home music TV specials

Home-music specials: a strong start

The first crack at doing a music-from-home TV special was mostly terrific.
Sure, there were flaws. Every variety special – well, every one except “Color Me Barbra” and “Liza With a Z” – has had some.
But mostly, Fox’s “iHeart Living Room Concert For America” on Sunday proved that sheer talent can thrive, even under stark conditions. That’s good news, because there are three similar specials this week (10 p.m. Monday, 9 p.m. Wednesday, 8-10 p.m. Sunday) on CBS.
The “iHeart” show was stuffed with gifted singers, including Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Tim McGraw and Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes  (they’re shown here in the crowded old days). Remarkably, however, the greatest moment came from a singing doctor. Read more…