shows focus on the superficial and marketability of their performers, AGT embraces the weird and lets its freak flag fly. The most shocking act of the premiere was three sideshow performers screwing nails through their face, and pulling swords out of their mouths.
But AGT isn’t only working for shock value; many of the contestants have terrific underdog stories that keep the viewers engaged. They have a way of spinning each contestant into a comeback journey. The New Directions Choir is an aspect of a rehabilitation group for homeless veterans, helping them get clean and find jobs and housing. The group comes out and performs a great a cappella arrangement of “Old Man River” and receive a standing ovation.
It is in this balance of weird and touching performances that AGT has found its staying power over the past 5 summers. It first draws in an audience by lighting shit on fire, and keeps us watching as we tear up and root for our favorites. I was hooked again this season as soon as I saw the man push a screw through is nose and out his mouth, and am eagerly waiting for things to get even crazier.
You got it right, using the word "balance" to describe AGT. I don't know if I would have stuck around if not for the crazy stuff I knew was going to happen. But I'm glad I did because I got to see that awesome Veteran's Choir. It gave me chills. A show like AGT is all about finding that right balance that you mentioned and, at least for the first couple episodes, they definitely did.
ReplyDeletei completely agree with the "balance" of the show as well. there are definitely the moments where i'm cringing in my seat hoping that that the dude with the knifes in his mouth won't get his tongue cut off and wondering why that girls mouth is bleeding... and of course there are the perfect moments where you are so happy for the 5 and 9 year old who absolutely kicked ass dancing doing things i know i definitely couldn't master even if i tried. and of course the little eminem who by my standards was way better then the real eminem... this show is nothing but entertainment and it's always great to me when you get to see something you've never seen before in your life on television like the guys with the lightning band. so crazy. AGT really knows how to draw and audience of unbelievable proportions
ReplyDeletei love this show! i watch it all the time with my dad, and sometimes we both end up crying together watching the people get to go on to the next round. especially the kids.... here is a clip of Britain's Got Talent... to go along with the crazy antics we see sometimes on the show.....
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ethCJ4bfJkg
by the way... i hear Simon wants a "World's Got Talent!"