I got a couple of highlights from this week’s America’s Got Talent. Both stories are your typical heartwarming stories, produced to elicit as much viewer emotion as possible.
Radiologist, Kari Callin, from last night’s show, is another AGT candidate to be the American Susan Boyle. She’s middle-aged, she’s homely, she’s never been kissed. But her backstory one-ups Susan’s in a significant way–her appearance is the result of a congenital condition–a cleft pallet.
So, it’s not like she’s some frumpy eccentric who’s spent years not caring about her looks–Kari can’t help her appearance, making her situation all the more poignant.
There’s another significant difference between Kari and Susan. At least Boyle had above average singing talent. Kari is truly mediocre, and I cringed as the judges praised her talent. No way would she be standing on that stage, but for her physical handicap.
Did I mention that I hate this show?
Another act, the Spiritual Harmonizers, from Tuesday night, have a backstory that isn’t nearly as cloying. The singers, ranging in age from 21 to 76, met working for the Post Office, and have been singing for the past 10 years.
I suppose the gimmick is that not all postal workers are nuts! (Kidding! My dad was a letter carrier, and decidedly not nuts). For amateurs, these guys aren’t bad.
Video after the JUMP…
Kari Callin:
Spiritual Harmonizers
