Televising Talent: Musicality, Meritocracy, and the Aesthetics of Exclusion
Lindsay J. Wright
Abstract:Throughout the history of television, American audiences have participated in a tradition of programs that follow a consistent structure: Amateur musicians and entertainers are offered an opportunity to display their talent on stage, competing for audience votes to win first prize and a chance at stardom. This article contributes to a growing literature on the significance of televised talent shows, demonstrating how their remarkable longevity and representational power stems from their configuration as a “for… Show more
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