There’s TV, and then there’s what I like to call TV, TV (emphasis on the second “TV”).
Both draw in viewers by pumping programming full of drama, intrigue, antics and over-the-top behavior. However TV, TV takes it a step further by allowing viewers to engage interactively through social media polls and voting apps. Shows such as The Voice, America’s Got Talent: The Champions and World of Dance would be on my list. These shows introduce natural talent along with skillful competition. The Voice, now on its 16th season, ended with 16-year-old Chevel Shepard taking home the winning title along with a whopping $100,000 prize. Shepard captivated audience’s hearts and ears with her impressive vocals, and knack for country music. The Knockturnal caught up with the teen star, who spoke about her busy schedule since the season ended. “I take every opportunity I can because I love to give back to people because without them I wouldn’t be where I am now […] I’m doing concerts for my home town, concerts for other cities. I’ve been so busy, it’s been insane!” Season 16 begins February 25th, with Grammy Award winner John Legend joining the panel of judges.
“This time, I feel like I’m just having fun and being myself on stage,” shared Angelica Hale, one of the winners from America’s Got Talent. The sentiment sums up her attitude going into the new show AGT: The Champions. Hale’s dynamic voice paved her path to the spin-off, which launched January 7th. The young, wispy-voiced winner takes a confident approach into this year, reflecting on her past appearance on the show, “One of the things that surprised me was I wasn’t even nervous, and it was so much different than the first time I went on [AGT] because I was so nervous and I was like ‘Oh my gosh’”. As with its predecessor, America’s Got Talent, viewers will see the same judges critiquing performances in front of a live audience. The difference? AGT: The Champions will feature 50 acts from all around the world including South Africa’s Got Talent, Denmark’s Got Talent, Russia’s Got Talent and more. The season continues every Monday on NBC.
Can you work it? Put that thing down, flip it and reverse it? No? Sadly neither can I, but I can point you in the direction of some people who can—a dance group titled “The Lab” from season two of World of Dance walked away with the title “The best dancers in the world” along with the grand prize of one million dollars. Celebrity judges Ne-Yo, Derek Hough, and J-Lo critiqued the dance groups based on performance, personality, technique, presentation, creativity and choreography. Last season each performance category was worth up to 20 points, teams needed a total of 80 point to advance to the next round. Season 3 is more complicated, as Ne-Yo explains to The Knockturnal, “Last season you needed to get an 80 or above to make through to the next round, this season you need to get an 85 which means some of the acts from the previous seasons that made it through, would not have made it through this season.” Season three is sure to keep dancers on their feet- quite literally, as they need bring their A- game for host Scott Evans. Speaking with him you feel his positive energy radiating. The Access Hollywood host tells us his attitude is what aided his success and ultimately got him the gig. “To be totally honest with you my energy is the way it is because I’m thoroughly excited about life and coming into new levels of understanding that this concept of ‘you are what you think about most’ how real that is, and how in authority we are over our lives”. The Season begins February 26 on NBC.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C22ZxADl0E4
