I had no idea Young Talent Time was coming back until, oh, about 4.30 last Friday afternoon. WHY DIDN’T I KNOW THIS???
When I was growing up, Sydney had all the other Aussie-made shows but in Melbourne, we had three of my childhood staples:
Hey! Hey! It’s Saturday. Neighbours. But most beloved of all,
I ADORED this show. I loved Johnny Young. I felt like I had a personal connection to each of the kids. When one would leave (Karen Knowles, you BROKE MY HEART…….. it’s ok, I forgive you already) and another would join, I’d warm to them eventually. I had my eighth birthday there and thought I was the luckiest girl on the planet when Tara Falconer invited me to her birthday party and I got to go again (it seemed the “done” thing to go to tapings of the show for birthday parties). It was the place to be. If you were a little kid with stars in her/his eyes. And you lived in Melbourne.
It finished in 1988. I can hardly believe it was that long ago. How can it be that it was never resurrected until now? But my goodness, what a resurrection.
I am going to admit right now, I am hopeful. So very, very hopeful. That this doesn’t go down the chute too quickly. That there are no scandals, that there is no hard time made or had by any of the team or contestants. That people don’t unduly bag it without first stopping to realise the gaping hole in wholesome children’s entertainment these days.
Because I need this to work!
This show is vital. It is very much needed. Yes, there is a saturation of talent shows but they are so formulaic and rigid and narrow-focused. They smack of greed and almost unhealthy competition and materialism. They are not and will never be YTT.
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| Like looking into the past… The LGBB sits, riveted by the new show |
After the show, they sang “All My Loving”. I cried. Like a bit of a baby. In a flash, a warm blanket came over me. I remember being all rugged up in my ‘jamies, towel-dried wet hair, fed. With my family, that was so often at war and fractured. Safe for a moment. I would sit there and allow myself to get pulled in to the TV. Tuning out all else except those twinkling studio stars behind them as Johnny Young sat and swayed while he sang my weekly goodnight song. To me.
Tonight, the LGBB was overcome at the very first notes of the song. She bundled up her little dog, Scraps, and jumped off the couch to come and cuddle up to me where I was stretched out on the floor, probably pulling a pose very much like the one I used to 25 years ago. I looked down at her and remembered the happy I used to feel. That childlike, nothing-can-beat-it, innocent Happy. She led me back to it in a split second. Because of that song. She was beaming from ear to ear, hugging me and her little dog so tight I almost had to ask her to tone it down a little. But I daren’t, for I never wanted the moment to end.
It did, a few bars into the song. And she turned to me and begged, “Can I PLEEEEASE watch this again? Right now!”
So from me to you, Johnny Young…. You are on a winner. You always were. Genius! I saw the emotion in your face tonight and had to swallow past a sudden lump in my throat watching how happy you were. It was so good to see you. We love the new format. Don’t go changin’!
And to you, young Robert. So-called Millsy. You did well, Grasshopper. I was pleasantly impressed and surprised. The Talent is strong in you. Use it wisely, because if you don’t there is a legion of mothers out there who grew up on YTT and need you to get it right. For the sake of their littl’uns! We’ve glimpsed the legacy. Don’t you be messying it up, boy-o. Y’hear?
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| Image credit |
“Good night, Australia!”
Why couldn't Johnny host it? That millsy skeeves me out almost as much as Tina Arena.
I hope next week is better cause Boo, who had been SO EXCITED left the room during the flashbacks.
Kelley, I wanted to know that too! I was just hanging out washing after the show (oh how times have changed) and thinking it should've been him. Perhaps he thought he couldn't carry it cos he wasn't… "hip"… enough??
And I remember seeing TA when we went there and sat in the audience – I went a few times, not just birthdays – and yeah. Bit of swanning going on. Bit of nose in the air. Bit like she is now except at least it sort of fits a 40-something year-old better than a 10 year-old. Ah, well. Girl can sing.
Yet another reason to move to Australia it seems…!
Steve: If there wasn't enough before, there is now!
I had a little tear too in the end when they were all lined up and singing 'that song'. I am going to watch each week with the Tsunamis. I think it's going to be a great 'family' show. x
we watched tonight – "i'm just going to watch the first 5 minutes to see what it's like"…much to Guvs dismay…60 minutes later it was all over with. we both enjoyed it, some of them, well year not great singers but hopefully they'll improve.
must admit never been a ta fan myself, nothings changed after tonight!
and yeah i did get a little teary when they sang "that song" at the end.
~x~
Maxabella: Oh I have very high hopes!
Rach: We've got to remember they are very young and they haven't had the confidence of being voted in week after week by the public (which is good for growing one's confidence, I'd imagine!) like they do on shows like Idol. Not to mention the pressure of a come-back show where the public would be turning a critical eye on them. That's lots to carry for a group of young kids. Considering all that (and more) I think they actually did remarkably well
Being an Aussie girl who first left Oz shores in 1980 ( but who would return to visit every year), YTT was a constant each time I returned. (That an dear old Molly Meldrum. And Daryl thing and that bloody emu.) Karen's dimples could've had a show of their own. And lovely, bouncy, smiley Joey, and Brendan, and Natalie, et al. And of course the ever avuncular Johnny. You felt like you were part of their gang. It's a show that shows that the kids of Oz are alright. Loved it then and, although it's kinda different now, loved the comeback. x
Tilda Drake esq.: You're back!!! Hello! Often think of you, so funny you should comment today. I was actually wondering how you might be going just this morning. And yes…. those dimples. For all the reasons you've said, I loved it then and I dearly hope I can love it again now, despite all the new looks and years passed. SO good to hear from you!
We were out and I missed it. Was shattered when I realised. I think I need to hear Derek Redfern singing "Put your head on my shoulder…"…..
I absolutely loved Young Talent Time, couldn't wait to watch it each week.My favourite was Tina Arena, she was around my age.
Nicky Singh
Cate: Derek? Is he a relation of Jamie? ;-P
Nicky Singh: Yes, same! Sounds like you were prime age for enjoying it. I think anyone (girl especially) who is now in the 30-45 bracket adored the show. Sweeping generalisation I'm making, but still….
Oh I must admit to being a HUGE Joey Peroine fan – I even met him once and got a cuddle! Hmmm wondering if he is a fat middle aged balding man now! LOL
Oh I was wrong – very very wrong!!!!
http://www.joeperrone.me/photos.html
Leesa: Ha! Yes you were, weren't you!