The Four: Battle for Stardom

TV review by Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media
The Four: Battle for Stardom Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 12+

Edgy music competition hits a flat note.

Fox Game Shows 2018
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Parents say

age 14+

Based on 21 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 4 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that The Four: Battle for Stardom is a music competition show. It features performances of popular songs, as well as blunt, sometimes edgy feedback about performances from industry judges. There's some competitive exchanges between contestants, and lyrics often contain light sexual innuendo. iHeartRadio is prominently featured, and audiences are encouraged to submit feedback via Twitter throughout the show.

Community Reviews

Kaylie288
Kaylie288 Adult
August 21, 2018
age 17+

It’s okay..

In my opinion, Diddy is waaaaaaaay too big headed to be a judge on this show. He interrupts people including other judges when they have just as good of advice as he does, sometimes even better. Just because your “diddy”? That kind of attitude is just ridiculous to me. It shows how selfish & ungrateful he is. You made the audience apart of this show so when hey give their feedback about a performance or if they don’t agree with what a judge says then they are allowed to do so!!!! After all, we are the ones that make or break your careers. The listeners & fans are everything & he shows he doesn’t appreciate them. I’m very disappointed in the show in this aspect. I could barely watch because of his ignorance.
Kerher
Kerher Adult
August 5, 2018
age 15+

Pompous artists should not be in charge of a show.

Meghan is fine, she is cool and collected. But the others are trying way to hard to make themselves more important than each other and the show. The format is really bad, I have seen good artists over and over again stopped from proceeding.
See all 21 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Hosted by Fergie, THE FOUR: BATTLE FOR STARDOM is a six-week singing competition series features talented singers trying to croon their way to becoming iHeartRadio's "On the Verge" artist. Four singers from around the world have been chosen to be in the top four seats of the competition. Challengers are then given the chance to sing and impress a panel of industry experts, including DJ Khaled, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Meghan Trainor, and Charlie Walk. Those who succeed get to individually face off against one of the four in hopes of taking his or her seat. Audiences vote for the winner. The last singer standing gets the opportunity to sign a recording contract and have a music career launched in spectacular fashion.

Is It Any Good?

This edgy and rather frenzied competition series offers viewers a chance to watch a cycle of singers sing off in hopes of making it to the next round of competition. The judges are blunt, express little interest in the contestant's backstory, and often seem at odds with each other. However, most stress that this is to represent the expectations and harshness of the industry.

The Four isn't as lighthearted or entertaining as shows like American Idol and The Voice because it doesn't give audiences a chance to connect with the singers. Meanwhile, the show's climactic moments often fall flat, thanks to the constant elimination of challengers. Fans of this sort of thing may want to tune in, but not everyone will find it worth the commitment.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about music competitions. What makes shows like The Four: Battle for Stardom so popular? Which musical artists have had their careers launched thanks to competing on these shows?

  • Why is the The Four's judging panel so blunt when speaking to contestants? Does their feedback really represent what the music industry is like? Or are they talking this way for entertainment purposes?

TV Details

Our Editors Recommend

  • American Idol Poster Image

    American Idol

    Long-running music competition is consistently entertaining.

    age 10+
  • The Voice Poster Image

    The Voice

    Fun singing contest features genuine talent, encouragement.

    age 10+
  • The Glee Project Poster Image

    The Glee Project

    Glee-inspired reality contest is inclusive and inspiring.

    age 13+
  • The X Factor Poster Image

    The X Factor

    Simon Cowell's Idol follow-up lags behind original.

    age 10+

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