Don’t Forget the Lyrics on Fox

By Adam Shuler

Children can be a lot of fun to watch. However, the current slate of prime-time programming doesn’t usually give them the opportunity to really shine and take center stage. While Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? prominently features knowledgeable tykes, they serve as foils to the adult competitors. When was the last time a youth actually got to compete on a game show? On January 31st, Fox’s Don’t Forget the Lyrics let the little ones have their showcase. Or little “one” in this case: specifically, 11-year-old Shamari Berkley. For letting the kids have a turn at a fun, wholesome game, this episode is our Best of the Week.

Before beginning the game, host Wayne Brady told the audience that Shamari was guaranteed to keep any money she won. (This is as opposed to the program’s normal rules, under which contestants risk losing their winnings). Shamari breezed through the first four songs, singing “ABC,” “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah,” “Celebration,” and “Hokey Pokey” to win $50,000. Shamari needed assistance with the next two songs, “You Are So Beautiful” and “I Want it That Way,” but then nailed “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” with no help, winning $350,000. As well as Shamari played, he was not able to walk away a millionaire, as he did not feel comfortable enough with “Greatest Love of All” to try for more money.

Not only did Shamari play the game capably, he showcased an entertaining personality and was very easy to root for. In addition to singing well, Shamari also showcased some stellar dancing ability, and even encouraged Brady to get in on the act. Shamari also provided some emotional moments, singing “You Are So Beautiful” to his mother and inviting his cousin to help him figure out the missing lyrics from “I Want it That Way.” He also stated that if he won a lot of money, he would buy a car for his older brother. All of these elements combined to create an hour of programming that was fun and enjoyable for the entire family.

Best TV Show of the Week

The Parents Television Council - www.parentstv.org