The Next Best Thing: Who Do You Think You Are?
Episode 1 Recap by Donna Emery
May 31, 2007
This week on The Next Best Thing, the first group of hopefuls came to Los Angeles to try for a $100,000 prize.
The show features people who think they are celebrity impersonators. Some actually are pretty good. Some are really bad. The result is a mixed bag of people, all vying for their "fifteen minutes of fame." In the end, the best thing I can say about the show - so far - is that I can't wait for the four audition weeks to be done, and for the semifinals to commence. For the most part, I agreed with the judges' decisions about who should move on to the next round. Once the auditions are done, the audience will vote to see who should move forward to the finals, and who should eventually win the prize. Judging by tonight's crop of impressionists, it should be a difficult decision.
Michelle Merkin is the hostess of the show, and while she's chipper and attractive, she's certainly no Ryan Seacrest. She told us that the LA chapter of the auditions was to be held at Grauman's Theatre, and introduced us to the three judges: Lisa Ann Walter, Elon Gold and Jeffrey Ross. She explained that the judges are looking for a combination of three factors in order to "move the person forward:" the Look, the Voice and the Performance.
John Morgan of Orlando, Fl., as President Bush
The show began with a promising performance. "Little Richard" came on looking and strutting exactly like the rock icon, and sang one of Richard's signature songs: "Tutti Frutti" - complete with a characteristic "whooo!" that would have put Taylor Hicks to shame. He is moving on, and he definitely deserves it.
The next few performers were not as talented. A Britney Spears wannabe, who said she does "sketch comedy" came on dressed as a scantily-clad schoolgirl. She had a terrible voice and didn't move on. Neither did a man who thought he was "Captain Jack Sparrow". He didn't sound anything like Johnny Depp's character, though I enjoyed Elon showing him how a good impression is done. Elon did a great Carson impression, and I found myself wanting to hear Elon's act.
After these two came a man whose only resemblance to "Christopher Reeve as Superman" was the suit. He didn't move on.
The next successful performer was a man who imitates President George Bush. He looks like Bush, and actually carries a presidential podium around. He had a pretty funny comedy routine about current affairs, and he is also moving on.
After the Prez came "the Fonz". He was terrible; he inspired Elon to say that he gave "the best Denny Terio impression" he'd heard, but Jeffrey said his act should be entitled "Unhappy Days".
The next performer was one of the good ones. A very lovely lady imitated Celine Dion. She had the look, the hair and the voice. Although she began her song a bit nervously, she warmed up enough to impress the judges and move on.
The next bunch of performers were awful. First, there was a man who tried to imitate Marilyn Manson, but looked like Freddy Krueger and sounded like a rusty saw.
After him came a bunch of people imitating comedians, as follows:
Adam Sandler - an unfunny song about "President's Day"
Billy Crystal - too old, and not very good
Joan Rivers - I didn't think she was too bad, but the judges didn't like her
Whoopi Goldberg - she looked a bit like Whoopi, but her performance fell flat
The last of the group was a man doing Robin Williams. He was great! He not only sounded like Williams, but with a flip of his hands he changed his voice and personae so that he sounded like Williams' character Mrs. Doubtfire. He is moving on.
Next came a Sean Connery as James Bond.....
Are You Buzz Worthy? We Want Your Thoughts!
Have you got something interesting to say. We'd like to hear it. We'll post your comments in Buzz Worthy. This is your chance to sound off about your favorite Reality TV show. Or the show you hate. Did somebody do something really stupid? Really smart? Is there a strategy being over looked? Is a performer for real? Or not getting the buzz they should? Here's your chance - take it.
All articles are the intellectual property of and copyrighted by the individual authors. By submitting an article to Reality TV Calendar you are granting Reality TV Calendar permission to display the article in perpetuity.
