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.

Memorable performances from televised singing contests

I don't watch them all.  You know.  Those reality shows that are singing competitions.  I've missed the X Factors and America's (Australia's) Got Talent.  I've watched most American Idol seasons, a few seasons of The Voice (America & Australia), and the two Rock Star shows.  So, no, this is not a complete list. There is no Susan Boyle, Singing Nun, or any of the One Direction guys.  They all caused quite a stir, but I didn't see them. This list is completely my preferences and my favorites based on my viewing. 

I stuck to a rule.  They had to be memorable enough performances to me that I didn't have to go internet searching for help.  I pulled from my mental rolodex to compose my list.  Then, I used youtube to find video clips.  Join me for this musical journey, will you?  (There are 15 in all.  I seriously doubt you will join me for the entire post, but it would be fun to believe that you will.)  In no particular order....

1. Marty Casey (Rock Star INXS) - Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" - I liked Marty.  A lot.  And bought his Lovehammers music since this show's appearances.  If you like this performance, check out Marty perform Radiohead's "Creep" and Britney's "Baby One More Time".

2. Adam Lambert (American Idol) - Tears for Fears/Gary Jule's "Mad World" - Adam was know for his vocal theatrics.  In this performance, he was controlled, intense, and magnificent.

3. Carrie Underwood (American Idol) - Heart's "Alone" - If I'm not mistaken, Carrie is the Idol contestant that has sold the most.  This is the performance that caused Simon Cowell to correctly make that prediction. I have not purchased one song released by Carrie Underwood, but that doesn't mean that I don't respect her talent.

4. Jena Irene (American Idol) - Paramore's Decode - Most of the time, when I watch these shows, I ask myself "would I buy this person's album?" After seeing this performance, I decided I'd buy hers.  Sadly, I'm not sure she even made an album.

5. Mitchell & Steve (The Voice Australia) - Marc Cohn's "Walking in Memphis" - Two seasoned veterans who've probably played a lot of bars and pubs, been session musicians, and never quite made it.  Bless 'em for still chasing their dreams.

6. Dilana (Rock Star Supernova) - Nirvana's "Lithium" - Damn.  This chick rocked.  This performance rocked.  (side note: Butch Walker fans - you catch a glimpse of our favorite producer a couple of times in this)

7. Chris Daughtry (American Idol) - Fuel's "Hemorrhage" - The worst tragedy in the history of American Idol is that Taylor Hicks (who?) won his season.  But, Daughtry's career isn't worried about his loss.  I love this guy's voice.

8. Toby Rand (Rock Star Supernova) - Original! - Prior to this television venture, Toby's group, Juke Kartel, had a good fan base in Australia.  This was/is one of their songs.  Yep, this one is still in regular rotation on my ipod as well as Juke Kartel's "Save Me".  When I moved here in 2008, I saw them perform in a small pub in Sydney.  And, it was awesome!

9. Kelly Clarkson (American Idol) - Aretha Franklin's "Natural Woman" - Am I remembering this correctly?  She worked in Wal-Mart, right?  She is the epitome of what this kind of show is capable of doing for you.  Burleson, Texas y'all.

10. Matthew Garwood (The Voice Australia) - Phantom of the Opera's "All I Ask of You" - He didn't even make it past the battle rounds, but this performance gave me chills.  So good.  Plus, it is what makes that whole coaches don't get to see the singer until they turn around part about The Voice so much fun.  The judges reactions in this clip are priceless. 

11. David Cook (American Idol) - Mariah Carey's "Always Be My Baby" - I actually have this song on my work playlist.  It shows that a good pop song can be worked to be appealing to anyone (because I can't take Mariah Carey's version).  

12. Jordis Unga (Rock Star INXS) - David Bowie's "The Man Who Sold the World" - This song has been covered by many...most famously (is that a word?) by Nirvana.  You know what?  I like this version the absolute best.  Truth.  It is also on my work playlist.  Meaning, for the last five years, I've heard this song on repeat at least 3 times a day.  I still love it. 

13. Bo Bice (American Idol) - Badlands "In a Dream" - He was going up against the girl with the major pipes (Carrie Underwood).  He took a risk to show he could sing.  I'm not sure if any other Idol contestant has ever sang acapella.  I'm a sucker for a good ol' Southern boy singing a good ol' Southern rock song.  What can I say?

14. Gabriel & Cecilia (The Voice Australia) - Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" - These shows, judges, coaches, mentors are always talking about making a song your own.  This brother and sister duo did just that.  This is BY FAR the most unique performance of a cover song I've seen on any show.  They aren't necessarily my style of musicians, but I couldn't look past the musicianship and individuality.  Warning: it's a bit strange, but it's 2 minutes.  Give it a listen for the uniqueness of it.  You may hate it, and that's okay too.

To close this little collection of mine..............

15. Clay Aiken (American Idol) - Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" - That's right...judge me all you want...but don't judge without listening because this performance is really good.  I'm serious.  It gave me goosebumps then, and I just watched it again.  Goosebumps again.  That last note.  Wait for it.  It's less than 3 minutes of your time to give.

What did I miss?  If you watch or have watched any of these shows, share your most memorable performances with me.

Thoughts #22 - Jenner

I can't say that I ever expected to write a blog piece about a Kardashian or a Jenner, but here it goes.......

Bruce Jenner should be allowed to be anyone he wants to be.

I'll say that again: Bruce Jenner should be allowed to be anyone he wants to be.

As long as he isn't causing harm to another human being (or animal), and he isn't breaking any laws, then Bruce Jenner should be allowed to be anyone he wants to be.

Yes, I said that three times.  I am SO tired of Hollywood tabloids criticizing his appearance, speculating if he is cross-dressing or choosing to transition to a woman.  If that is what he wants to do, shouldn't he be shown respect, even compassion?  I know, I know.  He chose to be on a reality television show with his family.  This choice catapulted him into the world as a topic for celebrity tabloid news (even though he was definitely the most normal voice on the show.  Why does anyone still watch this show?!  Why did I ever watch it, because I admit it...I watched the first season.  Enough already.  I'm going off on a tangent). 

Bruce Jenner won the GOLD MEDAL for the DECATHLON at the 1976 Summer Olympics.  The freakin' gold medal for the freakin' decathlon.  A sport where you actually compete to be the best in ten different events.  He even set the World Record at the time.  I was three years old when this happened (geez, go ahead, do the math, figure out how old I am).  I was only three, yet I remember Bruce Jenner on the Wheaties box.  He made that much of an impact.

Since that time...many things have happened.  Along the way, he had some cosmetic surgery (along with the majority of the rest of Southern California residents that have a considerable amount of money).  He married a woman, they blended their families, he agreed to take part in a ridiculous reality show, he divorced, and I don't think he is on that reality show anymore.

Now, all I ever hear or see about Bruce is his hairstyle, fingernail length, plastic surgery, and questioning if he is changing his gender to a woman.  IF Bruce wants to do this, it is HIS business as well as his children's and loved ones.  It should not be open fodder and target season to judge, mimic, ridicule, or speculate.  It has turned into bullying.  I am against bullying.

The fact that InTouch magazine published a photo and article that is obviously false and filled with irresponsible "journalism" is inexcusable.  Apparently, the photo on the right is an actress from Dynasty; the photo on the left is supposed to be what Bruce wants to look like. 

Read article criticizing In Touch here with above photo credit

I am guilty of buying the occasional trash tabloid magazine.  I admit it.  But, I will never, ever purchase In Touch again.  Plus, this has made me reconsider all the tabloid crap magazines that I may purchase in the future.  This is NOT behavior I want to continue or condone.  By giving them my money, I am condoning it and continuing to ask for further "articles" like this.  Please reconsider your purchases as well.

Bruce Jenner (like he's really going to read this, but if he did, this is for him): I support you being whoever you want to be.  Live your life to be fulfilled and happy in the best possible way that works for you.  Love your children.  Love your life.  Forget the haters.

Bruce Jenner should be allowed to be anyone he wants to be.