We Filipinos love singing… It is very evident to our culture
and Karaoke slots on every corner of the street proved that.
We’ve been early exposed with Singing Competions, starting
from Barangay fiestas until it landed our television sets via Tawag ng
Tanghalan along with its sorts.
Americans alike do think the same thing lately. Almost a decade
ago, American Idol paved the way for reality singing completion on TV. Instantaneous,
the show was a huge hit.
Newcomers singing their hearts out to the whole country, high-profiled
judges, a carefully composed soundtrack and a Simon Cowell; what else can you
look for? Plus the voting process which means the people will get to choose
their Idol; hence it was called American Idol.
Philippines could not care less, revival of singing contests
on TV was at mode; producers adding dramas behind the camera and text-crazed
Pinoys commanding the champions was a winner for the younger television
viewers.
A decade after, singing competitions on TV is still a craze;
X-Factor and The Voice came afterwards, other countries getting their own
franchises of these Hollywood based singing contests is in!
American Idol or The Voice?
American Idol
We know how AI works and we have witnessed the unfolding of
drama in that show, we’ve also seen how judges affect the show despite the fact
that the contestants were the show’s main focus. AI is now on it’s 12th
season and somehow, the current season has not delivered the same success
unlike of its predecessors.
Critics blame this to the current judges’
chemistry. Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez left the Idol seat and they were
replaced by Keith Urban, Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj. Catfights between Nicki
and Mariah seem to entice the viewers but got tired of it along the way. However
the biggest surprise this season was the fact that all girls topped the singing
competition, a far cry from the usual alternative male singers who won the
recent seasons. Nice changes though for an old format.
Reportedly due to its “not so overwhelming” success, the
producers plan to act some reforms next season. Randy Jackson will be gone and
new set of celebs will seat as judges. Pink,
JLo and Justin Timberlake are few of the names being considered. Let’s see what
will this lead to.
By the way, Idol is getting into their Final Showdown. Candice
Glover and Kree Harrison; two fierce contestants are battling for the title and
both are pretty good on their craft.
Which of these two lovely ladies will win?
Candice is a belter while Kree is a KC Concepcion look-alike
who fits country music. I think Candice deserves the top spot as she sings
better than Kree.
Let us see this Thursday morning who will win this season,
Manila Time of course! Try switching to StarWorld or ETC for the live feeds.
The Voice
If AI former judges leaving the show seems to disappoint,
The Voice’s new set of judges seem to be a big hit. After a few seasons, Ceelo
Green and Christina Aguilera left the turning chairs to give way to RnB King
Usher and Latin sensation Shakira for a chance to coach the contestants.
I wasn’t able to follow The Voice on its previous seasons
unlike American Idol but this season is quite alluring. Basically, Idol’s loss
was The Voice’s gain. I was one of the viewers who switched to The Voice after
getting tired of watching AI. I have some American friends at work and same
thing goes for most of them! I even have a co-worker who was friends with
Danielle Bradberry (well, she claimed to be, Hahaha) , the youngest of The
Voice contestants so it was like a spice for me coz we get to talk about it at
work.
The chemisty between the four judges (Adam Levine, Blake
Shelton, Shakira and Usher) compliment well. Adam and Blake may be fierce with
one another but as friendly and honest with each other; unlike Mariah’s and
Nicki’s tiring live catfights on TV. Another point for the show was the
A-Lister celebs coaching the contestants; it was as if you are watching actual
singing lessons on TV and it was sincere and real at the same time. The
victories of the contestants will depend on how good their coaches will be so these
celebs are somehow held responsible for their own teams.
The Voice is just starting but has gained worldwide
recognition like that of Idol’s. Fair enough to say that viewers have something
to look forward to.
Of course, Philippines will not leave itself behind. After
the mild hit X-Factor Philippines, coming June, we will have our own version of
The Voice. Broadway Superstar Lea Salonga, Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo, Rock
Icon Bamboo and Black Eyed Peas member Apl.d.Ap will seat on the turning chairs
as coaches. Negative reactions arise
from disappointed netizens attacking the production’s lack of a grand stage and
even the chairs are being ridiculed. Lea Salonga getting tired of these
comments said her piece and pleaded to just stop and watch the show before
commenting. After all, it is The Voice
people, not The Chair!
Going back to the show, it is currently on its
Playoffs (like NBA huh!) and the current episode will finally come out with a
list of their Top 12! So check AXN from time to time for the latest episodes of
The Voice!
*credits to all the owners of the photos and images included in this post
