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MTV's Top Pop Group (MTV)

common sense media says

Looking for the next big thing in pop? Keep going.

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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 messages: 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.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: A few female performers wear skimpy outfits, but others choose to stay covered up. Dance moves are sometimes suggestive.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: "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, & smoking: No one is shown using subtances, but one contestant mentions that her mother was a drug addict and dealer.
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More on MTV's Top Pop Group

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

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?

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.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: MTV
Cast: Marianela Pereyra, Mario Lopez, Michelle Williams
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: MTV
This review was written by Kari Croop
 
 

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