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More country fun from Nancy Wilson. K99online.com
Just when you thought we’d have a break from the reality singing competitions, comes a new one — “Rising Star” on Sunday nights on ABC.
You may be thinking, “What’s new about this one?” Well, if the spinning chairs are making you dizzy, and Ryan Seacrest is grating on your nerves, “Rising Star” may be up your alley.
As far as “judges” go, you’re it. As viewers watch the show live, you can vote on whether or not the singers get to move on using the “Rising Star” app. Enough votes mean the singer moves on. Simple eh? But wait, there’s more: “Rising Star” performers are singing behind a three-story high-wall, which “rises” when the performer is picked by viewers. Technically, it’s not a “wall,” but a video screen that shows voters and performers both.
Unlike the “American Idol” “judges” and “The Voice” “coaches,” “Rising Star” has “experts” in the form of Ludacris, Kesha (no more dollar sign in her name!) and country superstar Brad Paisley, who is worth tuning in for all by himself. The show is hosted by crooner Josh Groban, who had a bad case of the nerves on Sunday’s debut and should get some pointers from Seacrest.
Six out of 10 performers made it through to the next round, and Brad seemed to be having a great time. Brad’s got the lightning quick snappy comments of Blake Shelton but doesn’t have the “aw shucks” delivery B-S does. He told the Hollywood Reporter that his biggest fear is “saying something dumb” on live television. He notes that “Rising Star” stands apart from the other singing competitions because it’s immediate. “If you’re influencing something, why should you have to wait? That’s how we find the next Carrie Underwood or Kelly Clarkson or somebody like that. You’re not gonna find them by giving America anything but ultimate control.”
As the show goes on, expect more of Brad’s personality to reveal itself to the audience. “I definitely am always looking for the funny angle at any given time. I think humor fixes everything.”
And if that doesn’t get it, he wants to know. “So everybody remember: When I say something, I mean it to get a laugh! It’s not to be mean, it’s to get a laugh. Nine times out of 10? We’ll see if that works. You can tell me when I don’t, when I fail!”
Coming from the man whose next album out in August is called “Moonshine in the Trunk,” maybe he’s been around Blake Shelton too much already.
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