Albert Verlinde (62) and Paul de Leeuw (61) are taking a new step in their television career in their old age. But there is also some criticism. “Why does it have to happen to celebrities again?!”
The two of them form a top jury for a program about musicals: Albert Verlinde and Paul de Leeuw. They will review performances in the new RTL 4 show Stars on Stage, which will premiere early next year. The presentation is in the hands of Buddy Vedder and Jamai Loman. The candidates? Famous Dutchmen…
Albert and Paul happy
Albert thinks it will really be a top show. “In my life I have seen countless musical actors and actresses sing, dance and act. Musical is, as it were, top sport and I think it would be fantastic to find out whether our eight celebrities can also handle the combination of these three disciplines.”
And Paul is also happy: “A varied and fantastic group of celebrities will show that the musical profession is not easy. Get ready to transform into a completely new role every week, with everything that is required. For us it is mainly a critical look, enjoyment, but also amazement. Believe me: they have to work really hard.”
‘Why celebrities?!’
However, not everyone is so enthusiastic that the field of participants consists of celebrities again. It’s raining angry criticism in the comment field NU.nl. “That’s what we’re really waiting for: celebrities being trained as musical stars. Throw in a casting call and give it to new talent!”, shouts Mr. Frank.
Duke responds cynically: “How nice! Finally a program with celebrities (a forgotten group). This is what we were waiting for!”
And Jaap: “To keep all the so-called celebrities at work, the viewer will have to deal with this trouble again!”
The same carousel
It promises to be a repetition of moves again, says Max. “I stopped watching TV since 2010. TV sold. Reason: Always the same carousel with the same headlines. A good decision, I now conclude. Because nothing has changed.”
And Jeanny: “Yet another program with famous Dutch people. I miss the total innovation in TV programming. Always a program in which famous Dutch people can show themselves. I’m so tired of this.”
Unknown talent
Saffron believes that mastodons like Albert and Paul should make an effort to give new talent a chance. “It’s a shame that unknown talent is not given a chance here. All those celebrities who see it as a game, while there are plenty of serious people with talent who do see it as a real profession…”
“Give them the opportunity to be trained if, for whatever reason, they cannot afford it themselves. You can make a great program about their progress and trajectory, with a show element in which they perform in each episode.”