"Chattanooga's Got Talent"-Win $500!

Every tuesday for the month June come and participate at Vaudeville's Cafe, and have a chance at winning $500 dollars. visit
http://funnydinner.com/ for more information

This competition should not be able to use the name "Chattanooga" in the title, because tonight's competition made Chattanooga look downright foolish. It wasn't that there was no talent at the show tonight. In fact, there were several incredibly talented people: a very talented girl singing a broadway tune, a hilarious stand up comedian, an amazing string trio, a guy who wrote a love song, and a cute hula-hooping girl. Then there was the kid who actually won. Kids who participate as contestants in talent shows are usually at least cute and outgoing, and that might win them some votes. This kid was anything but cute. Eight years old and he did not smile at all before, during or after his performance. His talent? Elvis impersonation. That might sound fun and cute, but this hid was aweful. I could hardly here the mumbled words of the song that he barely wispered into the microphone. He didn't move his body at all (how can you impersonate Elvis without a little shaking?). And he was just all-together unimpressive, and didn't look like he was trying, or even having any fun. So why did he win? Not because he was a kid, because there were at least three very talented kids going up against him. Not because he was cute. And least of all because he was talented. Every one of the 29 other contestants had oodles more talent than this kid. The only reason he won was that he had a huge number of family members who came to sway the vote. The kid wasn't even gracious when he came up to receive the price money. He just grabbed at it and wouldn't say anything, wouldn't smile, and didn't even say "Thank you". The whole thing was a huge insult to the other contestants who had worked so hard to perfect their talents and put on a good show. It almost wasn't worth going to see the other great shows to have it end up in such a dissapointing way.

Mark nailed it. This was not a talent competition at all and was disappointing for both audience and competitors seeing the un-talented win over some really amazing (and actually talented!) acts.

A few things you should know.

The winner was a "special needs" 3rd grader who is legally blind. That might explain the reaction you thought was distasteful. He can't see very well. It will also explain the performance. It took a lot of guts for him to get on the stage.

Secondly, this is an "audience votes" talent show. It might mean that sometimes you don't agree with the outcome, but most people (or supporters) came to the show and voted for the winner. Do you always agree with the nation votes for a winner on American Idol?

Sure, we openly admit that the "most talented" person may not win this way, but we also make it clear that the audience votes for the winner and the audience has this power. Besides, I am certain if we had 3 judges, that some folks may not like the winner that way either.

I appreciate the explanation from the Cafe, but...

Even with an audience-voting competition there are ways to force voters to actually judge, for example:

1) Two round voting: first round narrows field down to the two or three with the most votes, second round you must vote for one of those two/three

2) Multi-pick voting: each voter picks their top three choices, contestant with most votes wins

The problem with the competition is that the $500 isn't really up for grabs--it belongs to the person who brought the most friends. This is discouraging to the people who enter your competition, even though they know the rules beforehand.

The outcome of the show was valid according to the rules, but it might be a more popular/well-liked show with a different set of rules. Indeed you might even attract better talent!

Or you could always change the name to "Chattanooga's Got a Popularity Contest!"

I do certainly admire the kid for his guts getting up on stage. I think it was great that the audience respected him and clapped for him to encourage him. However, I very much agree with Steven that this sort of outcome will discourage the truly talented people from coming out to perform in your show. I guess it depends on what sort of show you are trying to put on. If you want great talent, you may want to change the rules. If you want a venue for parents to get a kick out of seeing their kids on stage, and then "buy" their kids the winning prize, then it is working great.

I also agree with Stephen about possible ways for the audience to judge. If everyone had to pick their two favorite, they would first pick their friend/ family member who they are there to support, and second pick who they thought truly was the best. That way, the truly best talent will likely win.

I can't believe I didn't win. My tutu was beautiful, my balloon animal was amazing, my handwriting was extraordinary, and lets face it...my dress was to die for.

I'm gonna win it next time.

-John Kelly

I'm not unmoved by the little guy's condition but as the competition also wasn't "Chattanooga Has Sympathy!" it seems unfair to lump that in with the people who thought it was, y'know, a talent competition. Look, have a category for adorable tykes, one for teens and one for adults. Problem solved.

Let's be honest, what this is really about is putting butts in seats on a Tuesday night and in that regard it's a rousing success. For a while.

I voted for you John Kelly!

I want to know how and where do I Try out to win 500.00.I would really like to tryout.Please let me know.Thank you.

My sissters are going to be in the compaitition tommorrow!!! We can't wait!!!!

I couldn't agree with u more the girl that won when my daughter performed couldn't carry a note in a paper bag, but her family and friends took up 3 of the front tables and they didn't vote on talent they voted for her. My daughter is a very good singer and out performed her by far. Even others commented on how much better she was. So its just a ploy to get people into the cafe and pay for there nasty food. I will never return.

Film Writing , writing Film scripts for Television film producers .- I have several Film Scripts that I have written , i was wanting to know if there was a Film writing contest .