It didn't take Ex American Idol judge, Kara DioGuardi long to get back onto our TV screens. Platinum Hit, a new music talent competition show on TBS's Bravo channel sees her take on the role of head judge alongside singer/songwriter Jewel who also hosts the show. The show hasn't been created to rival the likes of American Idol, X-Factor US or The Voice. Platinum Hit explores a completely different concept, an area of expertise close to Kara's heart; songwriting. Kara DioGuardi has without a shadow of a doubt broken free from the "4th Judge" label she was branded with on American Idol. The singer, songwriter, producer and label executive reigns platinum on the show. So what makes Platinum Hit different from all the other talent shows out there? For a start the contestants on the show are aspiring songwriters, not just glorified karaoke singers. The show uncovers a relatively understated area of the music industry but without that “hit” song many an artist wouldn’t be where they are today. Songwriters are the voices in the dark, the unsung heroes of the industry but thanks to Platinum Hit this unique and often forgotten skill is thrust into the spotlight and shines centre stage. The show invests heavily in the journey of its twelve contestants, focussing on developing their craft and showcasing their talents as writers and musicians.
Each week will see the songwriters take on a new songwriting challenge which will stretch and test their lyrical, musical and vocal abilities, taking them to new levels creatively and emotionally as they explore and experiment with all genres of music. Songwriting is not just a job, it’s a lifestyle, a passion, it comes from the heart. The other side to the game is the competitive nature of the songwriting industry and every songwriter is seeking that big chart hit, that timeless song, the respect and recognition of successful artists, producers and label executives. Platinum hit showcases the drive, the ambition and ultimately the relentless hard work that goes into writing a hit song. As most songs are written from life experience and from a place of truth, it is inevitable that the contestants’ emotions and personal drama will come over in their lyrics but also in the day to day as they strive to be crowned the ultimate hitmaker. Tempers will flare and emotions will hit boiling point as they compete against each other individually and in teams. Then, when the challenge is over each week, one contestant will be “judged” off the show and the rest will have to continue living together. If you think songwriters sit around a campfire on the edge of a lake, strumming a guitar, you couldn’t be further from the truth! The reality is far more explosive!
Platinum Hit will open the viewers’ eyes to a whole new side of music they haven’t been exposed to before. “Songwriting’s easy” you hear people say. They couldn’t be more wrong. We can all write down a few words, maybe even make them rhyme in parts but that’s not songwriting. You need a strong and memorable lyrical hook, top it with a musical hook and you’re getting closer, but what about the chorus, the pre-chorus, does it need a bridge? Does it tell a story, do the lyrics connect, command and speak to an audience? The Season 1 Premiere episode touches on the importance of the lyrical hook and sets the songwriters their first competitive challenge. They must write a hook to a song about LA which they must complete it in thirty minutes and perform to the group and in front of the judges for the first time. The twist, the top three hook writers will then get to choose team members to complete and perform the entire song in 6 hours. Talk about being thrown in at the deep end! If you think Jewel and Kara are going to be a soft touch then think again. These two women are experts in the game and won’t suffer fools easily. With such feedback as “That just told me why you want to be a nurse and not a songwriter,” “That was trite, confusing and uninspiring,” “You’ve got one second to capture my attention!” it’s no easy feat for the songwriters. Jewel and Kara are there to deliver the truth, no matter how blunt that may be but unlike other music talent shows Platinum Hit allows the judges and guest judges alike the opportunity to not only critique but offer advice too. This was something Kara struggled with on Idol. She would happily deliver a harsh critique but was never allowed to back it up with the reason why it was bad or how it could be improved. Platinum Hit gives her the chance to do this and she's very much in her comfort zone on the show. Jewel too is very encouraging and is genuinely excited at finding the next big songwriter.
There is no public vote on the show, all judging is done by the panel which consists of Kara, Jewel and guest judges from all fields of the industry; artists such as Leona Lewis; writers such as Ryan Tedder and record executives such as Keith Naftaly from Sony Music’s Jive label. However, that doesn’t mean the viewer doesn’t feel part of the show. You don’t need to cast a vote to be drawn into the drama, to connect with the writers and to be inspired. The show is innovative and fresh and ultimately fun and even from the first episode, there are strong characters who stand out. From the winning team Jes Hudak, Nick Nittoli and Karen Waldrup and another one to watch is definitely Jackie Tohn. Sonyae Elise made a storming first impression but she may have to reign in her overactive confidence as she’s coming across as extremely egotistical on first impressions but I don’t doubt there’s some talent ready to burst out of her. Taking a less fiery and more soulful approach are Blessing Offor, Johnny Marnell and Brian Judah. All of the contestants will have their own approach to writing and their strengths and weaknesses will be uncovered as the genres switch each week. The winner will be the contestant who is able to mould to the challenge the most and adapt their skills and personality along the way to come up with the goods!
For Kara and equally for Jewel, Platinum Hit provides the perfect platform to bring their passion of songwriting to the forefront and to champion a fresh pool of aspiring songwriters who are all hoping to coin that Platinum Hit!
The reward for the lucky winner, a $100,000 cash prize, a publishing deal with Sony, BMI Songwriters The Writing Camp, and a recording deal with RCA/Jive.
Platinum Hit continues Monday night’s on Bravo 10pm ET
For more information about the show, for contestant and judge bios, for pictures and recaps, visit Bravo TV’s Platinum Hit page
Join the Platinum Hit Facebook Community
Follow head judge Kara DioGuardi on Twitter www.twitter.com/kara_dioguardi
Follow host and judge Jewel on Twitter
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