Maybe I’m slow, but I only just saw the Youtube videos of A Jewish Star 2013 last night, and… I was really upset.
The format is identical to non-Jewish shows (which shall remain nameless). The judges are clearly aware of this and do their best to mimic the attitudes of their counterparts on the non-Jewish shoes. This includes laughing at at least one of the singers (who had to wait 4 hours for the privilege) or offering sharp critiques of their pitch, tone etc (this is somewhat pathetic considering that none of the 3 judges are known for the musical quality of their voices.)
At first I cringed at how corny the show is, and how obvious it is to anyone who has watched the non-Jewish shoes how desperately they are trying to copy it. One contestant (from Manchester, UK) even *proudly* introduces himself as having had an audition for such a contest.
As the show progressed, my feelings of embarrassedment turned to sadness. Simon Cowell and co do not care if they crush someone’s self esteem. On the contrary, it makes better TV viewing and brings in more revenue. (It has been alleged that some contestants are chosen purely on this basis, the judges knowing how everyone will laugh at them). This tiny Jewish contest has a very limited audience, the revenue must be very small. Why do they need the shock value? What do they gain by humiliating fellow Jews?
Really upset about it, so much so that I have decided against buying the latest CD of one of the judges. Not because I want to hurt his pocket – I just don’t feel comfortable listening to him anymore.