Are the judges granting a golden ticket this year? Or is it completely up to the fans?
What is meant by Golden Ticket?
An item that wow's the judges enough to auto-pass into the top 32.
A "golden ticket" is a method whereby the judges can individually select an item for the Top 32. Generally speaking, the judges never unanimously agree on all 32 items. Some speak more loudly to individual judges than others. So, the typical selection method usually involves the judges quickly agreeing on how many of the items they all unanimously approve for the Top 32. Then, they assess how many spots remain after that. They divvy up those slots and each judge is given a "golden ticket" they can spend on selecting an item they alone want to champion as being worthy of the Top-32.
Quite often, the "golden ticket" items do still have the support of another judge. They're just not unanimous, because one of the judges simply doesn't have it in their individual Top 32 list. "Golden tickets" let the judges move past those differences in their individual lists, allowing each of them to advance an item they saw as being better than some of the items on another judge's list. They're spent round-robin style, usually with the more experienced judge (Sean or Clark) leading, followed by the next most experienced judge, and so on.
Once all the "golden tickets" are spent, you have your Top 32 (plus alternates) established. The judges turn it back over to the tech team to prepare the official announcement, and the next round of the competition gets underway. It's a time-honored tradition in the RPG Superstar judging process and an effective methodology. "Golden ticket" competitors have actually gone on to do quite well in the contest. Clark is especially good at perceiving the talent behind a design which another judge might have missed. And Ryan did pretty well with his "golden ticket" selections last year, too, I believe.
As to whether or not they'll be using "golden tickets" this year, I can't say. It really just depends on how much unanimity the judges can establish as they evaluate items for the Top 32. To date, they've never agreed on all 32. Though, I think we came close one year. As a result, the alternates are pretty much always "golden tickets."
Cool. Thanks for that.
And now I've had the song in my head since I read Golden Ticket.
have any golden tickets every made it to the third round?
Does Christine Schnieder count? Russ Taylor?
hmmm... I might have to go check other years :)
have any golden tickets every made it to the third round?
Yes. And beyond.
I believe I was Clark's 2nd golden ticket in year 1, so it can get you to at least the semi-finals.
And I am very proud of that :) Not only are you a cool guy you are a great design talent.
Just goes to show that even if two of three professionals don't think you're the best of the best, you still can be. ;)
No doubt about it. We aren't ever judging a person or their potential, we are only judging that particular round's submission. I say that over and over.
Anyone who makes the top 32, and frankly probably a couple more, have the talent to win it all. The question is how they apply that talent round after round, when even one misstep can cost them. I have also said numerous times that I don't think I could win Superstar. I might get past the second round, but I don't know.
And judges are people too. We can get it wrong no matter how hard we try to get it right.