'Platinum Hit': What They're Saying

Last night's premiere of Platinum Hit marked Kara DioGuardi's return to the judging sphere. Was it a warm reception? Take a look at what critics and viewers have to say about the writing force behind Carrie Underwood's "Mama's Song" and Pink's "Sober," as well as host Jewel and the next crop of superstar wannabes.

The Critics

"The competition show challenges an eclectic group of songwriters to create hits, relying on Bravo's winning formula, first in food (Top Chef), then fashion (Project Runway), then hair (Shear Genius)."
Andrea Mandekk, USA Today
 
"The best reality shows feature a concept so obvious you have to wonder why it hasn't already been exploited. 'Platinum Hit' is that kind of show."
Kevin McDonough, The Commercial Appeal

"The competition pits an eclectic group of contestants and styles against each other. Every week they first write a song hook and then they move on to completely write, and then perform the song for Jewel, head judge Kara DioGuardi, and a panel of industry experts. It's a quick pace, but one Jewel says she hasn't done herself countless times... In the end, Jewel says she's mostly doing this show to provide opportunities for new songwriters, the same ones she was lucky to snag early in her career."
Jethro Nededog, Zap2it

"Platinum Hit is Bravo's attempt to do for songwriting what Top Chef does for food and Project Runway does for fashion — that is, to fill the TV screen with grasping talents, semi-talents, and egoists, offer them prize money and a career, and watch the beautiful creativity flourish! The show is hosted by Jewel, who has become more Bravo-host-like in her look and demeanor — tight-dressed, high-heeled, and primly haughty in the Padma manner. But the bigger draw is judge Kara DioGuardi, who imports her American Idol style of critiquing most contestants as though she was granting them immense wisdom that, if not heeded, might lead not merely to eviction but to utter and complete failure in life. That's how vehement DioGuardi is, non-stop — as a TV personality, she's intense and exhausting."
Ken Tucker, EW.com

"With Jewel as the host and former Idol judge Kara DioGuardi as Platinum Hit lead judge, the show certainly has plenty of real-world credentials, and focusing on a song rather than a performance is an interesting twist. The true test, of course, is in the cast. Between the determined Tohn, the diva Sonyae Elise, the overconfident rocker Nick Nittoli and the nice guys Johnny Marnell and Nevin James, there are plenty of characters to root for (and against)."
Glenn Gamboa, Newsday

"If nothing here screams New Dylan or Next Gaga, or bids in any way to rival the best of Runway or Chef, the craft-under-pressure and problem-solving elements work as before. It's amazing what people can do in a day."
Robert Lloyd, The Los Angeles Times
 
"I was a fan of DioGuardi during her two years on Idol. She seemed willing to dive into her criticisms of the performer, rather than just mutter a few pre-written witticisms or niceties. On Platinum Hit, she is similarly engaged in her job, as she sits on the panel with Jewel and a pair of guest judges."
Matthew Gilbert, The Boston Globe

"The thing about Bravo is that it has a strong sense of what it is now as a network: basically, a channel about upscale consumption — either the people who do the consuming (Bethenny and co.) or the people who produce goods (chefs, designers) or provide lifestyle services (hair stylists, real estate agents). Even the artists in Work of Art roughly fit the category, to the extent that art can be collected and displayed. Pop songs, you could say, are also a lifestyle accessory — you add them to your iTunes or play them in your car and thus construct a soundtrack and a narrative for yourself."
James Poniewozik, Time.com


The Viewers

"Platinum Hit was GREAT! I loved every minute of it, and can't wait to see the next episode! Thanks, Bravo"
DonnaTheWriter, BravoTV.com

"I am excited to see how this show goes. Beautifully crafted lyrics are what inspire us to be better than we are alone. One example is Neil Diamond's 'Be' phrase 'Be, as a page that aches for a word Which speaks on a theme that is timeless.' Which to me is simply brilliant. Or Leonard Cohen's Anthem 'Ring the bells that still can ring, Forget your perfect offering, There is a crack in everything, That's how the light gets in.' Jewel, you of all people would be a great host / mentor for those who want to succeed in the field."
p2p4hope, BravoTV.com
 
"I agree that Scotty's ballad was much better than Sonyae's. What was so unfortunate about the melody? I thought it was catchy / current. Can't you hear Bruno Mars singing it? I can! The lyrics showed some raw emotion at points."
Steffie, BravoTV.com

"I thought Scotty's group had the best song. The top two songs were trite, even feeling like a lyrical retread of Red Hot Chili Peppers' 'Under the Bridge'."
Brian Ackley, BravoTV.com

"Jewel is amazing."
Juan Thomas Alvarez, Zap2it
 
"It should be interesting to see the kinds of critiques [Kara]'s able to offer songwriters, since that's her main game. I also like Jewel's presence on musical reality shows. Definitely tuning in."
Cat, EW.com

"This show is a good fit for Kara – since it focuses on songwriting. Other than Idol, this is a music talent show I'm most interested in watching. Kara is a great talent."
Lisa, EW.com

"I enjoyed the program. I think it will get better each week. [Kara] is very talented and knows her stuff. I admire that."
Kathy, EW.com

"I was already going to watch this because I went to high school with Brian Judah. Loved his music then and am really excited to see what he does on the show and how far he goes. But I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the majority of the other songwriters and Jewel and Kara. So even if Brian doesn't make it all the way to the end, I will be tuning in each week."
Sara, EW.com

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