I’ve never like the idea of kids on reality TV. But after The Voice Kids, I’m hunting around for an application form.
Last night I watched The Voice Kids and it was how I wish all reality TV shows would be.
It was positive, lovely and joyful.
My son loved it, too. He’s a budding performer so I’m always wondering how far I’ll let him go when it comes to his childhood dream to be the next Justin Bieber. I’ve already let him audition for Nickelodeon’s Camp Orange series, but when it does come time to watch him compete on a national stage, I’m going to be a lot more hesitant.
The Voice Kids is a very safe reality TV show because it’s dealing with kids and their fragile feelings. Despite the first episode being quite a positive experience for them so far, I know rejection is imminent. To find a winner, others will eventually have to fail. As a parent, this is going to be hard to watch. I can’t imagine how the parents of the contestants are feeling. They were so elated when the judges turned around for their children. They were so proud and so thrilled.
When Philip was nine he asked to audition for Camp Orange and I said, “Sure!” When he asks to compete on a national talent show I’ll worry not only about the audition process and how he’s treated by the public, but what if he does do well? What then? How do I manage his new-found fame and ensure he stays healthy, happy and carefree, like all children deserve to be?
Channel 9 is taking great care with these kids, as have the producers of previous kids series like Masterchef. For The Voice Kids there is no official Twitter stream on which strangers can hurt contestant’s feelings. Also, the kids who make it on the show have been asked not to use Twitter, as have their families. The children are supported before, during and after the show by staff and their families. They’re doing all they can to keep these kids happy. But they’re just so young.
Her nervous parents watched from backstage. Her mum said, "She looks fine, I'm the emotional wreck".
