Reality shows are always popular and Platinum Hits takes the "reality" bit to a whole new level with aspiring singers and songwriters in the mix. The premise is all about making music others want to listen to and will pay money to hear. Whether it's a love ballad or a dance track that really rocks, we watch as contestants vie for the ultimate prize of $100,000 by writing and performing their own innovative music. RCA/Jive is a successful record label that offers a recording contract to the winner and The Writing Camp is where they will get all the songwriter training and help by way of a success driven team. Writing lyrics and then performing them takes the contestants on a competitive journey each week as they must complete tasks such as writing hip hop, country, folk, blues, or some other form of song and then perform it live for the judges. Judging is accomplished by guest judges like Donna Summer, Natasha Bedingfield, Taio Cruz, or even the host herself, Jewel. The show is exciting to watch and losers are crushed but have been given some exposure that may still help their careers.

With all the music and talent competitions floating around now days it was a wise decision to include some school pride and a cappella style singers. Each episode there are eliminations as expected, and a culmination at the end when the winners are announced. This season the competitors include Howard University, Dartmouth College, The University of Delaware, and Brigham Young University. In the first episode we see that The Cat's Pajamas (from Branson, MO) and the Fannin Family from Hortonville, WI were the first two groups to be eliminated. Hosted by Nick Lachey (former member of 98 Degrees, a boy band) and talented judges including Shawn Stockman (from Boyz II Men), Ben Folds (singer, songwriter) and Sara Bareilles (pianist, singer, songwriter) who replaces Nicole Scherzinger (lead singer of Pussycat Dolls) who moved to judge on The X Factor. Some super stars of the musical world will make appearances including Neil Diamond, Bobby McFerrin, Smokey Robinson, and Boyz II Men. For those who like pop music and anyone who appreciates talent when they see it this show insures a definite good time viewing.

Formed in 1967, the rock group from England known as Genesis included original performers Phil Collins (vocalist, drums, and piano), Tony Banks (keyboardist), and Mike Rutherford (guitar and bass guitarist). Along the way other talent the likes of Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett, and Anthony Phillips joined and played major roles in the band. The band known as Genesis is included in the top thirty highest selling artists who record of all time. Both Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel have had tremendous success as solo performers along the way. In 2010 the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The music videos performed by the group have been many and proved to be a success each and every time. Look for recent releases like Genesis Land of Confusion, Hold on to My Heart, and That's All or older classic videos such as Jesus He Knows Me, Neon Genesis, and Dancing With the Moonlit Knight. It always helps to have a great music video available to promote a new album or single and these guys have always had that covered. Here's a lot of talent in a one word titled band.

For an American rock band from LA this is a group that stands out due to talent and showmanship. The music video is an excellent way to showcase talented musicians and entertainers and has been since the beginning of the concept brought out by MTV back in August of 1981. Videos made by 30 Seconds to Mars have been successful at the awards programs and they proved that by winning the MTV2 Award for their "The Kill" video in 2006. Their "A Beautiful Lie" became certified platinum as it sold well over one million albums on CD. As a talented group the members of 30 Seconds to Mars include Jared Leto, himself an actor as well as lead vocalist, song writer, and rhythm guitarist, his brother Shannon Leto who plays drums, and Tomo Milicevic a keyboardist and lead guitar. Music videos look easy to make but most are actually mini movies that take time and money to create and the results will often be an excellent method of introducing new albums and singles that can play for years when successful. This band has proven they have staying power as well as talent.

For many years now Karaoke night has been hugely popular in local pubs and bars around the globe. Local talent (and some not so talented) only need to get up the nerve and climb on stage then perform. Sing along with popular music no matter if that tune is matched or not and just have fun for fun's sake! That's what Karaoke is all about and why it is proving to be a huge hit on televisions across the USA currently. The host of Karaoke USA is Joey Fatone, a very charismatic guy seen previously in films like My Big Fat Greek Wedding and ABC TV's Dancing With the Stars. Judges include Carnie Wilson (singing group Wilson Phillips), Joe Levy (chief editor of Maxim Magazine), and Brian Scott (restaurateur, songwriter, singer, and himself a champion Karaoke singer). And the stars of the show, some really talented singers who just want to be heard and appreciated, which they now are. This show is every bit as entertaining as spending the evening in a smoky bar and the acoustics may even be better on your TV at home.

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