Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Family-friendly singing competition with some sad stories.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE WINNER IS, a competition series hosted by Nick Lachey, features contestants singing songs for a chance to win some cash. Each round showcases amateur -- but talented -- singers/singing groups belting out tunes in a series of duels. Their performances are judged by 101 selected bloggers, music experts, and fans. After the bloggers cast their votes, the scores are revealed, but without the dueling singers knowing who actually won. Contestants are then offered the chance to take a small cash prize and walk away from the game before finding out. Losers of each duel must also depart. The winners of each duel move on to the next round in hopes of getting a spot in the finale for a shot at $1 million.
Is It Any Good?
The Winner Is combines excitement and suspense by featuring skilled contestants, most of whom do not perform for a living, sing popular songs, while putting some of the power to stay in the game in their hands. Unlike singing competitions such as American Idol and The Voice, the anonymity of the judges keeps the focus on the performers, rather than the personalities of those who are voting.
It's family friendly, but some of the contestants' life stories reveal some sad and/or difficult reasons for wanting to compete for cash, like a family illness or death, which often makes it hard to watch them leave the stage empty handed. This aside, the overall show is upbeat and positive. Music fans of all ages will definitely enjoy tuning in.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about singing competition shows. What kinds of things do you think judges look for when determining who is the better performer. Is it a singer's voice? Their image? Or something else?
What makes singing challenges entertaining? Is it the performances? The competition? Or the judges? Over the years, which TV singing competitions have been the most popular? What is it about these shows that make them hits?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 10, 2013
- Cast : Nick Lachey
- Network : NBC
- Genre : Game Shows
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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