The Next TV Show

Why, hello there, fellow readers. It has been quite awhile, hasn't it? Just when I started posting to keep me busy, I actually become busy. There's the irony of a chill summer for you. Well, to keep you up to date on what's been going on with me, earlier today I submitted an application to the FSView, the college newspaper at my school, FSU. I'm kind of nervous that they won't like my stuff because I have never written for a publisher before...really nothing out of what I write for school and now for this blog. I had to submit my resume with two samples of writing, so I decided to write a new piece and use another from one of the classes I took last semester. The piece I just currently wrote was about an experience I had the joy of sharing with my best friend this summer. I will copy and paste what I wrote to share: “”The Next” is the Next Big Thing” By: Shannon Mitchell August 8, 2012 "The term “swooners” came to mind at the filming of the new TV show “The Star Next Door” when hundreds of girls screamed and cried over artist Joe Jonas. On July 11, 2012, over 2,000 individuals crowded into the House of Blues in Orlando, Florida to be a part of television history. “The Next” is a reality-type contestant television show that will allow contestants to compete against one another through performances in order to land a record deal with Atlantic Records. The contestants are hand-selected from top four artists Gloria Estefan, Joe Jonas, Nelly, and John Rich. Where do these contestants come from? The four artist icons travel to major cities in search for those who are considered the “next big thing” by the locals. Orlando, Florida will be used as the first city for the premier of this TV show. Four contestants were selected in Orlando by the icons by keeping track of online followings of these local artists. These locals have each created a large following on sites such as YouTube, and Myspace, receiving over thousands of hits on their videos and samples. Taylor Bono, mentored by Joe Jonas, and Itzy Rodriguez, mentored by Nelly are popular through online followings, while Cori Yarckin, mentored by Gloria Estefan has toured and opened for rock group 30 Seconds to Mars. Michael Ray, mentored by John Rich who is known for his top hit “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy,” has held many local shows, including visiting The House of Blues’ stage before. Each contestant was surprised by a visit from their mentor, explaining that for the next 72 hours they would be training for a performance to land a recording deal. The twist; each icon would live with his or her contestant for those three days, teaching, training and even experiencing the everyday life of these contestants. It was clear from the chemistry seen onstage between the artists and contestants that each icon enjoyed his or her time, smiling, laughing, joking, and praising their mentees. During the filming, it was clear how much hard work is put into the show, as well as how important is every minor detail. For example, the audience was rearranged by colors of t-shirts to accommodate the correct lighting. After at least four practice rounds of cheering, the audience was finally ready to be filmed. Though many voices were lost by the end of the four hour filming due to numerous takes and retakes, the audience was alive from the fun and excitement that was involved in this show. Will the show be a major hit? If the amount of Jonas fans is any consolation, then yes. Not to mention the amount of woman who called out to Nelly how much they loved him. Audiences around the country will be able to tune into the premier of “The Star Next Door” on August 16, 7/8c. They will be able to see the final product of all the filming that resulted in sore feet and backs, but the byproduct will definitely be a flawless finish." As you can see, a pretty cool experience. My bffl is a die-hard Jonas fan. I thought I was going to die from all the other Jonas fans who were there trying to get a better view of him. Needless to say, I'm not really a Jonas fan, but I did enjoy seeing my friends cry, literally, over him. That's right, folks. Both my friends that I attended this event with high-fived Joe Jonas after the show and burst into tears. It's like the modern-day Elvis, except with the lack of talent, in my opinion (I'm sorry if that comment offends you...just don't do the Disney pop). It definitely was an experience to say the least. Anyway, please keep me in your prayers as I search for some jobs that offer me experience, a paycheck, and/or internship credit. Until next time (: