Backstreet Boys. N*SYNC. Jonas Brothers. One Direction.
Boy bands aren't a new concept, but the cycle seems to be continuous. Over the years, they come and go as new generations of fangirls (and fanboys) fawn over them. Music critics and music snobs can be as critical and cynical as they want when it comes to boy bands, but the fact remains: The formula works.
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At its 2015 peak, One Direction netted $130 million in revenue. Even throughout 2016--its first year on hiatus--the 1D guys still earned $110 million. The Backstreet Boys rolled in $60 million in 2000, outpacing the Rolling Stones and making them music's highest-paid act that year, according to Forbes.
But with One Direction on hiatus and enjoying solo careers for the moment, there isn't currently a world-dominating boy band in the spotlight--yet. K-Pop band BTS is on the rise, but it'll take a while before it reaches 1D caliber.
Now, ABC and Matador Content are tapping into the boy band craze with their new show, "Boy Band."
The show premiered on ABC Thursday, June 22, and features 30 young guys from across the country who ultimately will battle it out to become a member of the next big boy band. It's hosted by Rita Ora and includes three judges, dubbed "architects" since they'll be instrumental in helping to build the next boy band--Nick Carter, Emma Bunton and Timbaland.
Over the next 10 episodes, the guys "will compete for a chance to show the world that they have what it takes to win a coveted spot in America’s next great boy band and receive a recording contract with Hollywood Records," according to the show's description. The twist is that viewers at home will be able to vote for their five favorite band members once the live shows begin, creating a new boy band.
Now, I'm a HUGE boy band fan, although I'm not personally crazy about the cookie-cutter boy band that tries too hard to dance--I could totally do without the dancing and stick with the vocals and general stage presence. My first impression watching "Boy Band" was twofold. I love the idea of viewers having a say once the live rounds begin, and I really like seeing the various talents. Some of these guys are rappers, some are beat boxers and some are exactly what you'd expect to see in a boy band. The talent is diverse, the demographics are diverse, and the general concept makes for an enjoyable show.
But it really does boil down to the nuts and bolts of a true, blue boy band. The contestants are expected to not only prove themselves vocally--they have to gel with their competitors, show chemistry with the band members they're placed with, learn and perfect their parts AND learn choreographed routines. Oh, and they have to win the hearts of fangirls, fanboys and viewers alike.
In the premiere episode, 30 contestants were narrowed quickly to 18--three bands with six members each. From there, one member was cut from first band to perform. In my opinion, the show moves a little too quickly. I would have liked to see a little more background on each contestant, more than 30 seconds of a song clip from each and prolonged elimination. But with a brand-new show, ratings are important, and so is keeping the viewers' attention. While I think it moves too quickly, the producers and writers know what they're doing.
Now, the contestants. While I was impressed by a lot of them, I literally already have my current top five picked and am rooting for each of them! Here's my take on the five who really caught my attention:
1. Jon Klaasen
The 19-year-old from Greenwood, Indiana, first grew in popularity when he was a contestant on The X-Factor in 2013. He was an original member of pop boy band Forever In Your Mind, but left the band the following year before appearing briefly on American Idol. Now, he's back and in the top 17 on "Boy Band."
2. Jay Gilbert "J Hype"
While he's only 14, making him one of the youngest contestants on "Boy Band," don't underestimate J Hype. This guy is 6-foot-1 with a commanding stage presence--oh, and he beat boxes better than most renowned rappers. He hails from Las Vegas, and while he specializes more in beatboxing than straight vocals, he brings his own unique gift to the forefront and puts an interesting spin on the typical boy band. Does he remind me a little of MattyBRaps? Yeah, in some ways. But the kid's got a ton of talent, and I think he'd really be a valuable asset to a new boy band.
3. Sergio Calderon
At 16, Sergio recently gave up soccer to pursue his passion for music. The Redwood City, California, native speaks fluent English and Spanish and impressed the architects--and myself--with a "Spanglish" version of "Stand By Me." Based on his background video, he's a hard worker with undying determination to make it in the music industry.
4. Andrew Bloom
Bloom is only 19, but his vocals and stage presence are on a level beyond his years. When he took the stage with his guitar and his rendition of "Tennessee Whiskey," he really showed off his smooth vocals and soulful style. He might be from Yorba Linda, California, but I see a little bit of country in him. This guy is going places!
5. Chance Perez
I can't lie -- I'm a sucker for guys interacting with children. Chance, 19, is from Seal Beach, California, and became a dad at age 17 to beautiful little girl. Seeing video of him on the show interacting with her melted my heart! But aside from being a teenage dad, Chance's vocals are incredible. He's got the look, the charm and the talent that should take him far. I'm really rooting for this guy!
