00:05It was one of the most diabolical reality shows to ever air on national television.
00:11The series was a very deceptive competition, preying on the delusional and misguided, all
00:16in attempts to get laughs at the contestants' expense.
00:20Let's take a look back at what many would call one of the most cruel reality shows ever,
00:25and find out what actually happened.
00:28In the early 2000s, reality television became extremely popular with the modern audience.
00:34Not only were they very cheap to produce for the studios, but also they managed to create
00:39a great deal of entertainment for viewers of all ages.
00:43Predictable TV dramas and formulaic sitcoms seemed to be a dying business in the industry,
00:48and the media started to shift accordingly.
00:52The unscripted nature of reality shows was something new and fresh for the various channels
00:57surfers of the world.
00:59Relatable everyday people were cast, and they would compete against each other, usually
01:04for a large cash prize.
01:07In order to maintain high interest and keep millions emotionally invested in the outcome,
01:12the programs would often showcase the individual's heartwarming backstories and include intrusive
01:18diary confessions.
01:19After watching these segments, viewers would rally behind their favorites, tuning in weekly,
01:25and rooting for them to win the competition.
01:28American Idol became one of the most successful reality shows using this sort of formula.
01:34Thousands of aspiring singers, from all over the nation, would come together for the chance
01:38of a lifetime.
01:40Not only was big money on the line, the winner had a chance at signing a recording contract
01:45with a major music label.
01:48Once making it through the initial audition process, they were then performing in front
01:52of millions and being critiqued afterwards.
01:55Many fan favorites emerged as a result, and the show's popularity continued to grow for
02:01multiple seasons.
02:02While the best singers gained much praise, the worst singers went the most viral.
02:20With Fox having American Idol bringing in millions of live viewers weekly, the network
02:25once known as the WB, tried to create their own singing contest, but with a very unique
02:30twist to say the least.
02:33In 2004, Superstar USA would air to millions around the globe.
02:39Similar to American Idol, they also had three judges providing critique.
02:44Rapper Tone Loke, the one-hit wonder singer Vitamin C, and the last would be an unknown producer.
02:51The showrunners held auditions around the country, but they weren't searching for the best of the
02:55best singers.
02:57They were actually searching for the worst of the worst.
03:01I had the flu last night, so I done drank some bourbon and some lemon, got ready, so I'm
03:07ready to go.
03:07Hopefully my voice is going to hold up.
03:09You cut it down in the middle, you do your thing, you know what I'm saying?
03:12Alright, no problem.
03:13Start it on up, baby, come on.
03:18Celebration, we're going to celebrate and have a good time.
03:23It's time to come together, it's up to you.
03:27Oh, what's your pleasure, everyone around the world, come on.
03:35Thousands of young hopefuls showed up to the auditions and sang for the judges.
03:40The best singers were denied advancement, while the most dreadful were selected for the main
03:45stage.
03:46Unlike American Idol, this reality show wasn't aired live, in order to keep the cruel joke
03:51going.
03:52However, the twelve finalists selected would indeed perform in front of a live audience,
03:57but there was a caveat.
04:00In order to prevent the crowd from laughing at the tone deaf singers as they sang, the producers
04:05came up with a plan to keep the audience on their best behavior.
04:09Before the singers arrived to the arena, those in the stands were talked to by the producers.
04:15Often suggesting to the bystanders, the event being held was similar to the Make A Wish
04:19Foundation and other positive charities, eluding that some of the singers set to perform that
04:25night may be mentally ill or possibly be suffering from some sort of serious illness.
04:31The shady tactic worked routinely, and the live audience went along with the scheme.
04:36Hundreds even cheering after listening to some of the worst singers they probably ever
04:41heard in their lives.
04:43Ironically most contestants seemed oblivious to their lack of singing ability.
04:47The positive reinforcement they were receiving from the crowd and judges helped keep them
04:52in the dark.
04:54The show's producers behind the scenes would pick the most overly confident participants
04:58to advance weakly through the competition.
05:02Seemingly it was an attempt to make several viral moments out of the delusional hopefuls.
05:07After several weeks of on-stage performances where the horrible singers faced off.
05:13It was time for the finale of the show.
05:15The perceived worst singer of the competition Jamie Foss would be crowned as the winner and
05:20revealed the true purpose of the series.
05:42Even though the reality show made a fallout of the young contestants just for television ratings,
05:48they didn't walk away totally empty handed.
05:52The finalists were awarded thousands of dollars in the end, with Jamie taking home $50,000 for
05:58being the worst.
06:00But what do you think about this story?
06:03Was it all in good fun, or was it rather devious?
06:07Leave a comment below and let me know.
06:09Superstar!
06:10Superstar!
06:11Superstar!
06:24Superstar!
06:24Superstar!
06:24Superstar!
06:24Superstar!
06:25Superstar!
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