A talent show, or talent contest is an event in which participants perform the arts of singing, dancing, lip-syncing, acting, martial arts, playing an instrument, poetry, comedy or other activities to showcase skills. Many talent shows are performances rather than contests, but some are actual contests. In the instance of a contest, participants may be motivated to perform for a reward, trophy, or prize of some kind. For example, a high school might not have many students with any interest in performing in front of the student body for the sole purpose of performing alone and may offer different prizes as an incentive for these students to participate in the contest.[1]
Media
Since the late 1940s, talent shows have become a notable genre of reality television.[2] Ever since the original airing of Doorway to Fame in 1947, countless spin-offs have been produced. In order of oldest to newest, here they are:
All of these spin-offs have been critical in catapulting amateur artists to stardom and resulting in their commercially successful careers.
Non-competitive talent shows for troubled youths
Talent shows can be seen as a way to help boost the self-esteem, confidence, and assurance of youth. Some communities and companies see talent shows as a way to help prevent juvenile delinquency among children, teens, and young adults. As a result, these communities create programs such as Girls Only![3] in San Diego to promote the growth of these otherwise trouble youth to better the community. Such programs are created with the hope to prevent youth from the possibilities of entering delinquency or lives of crime.[4]
