Star Search

Ed McMahon was the host of this star making series that lasted a few years in syndication. Star Search wasn't so much about the judges like American Idol. In fact, I barely remember the judges. They were often coy, cool, and collective like their host, Ed McMahon. This show launched careers like the country music group, Sawyer Brown, and some others. Unlike American Idol and it's copycats, Star Search never gave the impression of being rude or cruel to their contestants. It was more first class. They treated their contestants like stars with respect and dignity. Granted, only a few became superstars. But the show was never about the judges or host and their antics as we have seen in recent years, it was about finding and nurturing talent. On Star Search, Susan Boyle would have been treated even if she couldn't sing. Star Search never did show the rejection auditions. Maybe that's a good thing.

I tune into this show all the time I think it's fantastic the performers are super talented, and the singing's incredible. This show is hosted by Arsenio Hall and is on CBS Wednesdays and Fridays. One time one of the singers sang Part of your world from The Little Mermaid. Another time they had a dude that looked like Tom Hanks. At the end the judges each give the performer or performers 1-5 stars. One time Raven Symone was the guest judge on the show. Then the 3 performers with the most stars go to the semi finals to win some cash. Last night they had a comedian and all the judges jinxed him. I like this show it's better than American Idol.

The hosts were cool, they were not jumping around yelling like a bunch of hungry mutts.

This Talent show were executed perfectly. It had an organic quality...Contestants were cool and natural. The Audience wasn't filled with prompt fake audience members. If it was then they knew how to act natural. The hosts and judges made this show unique. In today's talent show they all look the same. They all look like actors and have a specific type of look and personality. Now we are stuck with hash called the masked singer...oh boy...

Verdict: Rising stars

The stand up was always great. I believe even a young Conan O'Brien got his start there. I wish they would list all the actors/singers who appeared and became famous later.

Hold on to your 'programs'. An all new "Star Search" will be premiering on CBS January 8th 2003. Personally, I can't wait. I hope it's everything the first one was. Most everybody I know loved the original, and I could never figure out why it went off the air. It seems they've narrowed the categories somewhat, however. No dancers, bands, or acting competitions, according to CBS.com's promo-web link.