TV Review: Rock the Cradle - Week 2

MTV's new reality series Rock the Cradle pits the children of nine superstar musicians against one another in order to determine who has what it takes to be the next rock star.
The nine celebrity offspring featured last week on Rock the Cradle were:

Olivia Newton-John's daughter Chloe Rose Lattanzi;
Kenny Loggins' son Crosby Loggins;
Eddie Money's daughter Jesse Money;
Joe Walsh's (The Eagles) daughter Lucy Walsh;
Al B. Sure's son Lil Al B Sure;
Dee Snider's (Twisted Sister) son Jesse Blaze Snider;
Tom Johnston's (Doobie Brothers) daughter Lara Johnston;
MC Hammer's daughter Akeiba Burrell Hammer; and
Bobby Brown's son Landon Brown.

The viewing audience last week had to either call, go to the website, or text in to vote for who they want to remain in the competition. The person with the fewest votes had to practice all week with the others not knowing they would be voted off.

In fact, the contestants had to line up and stand there through the first seven songs of the evening before notification of the outcome. In other words, they called up seven people to sing their second song of this competition while the rest watched - before it was announced who would not have to sing this week. This seemed unnecessarily brutal and inhumane.

Jesse Blaze Snider was the first to perform this week. He sang Billy Idol's "Rebel Yell." His father, Dee Snider, worked with him this week and he sang much better than last week. Still, his stage presence, confidence and rockability are more noteworthy than his vocals. Somehow, he scored high enough to have immunity.

Lara Johnston sang Aretha Franklin's "Respect." She had more spunk this week, but she chose a song that very few people can pull off. Lara's vocals were fine tonight but she lacked the depth and soul required of this song.

Akeiba Hammer sang "Killing Me Softly" by Roberta Flack. Akeiba has a good voice but lacks control over it when trying to hold a note or initiate some vibrato. I would like to see her sing something that would show off the talent she does have. One of the judges, June Ambrose, harshly told her she looked like a 40 year-old woman (she's 19), but she was dressed very drably.

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Article Author: Alexandria Jackson

Alexandria Jackson is a psychologist by day and a Blogcritic by night. She is the author of Don't Take it Personally: Keep Your Self-Esteem in a Relationship.

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  • 1 - cradlewillrock

    Apr 14, 2008 at 6:06 pm

    I'm involved with the show and think MTV did a solid job in selecting the contestants. In fact, most of them are actively touring and/or recording. I think Akeiba Hammer will do very well in the competition, she just need to be in more control over her voice.

    Are THey Born To Rock?
    When Rockstars Raise You, Judges
    Are The Least Of Your Concerns.
    Rock The Cradle
    10pm MTV

  • 2 - cradlewillrock

    Apr 14, 2008 at 6:06 pm

    I'm involved with the show and think MTV did a solid job in selecting the contestants. In fact, most of them are actively touring and/or recording. I think Akeiba Hammer will do very well in the competition, she just need to be in more control over her voice.

    Are THey Born To Rock?
    When Rockstars Raise You, Judges
    Are The Least Of Your Concerns.
    Rock The Cradle
    10pm MTV

  • 3 - Alexandria Jackson

    Apr 15, 2008 at 6:09 pm

    In future episodes then, I do hope they will choose songs that can showcase their voices rather than what we've heard so far.

  • 4 - cradlewillrock

    Apr 16, 2008 at 2:28 pm

    I agree with you, it seems like some the parents don't really know the vocal abilities of their kids. What do you think of the contestants and do you think any of them have a leg up on the competition?

  • 5 - Alexandria Jackson

    Apr 16, 2008 at 4:50 pm

    For what my opinion is worth:
    I think that Chloe has an unusual voice that could seriously rock if she chose a song suitable for her sexy, whiskey voice.

    Crosby Loggins is my favorite since he clearly has vocals and instrumental talent. He probably won't win because he doesn't "rock" the crowd and has unknown abdominal muscles.....

    Those are my contenders but I am not a mainstream listener. I always thought Bruce "The Boss" had questionable vocal ability but not even I can deny his "rockability." In sum, while I go for vocals over stunning abs or rocking the crowd, my choices will likely be eliminated.....

  • 6 - mtvblogthecradle

    Apr 18, 2008 at 10:54 am

    I really like Jeese Blaze's performance I am willing to bet he tajes the whole competition. After all, he is really the only one is "rock" ing the cradle.

  • 7 - Alexandria Jackson

    Apr 18, 2008 at 1:11 pm

    Yes, unfortunately, I agree with your prediction. He won immunity last night....Again. And, while I truly don't care who wins, his "confidence" is turning into rude, boorish, and mean comments about his fellow contestants. For that alone I'd like to see him eliminated. But I also believe he will win....

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