Why Love is Blind and other reality TV shows feature your favourite songs
When a couple decided to take their relationship further on the most recent season of Love Is Blind, the moment was soundtracked with a familiar song: Billie Eilish’s Birds of a Feather. This season was filled with a plethora of well-known songs, including Miley Cyrus’ Wrecking Ball, Justin Bieber’s Holy, Ariana Grande’s Into You, and Selena Gomez’s Lose You to Love Me. This departure from the use of lesser-known pop songs marked a significant shift in the show’s approach to music.
Chris Coelen, the show’s creator and CEO of Kinetic Content, attributed this change to the show’s fifth anniversary. He explained, “We decided, in this Season 8, to coincide with our fifth anniversary, to really embrace popular music in a big way. And so, we ended up using popular music cues throughout the entire season and in every episode.”
The use of popular music in reality television is not uncommon, and it involves a careful selection process. Music supervisors like Jody Friedman, who works on The Bachelor, play a crucial role in choosing the right songs for pivotal moments. They have the option to use custom original music, licensed tracks directly from artists or sync agents, covers of well-known songs, or music from production libraries.
Friedman explains that covers can be a cost-effective and creative way to incorporate familiar songs into a show without breaking the bank. Additionally, music libraries provide a wide range of options at various price points, making it easier to find the perfect song to evoke a specific mood or feeling.
The use of instantly recognizable pop music in reality TV varies from show to show. Love Is Blind and Love Island USA both featured popular songs in their most recent seasons, creating a more immersive experience for viewers. By incorporating commercial music, these shows aim to engage audiences on a deeper level and enhance emotional moments.
While the cost of licensing commercial songs can vary widely, music supervisors are adept at finding the right balance between budget and impact. The Bachelor, for example, has a history of using recognizable pop songs in its programming, adding an extra layer of familiarity and excitement for viewers.
Overall, the use of popular music in reality TV serves to enhance the viewing experience and create a stronger connection between the audience and the show. By incorporating well-known songs into key moments, these shows are able to evoke emotions and create memorable scenes that resonate with viewers.
