Popstars 2, Episode 11: Scene 23 -- 'Live' In Concert

In the final episode of the season, Monika, Josh, Donavan, Laurie, and Dorothy prepare for their first real concert. The show opens with a worn-out looking Laurie saying, “Practices for the concert are getting harder and harder and harder and longer.” That’s pretty much the theme of this episode. The kids are expected to be as proficient as seasoned veterans … even though they’ve only been together less than six months. The unreasonable expectations put on them start to show. Speaking of unreasonable expectations, Tony says, “Rehearsals have been tough. I wanted them to come in at a competitive level with the groups that are out now. I really wanted to bring them in at that level, and it’s been difficult.” I understand he wants the group to be on par with their peers, but with the schedule set by the filming of a TV show, it’s insane to expect five kids – no matter how talented – to actually be able to acquire the experience and skill that groups like N’Sync and Britney have gotten over years of trial and error. I actually get the feeling that Tony wants the group to succeed so he doesn’t look bad.

Next the group gets fitted for custom speakers – which entails taking a cast of their ears. Gooey! Then, Wet Seals gets them outfitted for the concert, but they give Donovan the unusual opportunity to design and make the outfits for the show’s opening song. This would be great for him, if he didn’t already have a full time job rehearsing for the concert. It might have been nice if they offered someone to help him at least do the sewing.

Anyway, the kids get to see the stage specially created for them. They run around it like it’s a jungle gym. “This is my playground,” says Monika. But then when they try to transfer the dance moves from the rehearsal studio to the stage, things start to fall apart. The kids aren’t far behind as the stress, lack of rest, and Tony’s constant badgering start to break them down as well. The delicate Laurie is hit hardest. Then Jeff Margolis, an experienced TV concert producer, piles on more things for them to think about as far as camera angles and looking their best. It’s brutal, and the first dress rehearsal is a disaster. Dorothy is yawning during a song and Laurie is crying backstage. The group finally gets a little rest and visits from their friends and family the day before the concert.

And I have a question. Who sings the song from the credits “Sometimes it’s black, sometimes it’s white …”? It’s not on the Scene 23 album. I like it, but what is it? Someone please tell me.

The day of the concert, the group gets an unexpected visit from ousted finalist, Moi – but the visit is short because the group must do a final dress rehearsal, and get their hair and makeup done. Before they know it, it’s show time. They start out with “What She Got,” which they only lip sync about 75% of the time. Is that good? Hmm. “Respect Me” is next, followed by “All This Love,” sung beautifully by Donavan and Monika (live), and then “The Greatest.” Next is the single, “I Really Don’t Think So,” but I have a question: what was with sooooo much lip-syncing? I never heard Laurie or Dorothy sing anything live. Were they bad and they fixed it later, or did they never get the chance to screw up by being forced to mouth the words? It was really annoying, like the Britney Spears HBO concert – or anytime Britney “performs” live.

Anyway, they close with “He Said, She Said” – the only performance we get to see in its entirety. Off-stage, it’s all hugs and kisses – even from the tyrant Tony. Finally, we get some inspirational words from the kids of Scene 23 about their experiences and following your dream.

All’s well that ends well, and another season of Popstars comes to a close.

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