Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Holographic singing contest is positive but weird.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Alter Ego
What's the Story?
ALTER EGO is a singing competition featuring talented singers performing as avatars. Hosted by Rocsi Diaz, it introduces twenty contestants from all walks of life singing in front of a panel of judges made up of Alanis Morissette, will.i.am, Nick Lahey, and experimental musician Grimes. The twist? The singers perform backstage in motion capture suits, which mimic every move and sound they make. While TV audiences can see who they are, the judges only get to see them as avatars that appear holographically on stage. As a result, they must make evaluations based solely on voice performance, and it is only when a contestant is eliminated from the competition that they learn their true identity. But those who make it through each round gets one step closer to becoming the next great digital pop star.
Is It Any Good?
This otherwise run-of-the-mill singing contest takes on an odd,dystopian flair when it combines music and the sciences. Contestants use the digital technology to reinvent themselves, and hide the things they don't want the judges to see on stage, like physical challenges, looks, and performance anxiety. However, while they share why they don't like performing publicly, they offer no explanations for the weird looking avatars they've chosen to represent them. Meanwhile, it's not clear if the judges, while supportive, are evaluating them solely on their voice talent. If you like singing competitions, you might find Alter Ego entertaining, even if it is a bizarre viewing experience.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about avatars. How are they created? What's the difference between an avatar and a hologram?
Some judges on Alter Ego suggest that what they are doing will change the nature of music and music performance. How? Do you think this is true? Why?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 22, 2021
- Cast : Rocsi Diaz , Nick Lachey , will.i.am , Alanis Morissette , Claire "Grimes" Boucher
- Network : Fox
- Genre : Game Shows
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Compassion
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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