Parents' Guide to

P. Diddy's Starmaker

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Aspiring singers compete for big break; some iffy stuff.

TV MTV Reality TV 2009
P. Diddy's Starmaker Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

See all
age 15+

Based on 1 parent review

AMAZINGGRACE
AMAZINGGRACE Parent of 12 and 15-year-old
August 31, 2009
age 15+

MONET DEALS WITH THE BULLIES OF THE SHOW!!

MONET is 18 on the show and she is bullied by the other girl contestants. MONET so far shows class and doesn't get mad or rude like the others. That shows kid's that even though you are bullied you can still be on top and make it! I love this girl MONET. Next week they just put her down all the time. LIZ even says MONET will look stupid in an outfit!!! Shows the class LIZ has but, I think when young girls see this and know that MONET can handle it they might feel that they can handle it too!!

This title has:

Great role models
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Rapper/entrepreneur/self-proclaimed star maker Sean "P. Diddy" Combs is looking to mold and launch the next big music sensation -- in P. DIDDY'S STARMAKER, 14 singers compete for that chance. The contestants live and work together in a Beverly Hills mansion while preparing for a weekly live concert, where their performances must impress Combs and his panel of judges -- including producer Richard Jerkins, music exec Tamara Corniff, and choreographer Laurieann Gibson. The singer with the weakest performance at the end of each show is eliminated; the last crooner standing wins a recording contract with Combs' label and a chance to make their musical dream a reality.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

Starmaker takes on a bit of an American Idol quality by focusing part of each episode on each contestant's on-stage performances. But there's also lots of typical reality show drama during the days before each concert as contestants work with various professionals to improve their voices, movement, and image. Occasional musical curve balls thrown by Combs make the journey that much more interesting.

Unfortunately, the pressure of competition leads to occasional but heated arguments among the singers, as well as other tension-filled moments. But overall, the show offers some interesting behind-the-scenes glimpses into what makes a music star, while also offering entertaining musical performances from some very talented individuals.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what it takes to become a music star. What kind of talent and/or training does someone have to have to make it in this competitive industry?

  • Are singers who win reality music competitions guaranteed a successful career? Why or why not? Can you think of any success stories from other shows?

  • How can music help people when they're facing hard times? Do you think music can help people heal?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate