Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Edgy music competition hits a flat note.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
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The Four: Battle for Stardom
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 17 parent reviews
Parents say the show has faced significant criticism for its poor format, biased judging, and the perception that talent is often disregarded in favor of popularity among contestants. Viewers express frustration over the choices made by judges, believing they overshadow the contestants’ abilities, leading to a general disappointment in the show's fairness and integrity.
- biased judging
- poor format
- talent disregard
- viewer disappointment
- unfair competition
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 3 kid 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
- Premiere date : January 4, 2018
- Cast : DJ Khaled , Sean P. Diddy Combs , Meghan Trainor
- Network : Fox
- Genre : Game Shows
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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