While the infinite curiosity regarding psychics has given birth to successful TV series like Ghost Whisperer, Medium and Missing, viewers remain addicted to John Edward’s TV shows, whether it be Crossing Over with John Edward, John Edward Cross Country or his latest offering, John Edward – Spirit of South Africa.
His ability to help people gain closure as a spiritual conduit to loved ones who have passed over has made him a major attraction – and television networks couldn’t pass up on a cash cow like Edward.
In his latest show, which was shot in South Africa during his last visit, Edward (pictured) helps several distraught individuals come to terms with unresolved feelings. Tapping into his clairvoyant side tonight, he provides details on a murder investigation that has been making headlines here and Dubai. He also exposes a woman in the audience who kidnapped her nephew and, later on, “reunites” a couple of musically minded family members.
During his meteoric rise in television, as well as being a New York Times best-selling author, Edward has also fielded a backlash from scientists. And there have been rumours about him doing a fair amount of research before the show and having “plants” in the audience.
And while seeds of doubt about his psychic abilities are embedded in some, they are surpassed by his sway with zealous fans across the globe. After all, he, at the age of 15, was also once a disbeliever when a psychic from New Jersey predicted his future success.
In one of his interviews, he recalled: “She told me things there is no way she could have known. And the first part of the reading was that this was the path I was supposed to be on and that I was supposed to be a teacher and help people and I thought she was nuts.
“She told me I would one day become internationally known for my psychic abilities through lectures, books, radio and television.
“I thought she was full of it until she started to tell me things no one in my life knew about. The details were unbelievable.”
In the same way teenage singing sensation Justin Bieber is idolised by some and loathed by others, Edward, although in a completely different genus altogether, finds himself in the same popularity pigeonhole.
At the end of the day, the polarising opinions of John Edward’s “gift” can’t override the fact that he has crossover appeal.
lJohn Edward – Spirit of South Africa is on SABC3 at 9.30pm tonight. If you are a fan, he will be at the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City Casino on Thursday, September 15 at 8.30pm. Tickets cost between R485 and R906. Bookings can be made at Computicket outlets or the Lyric Theatre box office by calling 011 248 5000.