“Reality TV – Is the Craze Out of Control? AGT”
Being a magician, I often enjoy the magic segments on AGT. Beginning season 18 I wrote a four-part blog about the magicians appearing in the summer of 2023.
I closely observed each magician and wrote a quick summarization of each act. Including links to their performances. My intention was to write a “fluff” piece. I wanted to say something positive about each of the magicians. I posted my blog on Facebook.I didn’t expect any pats on the back for my writing. However, I didn’t expect the negative feedback about the show. (Not at me personally.)
The Rules of AGT in a Nutshell, Please.
AGT has their rules and I’m sure attorneys write them. So, yes, it is not an amateur competition representing only people of the 50 states. In fact, many contestants have previously competed in other countries before coming to AGT. Moreover, the diversity of the participants adds a unique and global dimension to the competition, showcasing talent from around the world.
I shared my opinion that I believe that AGT may be the best variety show of all time. I go back to Ed Sullivan, the variety Show I enjoyed when I was a kid.
Ed Sullivan, The Premiere Variety Show
Ed Sullivan presented acts from around the world each Sunday evening. There were singers, comedians, ventriloquists, acrobats, every type of circus act. Plate spinners, dancers, and Broadway stars. He introduced Elvis, The Beatles, and countless other music groups. Ed Sullivan had something for everyone.
Times change, perhaps we are at the apex of the “Reality Show” format. If my recollection is correct, “American Idol.” was the first reality singer’s show. There was a mix of great singers and those who couldn’t carry a tune if they handed it to them in a bag. The “bad auditions” were the initial hook…add Simon Cowell in the mix and you had “must-see” TV.
Introducing AGT
AGT followed a similar pattern in the early years. Today they spend less time on the “bad acts”. Often they edit several acts that don’t make the cut in a short “medley.” They spend less time on auditions that receive 4 buzzers and the argumentative contestants who don’t want to leave.
I believe there is obviously “more than meets the eye” on AGT. In my mind, it can change lives for the better. You do not have to win to benefit from an appearance. Allow me to leave you with a story from an acquaintance on Facebook. Mark’s experience is best stated in his own words. Let me introduce Mark Lewis.
“A few months ago, I went down to Los Angeles to perform on America’s Got Talent after being persuaded by one of the producers to do so. An interesting experience but very time-consuming since I had to take a long plane flight from Toronto there and back.
The good news is that I got a standing ovation and four yeses from the judges! The bad news is that for some reason it is not going to be seen on television so you will have to take my word for it.
In fact, I am beginning to wonder if I was really down there at all and perhaps I am hallucinating that I participated at all. I am getting old after all and the memory plays tricks on you when that happens.
Seeing is Believing.
I do have a witness to the alleged occasion. I can’t remember much about it but she informs me that Simon Cowell compared me to a tortoise who turned into an angel. I have no idea what he meant but it seems that it started an argument between him and Howie Mandel as to the difference between a turtle and a tortoise.
Anyway, although I am not entirely sure if I was really on or whether it was a hallucination brought on by an aged deterioration of the brain, I thought I might as well brag about it anyway.
Mark Lewis Did Not Appear on Season 18 of AGT.
Incidentally, if I really did appear I performed the Svengali deck. I forgot to ask the potential millions of people watching to buy one so perhaps it is just as well it is not going to be shown after all. There is only one more episode of this season’s show left before the live performances and that is scheduled for next Tuesday. They were supposed to inform me a week before if I was going to be on but it hasn’t happened so I assume it isn’t going to.
Anyway, at least I told you all about it so that it wasn’t a complete waste of time.”
This struck me as odd and wrong…how could you get 4 yes votes and not move on to the next round? It must be in the “legal mumbo jumbo.” If anyone knows where the rules inform you four yeses can mean “No”! let me know and drop a line to Mark as well.
Magic for Adults,
Joe Ferranti 339-927-4710 www.ferrantimagic.com
