I’m not afraid to admit it. I like reality TV. I’ve followed seasons of Survivor, The Apprentice and Last Comic Standing. I enjoyed catching episodes of Dancing with the Stars this spring. When it comes to learning something new, how can you pass on This Old House? And when it comes to seeing something crazy or new, there is always America’s Got Talent.
To me last year’s season of A.G.T. is the essence of reality TV. It’s really a nod to the Ed Sullivan Show, where people who had five minutes of talent were given five minutes. Whoever won the million dollars at the end was beside the point. It was the people along the way, whether it was the guy on a BMX bike who was impervious to fear, a group of musicians who ran bolts of electricity through their instruments and street dancers willingly throwing their bodies across the stage, all of them made exciting TV, but how many had enough material to make a career? How about the two finalists?
The above picture says it all. Black and White. Sunday morning going to church. Saturday after midnight staying in the bar. One has had a share of hardship and struggle. One is still trying to get through grade school. The soulful singer from Mississippi. The angelic pixie from Pittsburgh. The two can’t be any different but there is one thing they share. They both have amazing voices. They also are capitalizing on AGT’s new summer season with new albums.
Michael Grimm is fusing the sound of Motown with his southern-rock heritage with a self-titled release.
Jackie Evancho is bringing her interpretation of classical pop classics with Dream with Me.
Michael Grimm has guest vocalist like Ann Wilson and Travis Tritt.
Dream with Me has Susan Boyle and Barbara Streisand.
Michael Grimm has tracks like “Fallin’” “Gasoline and Matches” and “Let’s Make Love Again.”
Dream with Me features the tracks “When You Wish Upon a Star” “Nella Fantasia” and “O Mio Babbino Caro.”
Just so you know: Even though “O Mio Babbino Caro” is one of my all-time favorite songs, I’ve listened to Fallin’ six times while writing this article.
Dave
