Don’t Forget the Lyrics on Fox

By Adam Shuler

One of the best things about game shows is that everyday people are given an opportunity to win. But despite the appeal of watching normal people play, it’s as much fun to watch celebrities give game shows a try. In addition to the entertainment factor, celebrities typically play the game for charity and raise awareness to a cause while earning money for the organization. On the March 27^th episode of Fox’s Don’t Forget the Lyrics, REO Speedwagon singer Kevin Cronin appeared as a contestant. He played to raise money for Music Cares, an organization providing musicians across the country with health benefits. His musical money climb was very entertaining, and the episode is our choice for Best of the Week.

Cronin breezed through his first four songs, successfully remembering the lyrics to “Brass in Pocket,” “Respect,” “Angel of the Morning,” and “Don’t You Forget About Me” without any help. His first obstacle came in the category of “Party Songs,” when Cronin couldn’t remember any words to a line from the J. Geils Band song “Freeze Frame.” He used two “backups” to fill in the lyrics, but he was able to move on. Sensing the game was getting tougher, he chose “REO Speedwagon” as the next category, and obviously had no trouble singing his own song, “Keep On Lovin’ You.” After more success with “Higher Ground” and “Ghostbusters,” Cronin was again stumped when he faced Donna Summer’s “Last Dance.” Despite enlisting the help of his friend, songwriter Shelly Peiken, “Last Dance” was an appropriate end to Cronin’s journey, as he chose to walk away. Despite not going all the way to a million dollars, Cronin raised $350,000 for Music Cares.

In addition to watching an established singer play a fun game for charity, there were many additional entertaining moments in this episode. Before singing “Angel of the Morning,” Cronin invited his wife upstage to join him. Hand-in-hand, he sweetly sung the romantic ballad to his loved one. Later, Cronin was caught off-guard during “Ghostbusters” and blanked when prompted to fill in the missing lyrics. Host Wayne Brady encouraged Cronin to remember singing the song with his kids, and Cronin was allowed a second chance to fill in the lyrics. Finally, the show closed with REO Speedwagon giving a fine performance of “Roll with the Changes.” Overall, this episode was very entertaining and a great choice for families.

Best TV Show of the Week

The Parents Television Council - www.parentstv.org