Signed

Signed is a competitive reality television series that made its debut on VH1 in 2017. The show offers a unique and immersive opportunity to witness the intense, high-stakes world of the music industry from the perspective of undiscovered talents looking for their big break and industry moguls scouting for their next big discovery. It was produced by Mark Burnett's MGM Television and aired for a span of eight episodes, with each approximately one hour long.

The premise of Signed is straightforward yet captivating: numerous aspiring hip-hop and R&B artists from around the nation participate in a vigorous competition, vying for the ultimate prize - a chance to get signed by one of the music industry's most reputable record labels. The series, therefore, revolves around the journey of these passionate aspirants who put their hearts, souls, and talents on display, battling it out through a series of auditions and call-backs, hoping to impress the industry's best.

What sets Signed apart from other reality music shows is its panel of judges. The show boasts an impressive line-up, featuring three industry heavyweights - Rick Ross, an acclaimed rapper and entrepreneur known for his headship at Maybach Music Group; The-Dream, a skilled songwriter and music producer who has crafted hits for stars like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Justin Bieber; and Lenny S., a proficient A&R executive at Roc Nation, who also happens to be a long-standing right hand of hip hop luminary, Jay-Z.

These seasoned professionals not only serve as judges but also as mentors who provide the competitors with expert insights, invaluable advice, and occasional tough love. They essentially guide these blooming talents through the intricate landscape of the music industry, preparing them for the sharp scrutiny of an unforgiving business.

The contestants go through a series of challenges that gradually increase in difficulty as the series progresses. These challenges not only require the participants to present their raw talents but also allow them to demonstrate their potential adaptability to the quickly changing trends in the music industry. Each task is designed to test the competitors on different aspects of being an artist - from vocal and lyrical abilities to image creation and marketability. The ultimate aim is to mould these aspirants into full-fledged artists who are ready to take on the music world head-on.

Throughout the series, the viewers are privy to the behind-the-scenes action - from the nerve-racking auditions, the euphoric successes, the crushing disappointments, and the contestants' personal stories. It adds a layer of reality and relatability to the competition. Viewers get to see the constant flow of emotions, the intense rivalries, the bonds that form between contestants, and even the interpersonal dynamics that develop among the judges.

The show illustrates the harsh reality of the music business, where success is dependent on the balance of talent, image, timing, and exceeding the expectations of demanding power players. Each contestant quickly learns that the journey to becoming an overnight sensation and industry staple requires resilience, perseverance, and unwavering dedication.

One of the most interesting aspects of Signed is, quite possibly, its unpolished approach. It offers raw, real, and uncompromised glimpses into the music industry - be it the high level of competition, the tension-filled auditions, the rigorous training, the pressure of live performances, or the heartbreak of a missed opportunity.

In essence, Signed is a real treat for music aficionados - providing a firsthand experiential journey into the music industry. The show delivers a remarkable testimony to the budding talents, their passion, their journey, and the unyielding spirit to become the next big name in the music world. With its clear and relatable narrative, Signed does justice to the struggles, dreams, and aspirations of artists eager to make it big in the glitz and glam of the music industry.

Although the show received a mixed response from the audience and critics alike during its 2017 run, it nevertheless paints a compelling portrait of the high-stakes world of music - delivering a powerful blend of raw talent, powerful performances, emotional storytelling, and the harsh realities of fame. Signed, therefore, offers both entertainment and a sort of education - making it an interesting watch.