I Know My Kid’s a Star Recap - Episode 6 - Like Sands Through the Hourglass…
Want another metaphor?
That’s kind of like an execution lineup, no?
As always, we begin where we left off:
Gigi’s now treating Alai with compassion, and McKenzie and Shannon are talking about toning it down.
…which prompts McKenzie to make puppet-like motions, of course. Note that I said “talking about.”
And also, there’s this:
And if the Golden Girls theme song isn’t in your head…uh, now it is. Funny, we will soon come to find that if we threw a party, invited everyone we knew, Pam would throw it all under the bus.
But for now, she’s a pal and a confidant.
The parents get a note and a box.
The note says that today they’ll decide which team gets immunity. Ah, don’t you just love it when reality shows allow the opportunity for institutionalized conniving? In the box are scripts for today’s audition: a soap opera. Get your cryin’ clothes on, kids!
Just another day on the job for McKenzie!
Gigi explains that she’s doing her best to lessen the pressure on Alai.
And you know, Alai does seem so much happier and brighter this episode. It’s a nice sign of hope that Hollywood hasn’t trampled her spirit before she’s even really arrived.
Mary Jo works alone, per Marki’s advice to fire her mother as her acting coach.
This lasts for about five minutes before she gets frustrated and calls on her mother’s help. Tween angst ensues.
McKenzie is over-the-top as always and Shannon repeatedly corrects her reading.
How can she not yell, when her soul is howling? McKenzie also kind of adorably breaks down.
It’s easy to sympathize with a kid that’s this conscientious. She goes on, at one point exclaiming, “I can never be better than Cheyenne!” McKenzie, none of us can. I took one look at Cheyenne during the first episode and I said, “I give up.” It’s Cheyenne’s world, we just dust her Oscars in it. But for real, Shannon offers the single best piece of advice that anyone on this show has ever given. Actually, it’s probably the best piece of advice that anyone has ever given, period. She tells her daughter not to compare herself to anyone else — “Just work hard on being a better you.” That, people, is the key to possessing the secret of joy. For real, for real.
Later, Pam and Gigi discuss the immunity decision.
Gigi straight up tells Pam that she’ll vote for her daughter if Pam votes for Gigi’s. Pam agrees to this. However, since Shannon and Sandy are tight, and they’ll most likely form a similar alliance, Gigi points out that…
It’s really awesome that the loner is the one with all the power. Helene agrees.
She resolves to go with the kid who performs the worst, as that will provide the least amount of competition for Cheyenne down the line.
The parents and kids hike to the sound stage the auditions will be shot on.
They’ll be performing alongside soapop vet Andrea Evans. The scene involves the children finding out that their recently deceased mom wasn’t their birth mother — Andrea is. Tears and ranting ensue, or at least, they’re supposed to per the script. Gian is first up.
Marki isn’t feeling Gian’s lack of feeling. He’s not in the moment, says her.
McKenzie slips up and forgets a line, but soldiers on, winning the praise of the judges.
Mary Jo takes unpredictable beats. Danny proclaims her “more than good enough,” which is great. Remember: you don’t have to be the best, you just have to be not the worst.
Alai creates unintended laughs merely from the circumstance — she has to yell out, “That’s a lie!” That’s not a lie; that’s Alai. Yuks notwithstanding, Alai didn’t overplay the scene and did a great job.
And then there’s Cheyenne.
She more than compensates for McKenzie’s toning things down. Her overblown reading causes Marki to note…
…you know what she means, but still: ugh. When lingo attacks.
After auditions, it’s time for the parents to reveal which kid they thought did the best. Or something. Sandy goes with McKenzie, explaining, “I need Shannon to survive in the house!” Well, put your strategy all out there for everyone to fondle, why don’tcha? Shannon, on the other hand, picks Alai, saying that she did the best and so it’s only fair. As planned, Gigi goes with Mary Jo, praising her for doing some “amazing stuff.” At first, Pam says that she doesn’t want to vote. Well, give me the vapors and call me Blanche Devereaux! Danny threatens to send her home if she doesn’t vote, and so after being pushed, Pam goes with Gian. She says it’s “more of a strategic thing.” Well, duh.
And so, even though things didn’t go exactly according to plan, Helene still has the final vote. She’s shown all signs of perceptiveness, and so she probably figured that Gian would be coming home, and ends up going with Alai. Alai is all smiles, not realizing that she was a mere pawn in this game. Perhaps it is something that Alai been accustomed to for a while now.
At home, Gigi tries to figure out what’s up with Pam.
But that is something that Pam will not do. Gigi tries getting her to open up again…
…and Pam’s all, “You’re not gonna get it, Gigi.” By it, I can only assume the biggest gift with the card attached that says, “Thank you for being a friend.”
Mary Jo thinks this whole thing is stupid.
See?
Alai agrees.
Articulate and insightful, at last Alai gets her chance to shine. See how good for your kids easing up on the pressure can be?
Marki’s parents meeting takes place. It is mostly uneventful, save for Helene’s revelation that Cheyenne’s over-the-top performance was by design: they decided to take that approach since the audition was for a soap opera. Fair enough! Even if the judges didn’t like the result, they can’t really knock the rationale. Sandy flat-out says that she doesn’t want to be there. And for that, basically, she and Gian go home.
Gian’s a total wreck.
He kinda says some disparaging words about Danny Bonaduce on the ride home. That’s the spirit! Taking out your aggression on a third party should have you feeling better in no time. Just ask the parents!
April 25th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
I love this girl (Cheyenne). I think she’s the star, if she dosen’t win i’m gonna be so disappointed. however she should have won the shoe ad . I thought she was the best.
April 25th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
It’s a nice show. I often watch some funny shows at I n t i m a t e m i n g l e DOTC om. It said that there are some hot stars as Britney, Heidi. They started their film blogs there.
April 25th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
hi i love this show i am 10 to and i want to be the next child star.
April 25th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Oh, and P.S., what you’re watching is the beginning and the end of Cheyenne’s scene. They cut out the whole middle part (you can see what the whole scene looks like on the extras). The direction that the all the kids were given on paper was that the child was supposed to get very upset and cry.
April 25th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
For everyones information I would like to let you know that EVERY SINGLE PARENT, yes, EVERY SINGLE PARENT said something nasty about the children and the parents. I won’t get into this but I do know this to be true. Whether or not VH1 chose to air it or not is up to them. And also, Shannon was the first one to approach me to try to sway my vote, when I didn’t respond, she came up with another plan.
You should also know that Cheyenne chose to be more dramatic on her first read (it was her choice because we all know how soap operas are underplayed - they’re very realistic (sarcasm)). She got direction and toned it down on her second read (every child did it twice). You don’t see any of Cheyenne’s second take at all. Most of the other children’s 2nd take it what was aired.
Helene
April 25th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
My vote is also for Mary Jo. I think she was the clear winner an the cutest kid on that show. She is such a beautiful girl and when she was left alone to make the decison of how she wanted to play the character she did a great job. I am pulling for Mary Jo.
The problem with this show that it IS all about the mom’s. I don’t think whoever wins or loses it willl have much to do with the talent of the children. This is about the mom’s and that is clear. I have to agree with others that it is all about the editing and what we are seeing may not be the case. I too agree that we should see a live show without editing. That would be great.
I really liked Gian and think he will be a great dancer someday. I think little Hayley can model. Red Hayley was sweet and cute. I think the b est for me are MaryJo, Gian, and Red Hayley. I also have been on youtube and Gian has a great dance video up. Mary Jo has several videos and lots of fan videos. None of red hayley but maybe soon.
good luck to Gian and sorry you were voted off. I did find it surprising that Sandy voted for Mckenzie to keep Shannon on the show (as she said) because Shannon is her friend. Yet, Shannon did not vote for Gian to help Sandy. Gigi voted for Mary Jo because she said she liked the way Mary Jo performed and not just because Pam was her friend. Pam and Helene voted with a strategy in mind. I wonder if Sandy should have tried a strategy as well?
I also have to wonder how many mom’s post on here an their friends? It clearly seems to be the case. Alot of these kids are ot very good but I think most people do not take the time to post.
April 25th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Kim,
As much as I love my children there are times I wish I could just be their best friend. But, because I do love them so much I have to remain their mother first. Don’t get me wrong, there are many times we just clown around and act totally goofy but they always know the rules and the boundries.
I hope you are enjoying the show and will continue to watch.
April 25th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Doreen,
Thanks for recognizing McKenzie’s improvement. She has worked really hard and it is finally starting to payoff. AS far as me being able to stay focused throughout the madness, I prayed alot and constantly reminded myself why I was there. FOR MCKENZIE! Whether she is acting or singing, she just loves entertaining. It is her passion and her dream. Also, she loved all the kids that were on the show and she didn’t want to leave.
As far as me voting for Alai, what can I say other than “WOW, what a great kid”!. Who else could I have HONESTLY voted for? She really stepped up to the plate and hit a homerun. I was so proud of her.
April 25th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Ken,
The cast members of the show are really not suppose to say a whole lot about what they have being doing since the show until they are eliminated or the show is over. Which ever comes first for us, I will give you all the scoop as to what she has been doing.
April 25th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Kathleen,
Thank you for your support and you are right. I truly love McKenzie for who and what she is. That’s how God made her and he make everyone special in some way or another. And, like I have said from the beginning, win or lose, McKenzie and I will go home being the same two people we came here as. McKenzie knows her talent is a gift and she wants to use it for the right reason and money is not one of them.
Keep watching and I hope you enjoy the show.
April 25th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Hat’s off to Shannon for showing the viewers every week the importance of being a mom first. Not a best friend or anything else the other mothers are trying to be. I thought the show would calm down after Rocky left but that isn’t the case. Keep up the good work Shannon and may all the other mothers on the show and watching learn a valuable lesson from you!
April 25th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
I thought that this episode was so interesting. For the first time, there was no clearcut choice to give “immunity” to, but to see how most of the parents were scheming to “position” their child was really doing a disservice to their child. I don’t see where they think the benefit is in not honestly choosing the best child for immunity. If the least deserving child gets immunity because of your vote, then you put your child at risk for going home due to your trying to minipulate the situation.
Danny and Marki are not stupid. They have actually both been so professional in choosing who stays and who goes by the progression the child and parent have made challenge to challenge versus a single performance.
Each of the remaining children have talent and are so different that in the “real world”, they would never be competing for the same parts. They have been given a great opportunity to showcase their talent and to grow and learn about the business. All of them could come out “winners” from this show with the exposure they have gotten to agents, directors, casting people. It’s ashame that most of the parents are just focused on just winning this show. Haven’t they ever heard of Jennifer Hudson!! (So what if she didn’t win American Idol, she has a pretty great career going from being on the show). Shannon and McKenzie are the only ones staying focused and benefiting from this experience.
I liked that Shannon was the only mom to cast her vote for the “child” who she felt truly deserved it this week. Her comment to Mckenzie (“Just work hard on being a better you.” ) was great for any parent on this show or guiding your child through the real world. Kudos- You have embraced this opportunity to learn about this business and are helping McKenzie develop her skills.
I was particularly dissappointed in Helene this week. It could have been editing, but it seemed that she spent most of the initial rehearsal time preoccupied with not getting votes and what the other children were doing instead of helping Cheyanne prepare for the scene. From the get go Cheyanne was the “one to beat” and with or without immunity there was no way she would be sent home this week. Cheyanne’s performances up to this point had always placed her 1st or 2nd, she was never in any position to be sent home.
I think Danny made the right choice in sending Gian home this week. Out of the 5, he had shown the least growth week to week and was the one whose time had come. McKenzie, Alai and Mary Jo all showed improvement in their performances and each deserved to stay. Even though Cheyanne stumbled during this challenge, it wasn’t enough to send her home yet– everyone has a bad day. While a few weeks ago, it looked like Cheyanne would run away with the show, I am seeing McKenzie emerging as a new favorite.
As for Sandy, I think she knew that they were going to go and that she made the comments that she did to make Gian feel that it was her and not his performances that sent them home.
The upcoming episodes should be interesting.
April 25th, 2008 at 11:48 am
I think the show is better because we are getting to see the kids. I don’t think Gan’s performance was bad on this soap show. I loved Mary Jo’s performance and for me she did the best job. I liked Alai’s performance and felt she did much better. I think that it is Mary Jo that will make it in Hollywood. She has the ability to draw people to her. Cheyenne’s performance was not terrible but the child seems so mean at times. I did not like Mc Kenzie’s performance but I think that acting is probally not her cup of tea unless it is theater. With all said I think Mary Jo is the one that did the best of the bunch.
As for the mom’s I don’t think I will make a comment. the show seems to be about the mom’s and can be edited (as said by Gigi in a previous thread) to make one mom look good and another look bad. I can’t say Shannon is the best mom because that is at this point what they edit it to be. I wish we had a oportunity to see a live show that is unedited to know what they really are like.
I have been to the childrens websites and watched their youtubes also. I get a very different opinion when seeing these things.
April 25th, 2008 at 11:44 am
I’m rooting for McKenzie to win, she is such an adorable child, shows respect for everyone, and has the “it” factor, now that she has tuned down that Shirly Temple persona, she is showing true acting abilities. Great job Shannon. By the way this show has been over for a while now, what is McKenzie doing in acting now??
April 25th, 2008 at 10:32 am
I would like to say that all the mom’s could take a little advise from Shannon. I think she is a mom who really loves her child for what she is, not what she can do for the mom. Her daughter knows she has her mom’s love and some of the kids must think the only way mom will love me is if I win. Hey there is a lot more in their lives ahead of them win or loose. I think McKenzie was deffinately the most improved for the night and Cheyenne’s attitude really has me worried for her, if she dosen’t win, she and her mom will be devistated. They need to realize it is not a shoe in for her, McKenzie is comming up fast.
April 25th, 2008 at 10:12 am
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April 25th, 2008 at 10:00 am
CeeJaye,
When I read your blog it brought tears to my eyes. I know you will not quite understand what I’m going to say only because you don’t have children yet. However, you gave me one of the best compliments anyone could ever give a mother. For that I am truly grateful.
Hope you enjoyed last nights episode. There are only two left. Keep watching.
Sincerely,
Shannon
P.S. I love how you spell your name.
April 25th, 2008 at 9:54 am
Elaine, Ken, & Nickie,
Thanks for your support. McKenzie has worked so hard on toning things down and her hard work finally paid off. I hope yall are enjoying the show and keep watching.
April 25th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Kathy,
Thank you for supporting me and McKenzie. Like I tell her, you can have a great talent, but without good character you have nothing. My husband and I have taught her you can be one of the prettiest, most talented people in the world, but if you are not a nice person those things don’t count. Who wants to pay money to watch someone perform that’s mean spirited? Not me!
Hope you enjoy the show. Keep watching.
April 25th, 2008 at 7:29 am
I think McKenzie was the best on the show this week. Alai won the immunity, not because she was the best, but weren’t they voting for the one with the least chance to challenge, then I have to say they voted right, That is if Marki and Danny would stop giving Alai all the great comments: I see a star when she walks into a room, she lights up the room, come on she can’t dance, act, sing and she isn’t the cutist.
April 25th, 2008 at 7:03 am
I was really touched by Shannon’s words of wisdom last night to her daughter. She really shines as a good mom and beautiful human being. Throughout what must be a stressful situation she has taken the time to be compassionate and loving to others and even reached out to the misunderstood Roxi (who was voted off way to soon). Her daughter Mackenzie is a direct result of her positive attitude and I look forward to seeing her in the future because she is definitely a star and has the foundation to be successful in the business. She makes this southern girl proud and I can only hope that when I have children I am as nurturing and loving as Shannon.
April 25th, 2008 at 6:04 am
WOOOOW! THIS SHOW IS WEIRDLY ENTERTAINING. REAL STAGE MOMS ARE MUCH WORST AND CUT THROAT. BUT HEY *~^ S ALL IN GOOD TV RIGHT?
April 25th, 2008 at 5:51 am
I can’t stand it that almost each time someone has to go home that they feel the need to put Danny down! Did they ever see him as Danny Partrige? My mother always said that there wouldn’t be a “Partrige Family ” if it wasn’t for that red headed kid . As a child my self in love with David Cassidy I didn’t understand. But when I watch reruns I realize JUST how good he was especially for someone SO young at the time.
If he had not made bad choices after that who knows? And I figure that’s what he’s trying to get all of these kids and their parents to see so as not to make the same mistakes. But don’t question his talent or knowledge of child stardom. He was as good as alot of the kids today and better than any I’ve seen on this show so far!
He also always tries to say something nice about each one of you. So COME ON!!!!!
April 25th, 2008 at 4:28 am
Taking out your aggression on a third party should have you feeling better in no time. Just ask the parents! I am a single girl from blackcentury.com…
April 25th, 2008 at 2:55 am
I was taken back a little by Cheyenne’s performance tonight. I think she was off the mark tonight, not “off the hook”, which is what I think Marki meant. But one bad performance out of the competition so far, I don’t think will hurt her. The only thing that bothers me about her is that it seems like she and Helene are schemers. They always seem to have their heads together about something. Sometimes it seems like if everyone turned their heads, they’d cut the throats of all the rest of them and run off with the prize. But the child has real talent and you can’t take that away from her.
Shannon has done a good job of toning McKenzie down. McKenzie has a way to go but she’s come far. I really like the relationship they have with each other. And I especially like the way Shannon keeps her on point as to who she is rather than who she’s not better than.
Gian wasn’t the best tonight but I felt bad for him because Sandi either basically or sub-conscienciously told Danny to send them home because “she” didn’t want to be there. It seemed that evertime she would over critisize Gian and he would tell her she was doing so, she would accuse him of being a “Diva”. She even remarked to someone once that he was having a “Diva moment”. Yet when she would get pissed off at him, SHE would be having diva moments and walk out on him.
Mary Jo wasn’t bad tonight either. I rather enjoyed her audition. Firing Pam as her acting coach was the best thing that could have happened to her. As for Pam, I’m dissappointed, but not suprised. That sweet little confused french poodle look turned out to be a french poodle with sharp teeth and a dagger. Gigi opened up the door for that when she proposed the alliance. Poor little confused Pam thought she was on Survivor….Welcome to Hollywood. After the vote, Pam was next seen in the kitchen trying to form some kind of bond with Helene. Watch out Helene, that puppy will bite ‘cha. And since both of them have said that they’re not here to make friends or be nice, this should make an interesting dynamic duo. I’m going to pull the chair real close to the tv, with a BIG box of popcorn in my lap when these two turn on each other.
Gigi softened up on Alai and listened to her and yes, she did shine. She did a very good job on her audition. Not to mention, that in spite of her being quiet and demure, the little girl has spunk, conviction, compassion and most important, a conscience. She made more sense tonight than anyone in the house.
I think that Cheyenne is the best actress, Mckenzie is the perkiest, Mary Jo is the cutest and Alai has the best personality. But overall, they are all great kids.
April 25th, 2008 at 1:53 am
Why can’t these lady’s just be mature and get along with each other.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
Alai’s words of wisdom to Gigi said that despite what has been shown, in the end, she was raised right. I am so proud of McKenzie tonight. She did such a nice job. Go Louisiana Girl!!! Unfortunatly, Mary Jo wasn’t going tonight because they needed some fireworks after letting Rocky and Hayley go.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
I am so proud of Shannon and Mackenzie. They have been the only pair(escpecially the adults) who have not put down anyone else’s child. I am proud to have a mother and daughter from Louisiana put on such a great show of character, not just talent. That is what Hollywood needs. What are we teaching our children when we tell them “I will take her out!” How are our children every going to treat each other with resect. Alai was so on the mark with her words of wisdom to her mother. I hope mom can learn from her.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
I Know My Kid’s A Star has now turned into the Miss America Pageant. Now that it’s down mother-daughter, Danny would feel like David Ruphrect (Supermarket Sweep).
It has been 12 long years since there’s been any game or reality series where only boys competed against each other. For you trivia freaks, the last time was on Secrets of The Crypt Keeper’s Haunted Mansion (1996-97 CBS).
April 24th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
thats messed up that pam lied and now trying to start a conflict between mary jo and alai