That time I sat in a studio audience for the taping of a tv show for 2days

I mention here that I'm not a regular tv watcher.  I haven't watched a full series since...Dexter, I think.  Oh, and the husband and I watch Ink Master.  I just don't commit myself to tv these days.  But, that's mostly for another day, another post. 

One show that I do watch is The Voice.  Not the version most of you watch (although I'd love that because I love myself some Gwen.)  The Voice has its own version in Australia.  Similar to its American counterpart, the coaches have varied throughout the seasons.  In the past, Australia has had Keith Urban, Ricky Martin, Kylie Minogue, Will I. Am, Joel Madden (and then Joel was joined by his brother Benji), Jessie J, and a few others maybe. 

This year's Australian coaches are:
Seal - he's been here before, won a couple of times, took a couple of seasons break, and now he's back
Delta Goodrem - she is a beloved and accomplished Australian singer, songwriter, and musician, and she's coached most of the seasons
Kelly Rowland - new to the Voice family - Houston, Texas in da hizz-ouse
Boy George - new to the Australian Voice, but he's coached a couple of years for the UK version

So far, all that I've told you is what is already in the media.  No secrets or spoilers shared.  The above picture is from their facebook page. 

Most everything else is super secretive.  As in I'm not allowed to tell you about much of what happened.  They were super strict about phones.  No phones.  No cameras.  But, here's what I can tell you: I went to a studio taping of "The Blinds" on Tuesday.  I watch the show, I was curious, I had some free time, and I've never been to a television taping.  I thought "hey! something new! could be fun!"  I had so much fun Tuesday, I went for Wednesday's taping too.  The tickets were free, and there were some open spots for the "day" taping this week, which is when I went.  The night tapings had filled already.

The show in itself is supportive and encouraging, and that's one of the reasons I watch it.  Everyone involved was professional and lovely.  I met some nice people sitting around me.  I enjoyed seeing family and friends' reactions.  There were some moments that were genuinely entertaining with laughter and fun...other moments that were truly touching with goosebumps and real tears.  That's not all just put on for tv.  I cried during one contestant's segment, and laughed huge belly laughs today during another.  Sure, there were some taped/staged moments too.  The coaches dancing and the crowd applauding.  A few staged moments of the coaches acting surprised or excited and the crowd responding with them. 

While we're talking about the coaches, they are doing a job, but they do interact with the audience too.  They can't do it much, or they'd be there all day & night...but I noticed a few children and people with special needs get some hugs and autographs from coaches, and I think that's great.  One kid brought a stuffed animal that was a seal, and a crew member made sure that Seal signed it, waved to the kid, gave him some "thumbs ups", and made the kid's day. 

The contestants ... well, like these shows are ... some had potential, some of their nerves got the best of them, and some were AMAZING.  But, all seemed really humble.

All in all, I enjoyed this experience and would most likely do it again.  Oh, and I've renewed my love for Boy George. 

Have you ever been to a television show recording?  Tell me about it.