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Comment by Mark E Clason on January 17, 2011 at 2:03am

So, tell me more about the upcoming "America's Next Voice"...

Comment by maxmcgill on January 13, 2011 at 3:01pm

I seldom comment here. But, the best news about Mr. Williams, in my opinion, is that he is going into treatment where he can hopefully get the medical attention he so greatly needs.

The Joe and Randy thing I just don't get. Someone was quite misguided here, in my opinion. The offer for Mr. Williams to be on a show that seems to still being pitched causes one to question the sincerity of the "offer."

I don't have an issue with Joe and Randy pitching their show, but, the timing could have been better.

 

Comment by Craig Crumpton on January 12, 2011 at 2:31pm

@Maurice: Having a video that has gone "viral" does not guarantee anyone success in any industry and instant fame isn't always a good thing. Just ask Youtube "Stars" like that Numa-Numa Guy, or the guy who sings showtunes in falsetto, or the "Evolution of Dance" guy.

 

Ted was a broken man with a criminal record and a history of addition, and he was legitimately homeless. He needed help. God in His Divine Wisdom chose to give Ted a second chance and save him from become another unfortunate statistic -- a potential tragedy like dying on the streets.

 

Anyone who tries to argue that this was some type of stunt to get exposure needs to look at the facts:

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/celebrity/meet-felon-golden-...

 

And due to the nature of the VO industry being unknown and unrecognized, there is going to be a certain element of jealousy with some VO people, especially those who are just as talented and gifted as Ted who have been spinning their wheels and languishing in attempt to carve a career for themselves in the market. And we all have our own stories of personal struggle -- perhaps not as incredible or heartbreaking as what Ted has experienced, but the point is that Ted didn't "use" what has happened to him in order to become famous. It wasn't an elaborate attempt at a viral marketing campaign, and it's ridiculous to assume it is.

 

I don't question why God chose Ted to become famous for his voice and his story. I am happy for him and his is an inspiring story of someone who has been given a second chance at life and to redeem himself for previous wrongs.

 

Like it or not, Ted Williams' celebrity has given an the voiceover industry an unprecedented visibility, validity and recognition. And there are pros and cons with this new awareness, but for Ted Williams it has provided hope, restoration, an opportunity for redemption, and a second chance to live a fulfilled life. I find Ted's story most inspiring and it motivates me to be a better person and to extend my reach to those who need help.

Comment by Maurice Tyson on January 11, 2011 at 10:14pm

People can gossip and run their mouths about Ted Williams but WHERE ARE YOUR VIRAL VIDEOS? The fact that he'll go down in history as one of the most well known celebrities ( after SNOOKI ) makes a lot of the rank and file here feel "unloved." All I can tell them is take a long look at how this guy keeps the media spotlight on him and subtract it from their career. You should look at yourselves in the mirror and wonder - did I suck at my audition? Or did I do something innovative, creative and cutting edge?

Comment by Jean Zarzour - LIPSCHTICK! on January 11, 2011 at 8:51pm

As a Voice Actor, Voice Acting Coach and Ohioan, it warms my heart to learn about the rise of Ted Williams, not just as a voice artist, but as an emerging, proud and productive member of society.

It's obvious that his heart is in the right place and that he wants to do his best. I hope that this experience will eventually inspire him to make a greater contribution to folks who need a hand too - but more than anything, I hope that the voraciously hungry media and corporate sponsors will be careful about how much attention they give AND get from his story.

First and foremost , he is a vulnerable human being. He will need plenty of time and room to grow into this new life he has been blessed with.

The extremely rapid turn around in his life style and success is unprecedented in any industry, even one as unpredictable as ours. I'd hate to see this become one of those Lottery Winner stories - too much too soon with little, sincere guidance and lots of greedy hands.

Continued success to you, Ted! Keep your head held high, with your mind and voice clear.

Jean Zarzour

Comment by Craig Crumpton on January 8, 2011 at 12:54pm

@Noah: Bob Bergen was pitching a VO-related reality-type talent show back in 2008. His was a very unique concept, but I don't want to elaborate because as far as I know he's still trying to get it produced.

 

And as I've already mentioned, I also would be interested in auditioning for this. Heck, a lot of us would. But I can't find anywhere on the web where Randy and Joe have even mentioned it before they offered Ted Williams a slot. I'm getting numerous queries about it through my"Voice Actors in the News" blog and I've just been telling people tocontact Randy and Joe through their websites.

 

I wonder, though, if Ted were on a talent show like what Randy and Jo eare producing, wouldn't he have a conflict of interest having already accepted the offer with the Cleveland Cavaliers? I mean, reality shows of this nature tend to have a lot of legal stuff involved -- I went through it myself when I auditioned for America's Got Talent 3 years ago. Part of the reason I declined to be on the show (I was selected for callbacks) was because I couldn't promote any existing product release I was associated with, and couldn't release product within the first year after being on the show. Also, anything I might have performed on the show -- my original material -- they would have owned.

And so I don't seem like a total insensitive jerk, I am happy for Ted that he has been reunited with his family and I wish him the best going forward.

Comment by Laila Berzins on January 8, 2011 at 11:25am

This is absolutely amazing. But you know what I want to know? How can I audition for that new show???

Comment by Magic Myron Giggua on January 8, 2011 at 9:04am

Its Amazing to see what God can do for Ted Williams.  Don't Think that He cant do the same for you .  Williams humbled himself, and God did the rest.  I love this  network because I fill we all have stories similar to Ted's. God didn't just bless 1  with a "Golden Voice"...Theres a lot of Us. Let Ted's story be an example of the many blessings that are ahead for us all...If we just humble ourselves, and stay Faithful.  Congrats to Ted Williams. He has put a spotlight on all VO artists.  Here come the Blessings... In Gods Time.  MG.

Comment by Julie O'Malley on January 7, 2011 at 5:42pm

I was just listening to an MSNBC news blurb about Mr. Williams, and I realized his voice was very reminiscent of Don's. He's perfect to get into movie trailers, and I can't imagine a better or more worthy candidate than Mr. Williams. I think Don would approve.

Comment by Noah Rivers on January 7, 2011 at 5:27pm

So I just read about an upcoming competing show called Behind The Mic: The Voiceover Talent Search that'll be co-produced by Marc Cashman and Erik Sheppard they say that their hand was forced in announcing it prematurely because the idea was plagiarized. I really hope we don't have to walk on eggshells around here.

Perhaps there's room for both series without having to take sides in all this?

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