As another season of "American Idol" closes, performance gameshows are at an all-time high. Reality shows in general have overshadowed sitcoms and have overtaken a generous percentage of the broadcast channel market.
Those fed up with this phenomenon will love "Superstar USA." It's everything you've heard (the "Anti-American Idol, etc.) plus much more, and it all makes for excellent television. Of course, it IS a reality show, so I guess that makes the entire idea hypocritical to the idea that reality shows should be downplayed. Regardless, it's tremendously addictive entertainment.
The central idea of "Superstar USA" - and I must deviate from the flow of the review here to explain the premise a bit - is that the show attempts to find the worst singer in the US. They do this by gradually putting the better singers on the cutting room floor, and they mask the ruse/trick of the show by staging the performances in a "solo" fashion. The contestants don't mingle and can't see the other performances, so as far as they know, they are up against the best vocalists our great country has to offer. At the end of the season, they reveal the joke. Yes, it's that evil.
The comments are oftentimes better than all other performance gameshows. When you hear stuff coming from the judges like, "I have to be honest with you. If I wasn't, I'd be dishonest," or "You slithered on that stage like a sexy snake," you can't help but admire this show's wit and charm.
Yes, this show is cruel. Yes, the winner and contestants will be heart-broken when the revelation is made prima facie. Yes, this all makes for spectacular entertainment value.
REVIEW: 9/10
