“Time to cast your votes…NOW!” We are all too familiar with this phrase as it brings the image of families and friends frantically picking up their phones to dial in their vote for America’s next big entertainment star. With the touch of a few simple buttons you have the power to change someone’s life forever. But is this the reason for America’s reality ridden obsession?
As the new millennia approached, so did a new breed of television. Beginning with the mere spectacle of human sport and competition of wit and strength, Survivor took over the airwaves as America’s favorite past time. “Who would be voted off the island this week,” was the constant chatter among pretty much anyone with access to network television. Reality TV was a newly emerging concept, but Survivor was not the first reality show among the airwaves. But what was it about this program that resonated with America among such a diverse demographic? Was it the show’s ability to expose human’s competitive “survival of the fittest” instincts? Was it the unpredictability of the outcome? Audiences were given an inside look to the lives and personalities of this cast, and began to form relationships with these people whom we had never met. We would find ourselves cheering for the success of certain cast members and the demise of others. There was something magnetic about this concept of competition that pulled people in. With the entire nation under this reality trance, they were ready for more.
Then, there was American Idol. Unless you’ve been a recluse for the better part of the last decade, then you are familiar with the impact this show has had not only across the nation, but worldwide as well. American Idol found an ingenious way to involve its audience by allowing them the ability to vote — American democracy at its finest. This show was basically reality competition on steroids. It gave millions of Americans the opportunity to show off their vocal “talents,” narrowing it down to a select few to dual it out on stage. Once the spotlight hit, they had a just a few minutes to sing their hearts out to the nation, in dire attempt to get our votes and keeping their entertainment dreams alive. Like survivor, Americans found themselves falling in love with these hopefuls, but were now given the chance to show their support through voting. This concept of voting, alone, creates an attachment to these people and the show that regular reality TV did not. We got a sense of camaraderie as our dubbed “favorite” made it back each week because of our votes.
As years go by and these audience-involved competition shows continue, you begin to notice a trend that it’s not always the most talented who wins, but the most loved. Whether its “America’s Got Talent” or “So You Think You Can Dance,” if you listen closely, you notice that each show’s host announces the winner as “America’s favorite,” not “America’s most talented.” In the end we’ve fallen in love with these shows, yes for the entertainment, but because we want to feel as if we played a part in our “favorite’s” dreams coming true. So pick up your phone, and vote “Yes!” to changing someone’s life.
Introducing a best selling, “one of a kind, behind the scenes look at reality TV“
As word got out that this book was being written, I was inundated with similar stories by other famous reality show contestants from around America and the world. They broke multi-million dollar confidentiality agreements to tell me their ordeals. Powerful people in the entertainment industry broke their silence to reveal the truth.
It is a real account of the Reality TV world. All the information is there for you. I place you in the shoes of everyone involved – you’ll ride the rollercoaster. Experience the euphoric highs and excruciating lows.
Click to find out more about the book.
You’ll be happy that you did.
