I was watching "America's Got Talent" last night, a show that I never watched until this season and probaly wouldn't if I didn't have a good reason to watch this season. The particular brand of show doesn't exactly appeal to me. In my opinion, the judges are often too harsh and quick to tear down contestants, and some of the contestants are what I would call questionable. But, for my own personal reason, I've gotten into it this season, recording and watching every episode thus far. I'm enjoying it for the most part.
Last night two boys, who looked like they were in maybe 8th or 9th grade but really are 17, came on with funky hair, claiming they were going to sing and dance. Usually when they interview contestants before they perform onstage, they make the cut. My first thought was, "Wow, looks must be deceiving." They didn't look like people that would make the cut. They looked like goofy kids.
The act starts. They are singing "Waterfalls" by TLC. The dance moves are cheesy and simple. The boys are really into it, though. It looked and sounded like something you would see in a junior high school talent show. No offense. Some people in the audience are making Xs with their hands, as if telling the judges to buzz. Piers Morgan does. His buzz is quickly followed by Sharon's. Howie is basically laughing at them. The act ends.
Piers speaks first and says that they were horrible. The white kids says into the microphone, "I don't think we're horrible." He's not angry, though, just a little defensive. Sharon's next and her words are the reason I am writing this post.
"You're not horrible. I think that you are adorable. You're great characters, but it's not . . ." She's interrupted by Howie, who makes the demeaning comment, "You're like Millie Vanilla." The black kid takes offense. Back to Sharon. "Um . . . well, I think you're adorable. It's just a bit juvenile, that's all." The white kid tells her he loves her. He really does. She repeats the adorable part and tells them they can come home with her.
For some reason or another, this stuck with me even after I woke up this morning and even now as I type. I stand by my comment that the judges on these types of shows are often too harsh. The contestants put themselves out there, just for the chance of being told they are even a little talented. I think that takes guts! It's not something I would ever do. Saying they are horrible may be true but it's not necessary, really. I applaud Sharon for making those kids' day. And I think we could all follow Sharon's lead and make someone else's day. If we all did ou best to make someone's day, the world would be that much better.
