Americans loved to be entertained. With such talented people living within the States, entertainment comes easily from adults and children alike. Programs like American Idol and Dancing with the Stars continue to impress by showcasing the singing and dancing abilities of fellow Americans. But more incredible and amusing are the prestigious talent shows that showcase the abilities of young children in the U.S.
America’s Most Talented Kids
Originally started in 2003, America’s Most Talented Kid features skilled children in age groups of 3-7, 8-12, and 13-16. The entertainment options that kids engage in are endless, with no real limits on the kids of talents kids wish to display. Children can sing, dance, perform magic, play musical instruments, demonstrate martial art skills, or almost anything else imaginable. The show has produced some now famous people, including the first season’s winners, Cheyenne Kimball and Antonio Pontarelli. The show has also featured guest appearances from famed names including Taylor Lautner and Jordin Sparks.
Scripps National Spelling Bee
While not a talent show in the most traditional way, Scripps National Spelling Bee is certainly a demonstration of a specific and unique skill set. The purpose of the spelling bee is to help kids improve their spelling, grammar, and vocabulary. The bee receives national attention each year. The spelling bee is only open to children who are under the age of 16, or have not passed the eighth grade. Running since 1925, the Scripps National Spelling Bee has produced some incredible champions. Last year’s champion, Arvind Mahankali, won by correctly spelling the word “knaidel,” which is a type of dumpling eaten during the Jewish holiday of Passover. Spelling conflicts are resolved by use of the Merriam-Webster dictionary, which is any spelling bee participant’s bible in the months leading up to the National Championship Challenge.
Child and Toddler Beauty Pageants
From “Toddlers and Tiaras” to the range of child beauty pageants occurring throughout most of the United States, children dressing up like stars and parading around, answering questions, and performing talents has become a hit in America. Children can perform various talents in the contests, such as singing and juggling. Although highly controversial, the child beauty pageant industry is still going strong in the United States.
Other Forms of Recognition of Child Talent
While child beauty pageants, the spelling bee, the America’s Most Talent Kids are the three main avenues for talent shows designed specifically for children, there are other talent programs in the States that search for both children and adults. For example, children are welcome on the show America’s Got Talent. Talent agencies across the country are always accepting applicants to show off their skills in a talent interview. If you have an exceptionally talented child, there are a variety of organizations and businesses that are seeking new skill sets and faces.
With child breakdowns occurring on public television and more scandals occurring the in the child beauty pageant industry, talk of prohibiting child talent shows has occurred. Britain, recently, has sparked a lot of discussion about whether or not children should be allowed in any talent shows at all. Then, maybe even the US will follow suit.
Oliver Prescott is a freelance writer based in Tempe, Arizona. If you’re preparing for a pageant show in the near future Oliver recommends checking out the little girls dresses from Very Venzant.
Image credit goes to Duke Community Involvement.
