How many Ryan Seacrests can there be?

Competition shows are addicting. It could be the celebrity judges, the stuck up contestants, or the sob stories the producers love to dig through, but reality television is here to stay. American Idol, The Voice, and The X Factor may not always bring about stars, but they sure are entertaining. The only thing that's ruining them are the annoying hosts. Ryan Seacrest is the reason to watch American Idol, but why do other shows need hosts?
Khloe Kardashian and Mario Lopez are plain annoying on the X Factor. They ask questions of the contestants a therapist would ask, like "how does that make you feel?" or "Do you have any final words?" Their presence is completely pointless.
Carson Daly hasn't been cool since he was on TRL. For the love of television, MTV should bring it back. The biggest Ryan Seacrest wannabe in entertainment. He's not quite as bad on The Voice, but Blake Shelton and Adam Levine definitely make up for what Carson Lacks. The constant cutting to Christian Milian in the sky box is a buzz kill. Viewers continue to tune in because they need to find out who wins, the judges are entertaining despite the annoying hosts. Since the hosts aren't exactly desperate for employment, maybe next season we could nix some of them, with a little less "Khaos" in the competition.      

A Record Deal is in YOUR Future!

There’s a great article in this week’s Billboard Magazine entitled, “Meet the Biebers.” It discusses the immense success of Justin Bieber, the overnight success of Greyson Chance, and the scramble to find the next, or next, next,( considering many “Beliebers” have already become fans of Greyson) pop superstar. The article goes on to talk about Bieber, his success, and how it’s a breakthrough for kids who want to get signed. The article relates that due to Bieber, and other rising sensations, record companies are more apt to sign an artist without a Disney or Nickelodeon affiliation. Not to take anything away from the many singer/actor combos who have come out of these networks, but the idea is to get back to the pure pop star teen idol.  In lieu of regurgitating the entire article, the take home message is clear- young stars are what’s hot in the entertainment industry.  The article discusses  the careers of thirteen year old  Australian Cody Simpson, fifteen year old Khalil who is signed under the same label  as Bieber,  and seventeen year old Aaron fresh of Trinidad. According to Billboard, the US version of Simon Cowell’s  X Factor will have a lower age limit of fourteen. There are more opportunities than ever for aspiring young entertainers. Hopefully labels will choose wisely, (I might have some great recommendations for them), and raw talent will not lead to pure superstardom but an expression of passion for music and the entertainment industry.

Credit: Herrera, Monica “Meet the Biebers” Billboard page 5, June 5, 2010