What’s this show called … The Sing-Off?

It wasn’t the first of its kind — and it’s far from the best — but ever since American Idol hit the scene on FOX back in 2002, singing competitions have abounded on television. Actually, talent competitions in general have exploded, from dancing to skating to any and all talents that Americans care to share. You could say we’ve been blessed … although you’d hopefully be in the minority if you did.

Anyway, whereas Idol is the ultimate in individualism, there are contests out there that seek to find the talent that still exists in group sing. On my mission to find out whether or not there’s any truth to that hypothesis, last week I tuned into the second season of the NBC show The Sing-Off.

Before we get to the contestants, a moment for the judges. Leading off the group was Mr. Ben Folds himself. While I probably couldn’t name a single Ben Folds Five song for you, I certainly know that the man knows his music. Next was Shawn Stockman, an original member of Boys II Men. As a fan of the group myself, I don’t think there’s any question that he has plenty to say about what makes for a good musical act. Finally there’s Nicole Scherzinger from … well, to be honest I had no idea without looking it up. Apparently she’s the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls … okay. They had a solid collaboration with Snoop Dogg, so I guess she knows what it takes to climb that ladder. And host Nick Lachey … yeah, he was there too.

The common denominator between them all is that none are carrying crazy baggage with them. They were all positive, helpful, and respectful of one another and the contestants. It was quite a nice change of pace.

Kicking off the two hour show was a group performance. While there are a ridiculous number of individuals currently in the competition, despite the fact that there are only five teams left, the group sing was fantastic. The stage was too crowded, but this group actually sounded good … catch my meaning, FOX?

In round one the five remaining competitors performed a medley from a “classic” artist’s songbook. Committed, the gospel group, did a fantastic job with Usher … their lead vocalist is a tremendously talented guy who could carry them, or himself, all the way to stardom. And great choice of an artist to perform.

On the Rocks, the so-called “YouTube stars,” did an Elton John medley which was a total and complete mess. It’s no wonder they were out after round one — the only thing I was left to ponder was what had gotten them there in the first place.

Jerry Lawson & Talk of The Town confused me a bit. Their choice of Otis Redding reinforced their “music legends” label, but I wasn’t sure what an accomplished singer like Jerry Lawson was doing in a competition like this. He might need a comeback, but this is about being discovered. Either way, while they didn’t deserve to go in round one I didn’t think they had any business being in a competition with some of these other groups.

Street Corner Symphony, the “smooth Southern boys,” did the first Beatles rendition I’ve ever heard that’s been halfway decent. No cover band, Idol contestant, or other singer has ever sounded listenable singing the Beatles, at least not as far as I’m concerned; Street Corner Symphony did an admirable job.

The Backbeats, the so-called “best of the West,” did Lady Gaga … not only were they not good — I’d call them a college-league a cappella group if that wasn’t what most of these groups actually were … but you get my meaning — but their choice of artist was odd at best, and a disaster at worst. First, why would anyone consider Lady Gaga as having a catalog thought anything but “too soon to tell?” And it was a disaster because, well, they were somewhat of a disaster. Still one of the best three, but certainly the worst of that grouping.

So when in round two the judges couldn’t decide which group to cut and let all four into the finals, I was shocked. The Backbeats redeemed themselves, but Jerry Lawson & Talk of The Town weren’t in the same league as Committed and On the Rocks in either round … I’m not sure that anything other than sentimentality is keeping them in at this point.

As far as singing competitions go, The Sing-Off isn’t half bad. It serves a different (music industry) market than American Idol, but there’s no comparison between the two as far as viewing experiences: on The Sing-Off the singers are actually talented, and the judges are both qualified and not redundant. Overall I’d call the experience an enjoyable one.

What I also liked was the opportunity to really get to know each act, even in just one episode. Whether all ten groups got the same treatment from the beginning I don’t know, but I’m sure it’s a lot more fun when you feel as if you know the act you’re voting for.

As for whether I’ll watch the finale tonight … I’m not sure it really matters who wins — regardless of if they win or not, for example, Committed is bound to get a record deal — so I don’t feel compelled to tune in. But if I find myself with time on my hands and the finale’s still up On Demand … who knows?

Thanks to Keith’s suggestion a few weeks ago, I’m going to attempt to introduce a new feature to my column. On the weeks when I can determine what I’ll be watching next, I’m going to put it to you to vote on whether or not you think I’ll enjoy my selection. Whether or not I’ll tune in again involves too many variables, so for now let’s stick to a simple “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” determination.

As for The Sing-Off? I would have given it a thumbs up. Vote away before next week!

Clacked by Aryeh S.
on Dec 20, 2010 @ 14:00 EST5EDT