Karaoke Battle USA

If you're looking for a show that's got originality, star appeal, and top-notch special effects, well, this isn't it. Karaoke Battle USA plays out like a low-budget American Idol, even though it's obviously striving to mimic the other show's style, right down to the emotional confessionals and the guy-girl-guy judging trio. Ultimately the whole package comes off as more than a little cheesy, but in a strange way, that mood works for a show that never tries to take itself too seriously. After all, this is karaoke we're talking about.

On the upside, families who tune in are treated to a diverse contestant pool that not only reflects America's make-up but also celebrates the unifying nature of music itself. True, some of the participants play up their personality quirks for entertainment value, but when all is said and done, the judges seem unfazed by the drama and weigh in on the contestants' talents alone. With a little help from parents, tweens who watch will find some positive life lessons in the show's presentation of competition and its contestants' determination to rise to a challenge and follow their dreams. That said, occasional language and some innuendo make this show a better choice for tweens than for younger kids.