MTV's Top Pop Group

Review

Common Sense Media says

Looking for the next big thing in pop? Keep going.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that, aside from a few suggestive dance moves, there's not a whole lot of iffy content in this reality competition series. But the commercialism, while subtle, is insidious. Because competing groups perform covers of popular songs, the show basically helps best-selling artists (and the record companies who steer their careers) sell even more of their products.

  • Positive messages3
    Although contestants' talent levels vary, most groups have been working on their sound for years. The overall message is that working hard to get what you want can actually pay off. There's lots of diversity, too, in terms of race, gender, and geography.
  • Violence0
    Not applicable.
  • Sex0
    A few female performers wear skimpy outfits, but others choose to stay covered up. Dance moves are sometimes suggestive.
  • Language0
    Not applicable.
  • Consumerism3
    "Star coaches" (like rapper-actress Eve) change every week and are essentially on the show to promote themselves. Competitors perform covers of songs by other artists, including Chris Brown, Kanye West, and Katy Perry.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    No one is shown using subtances, but one contestant mentions that her mother was a drug addict and dealer.
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What's the story?

In MTV'S TOP POP GROUP, nine amateur boy-and-girl bands compete for a $100,000 prize and bragging rights as America's next "top pop group." The judging panel includes Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child, Taboo of The Black Eyed Peas, and celebrity choreographer and music video director Brian Friedman -- but viewers at home ultimately decide the contestants' fate through call-in votes and text messaging. Mario Lopez hosts.

Is it any good?

 

This is a show with good intentions that ultimately fails to deliver when it comes to compelling talent. Some groups are so bad they're actually cringe-inducing. Others are passable but nowhere near ready for prime time, and only a few (OK, maybe one or two) have a polished, professional sound. If these are truly the best of the yet-to-be-discovered groups out there, we have good reason to be afraid (very afraid).

But never fear: There's an upside. The amateur abilities of these wannabe singers and dancers actually remind viewers that creating a pitch-perfect pop group (a la Sean "Diddy" Combs) is a lot harder than it looks ... and that maybe it should be left to the experts. For that, we're eternally grateful.

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What families can talk about

Families can talk about whether any of these groups are actually ready for the big time. In terms of singing ability, dancing ability, and overall look, how would you compare them to more established pop acts like Destiny's Child, 'N Sync, or Danity Kane (who often have a team of producers, choreographers, and vocal coaches guiding their every move)? What does that tell you about the amount of effort that goes into manufacturing a pitch-perfect pop group?

This review was written by Kari Croop
Teen, 17 years old
October 28, 2009
AGE
7
 
ru
tyt
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This review was written by Kari Croop
TV rating:TV-PG
Network:MTV
Cast:Marianela Pereyra, Mario Lopez, Michelle Williams
Genre:Reality TV
This review was written by Kari Croop
 

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ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
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BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
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NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
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