The X Factor - what's really going on...

[max_tranmere]

I have never watched this programme before in my life, except for last nights episode of the new series which I saw on ITV2 (repeat) this evening.

It seems to me to be more about the ego's and the profile of the judges than it is about the contestants. The contestants seem to be more into it for the celebrity profile than for the singing career anyway - the singing career just being a stepping stone to celebrity trash mag exclusives about their private lives, TV commercials for any kind of product they will be paid to endorse, and tabloid stories about who they will be dating when they are known throughout the nation.

Also most of the public don't seem to realise just how orchestrated the whole thing is. I remember reading an interview with someone who got to the 'first stage' of auditions (you are supposed to think it is the first stage) where you are seen by the famous panel of judges. She said this is actually the FOURTH ROUND - you therefore have to get through three previous rounds to get to be audtioned by Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, etc.

So when some idiot appears in front of them and embarasses themselves with some naff performance, this person has actually already been approved by the three previous sets of judges and put through - just so they can embarass themselves and have the famous judges, and the viewers, laugh at them. You never get that impression watching the show - you think that anyone who queues outside and signs up will be seen by the famous judges straight off. So all the crap acts are intentionally put through to this fourth round - where the cameras are and where Cowell and co will see them - to be mocked and ridiculed.

Also, Alexandra Burke (a previous winner of X-Factor, I know of her as I listen to the radio) appeared in a TV ad during the first advert break tonight promoting some product or other. The advert's voiceover even said "Alexandra Burke uses ..." whatever the prodcut was, so it seems likely that the winner of this series will also be a TV celebrity, endorser, and magazine celebrity, just like she is - more so than be famous as a vocalist. Rather like those two Irish brothers who appeared in the last series - I never saw it but am aware of them, those two guys with the stupid hairstyles - they have their own reality show on ITV2 starting soon, I've seen the trailers, so - again - they are just 'stars' rather than famous singers as such.

It is a really stupid programme which has little to do with being a famous singer and is much more staged and orchestrated than many amongst its legions of fans would realise.

[Sam Slater]

[quote]I have never watched this programme before in my life,.......[/quote]

Yeah...............sure.

[lloyd42]

I hope that you aren't going to tell me that WWE wrestling is staged and orchestrated as well, max!

[The Last Word]

A somewhat naive and patronising post, Max.

Most people have cottoned on to the fact that it's far more stage managed than its presentation would have you believe - how could it not be? And this accounts for an awful lot of television, and has done for decades. No one really cares - it's only entertainment.

Sure, it saturates the media. This is a primetime, family-aimed hit - what else did you expect? Looking at how under fire ITV is these days, you can be sure they'll do their damnedest to keep it a hit too.

What pearl of wisdom next - Simon Cowell ruined pop?

[max_tranmere]

I'd never seen it before so watched it tonight to see what it was like. I won't be watching again.

[spunkie]

The concept behind the idea of X-factor was, to begin with, not a bad one, alas though the formula has become tired and stale. Its at least one, if not two or even three series too far. There is only so many times you can laugh at some or other attention seeking nobody making a fool of themselves. ITV and the rest have run out of ideas. Its time for something new, though whatever that is I wont be interested. I dont watch much TV these days except for sport, its the same thing time after time, Big Brother, X-factor, Strictly etc, attention seeking muppets with little or no talent trying to be funny or find fame to entertain the chav population of the UK. No thanks!

[Bob Singleton]

On Friday night I was at The Scala, Kings Cross and saw three really great bands (Horseman Shake & The Draymen, Casino and Saint Jude). Sadly only about 150 other people saw these bands. On Saturday, millions of brain-dead couch potatoes tuned in to see a bunch of talentless morons on The X Factor.

So, on this basis, in modern Britain, the thing that one must aspire to be is a talentless moron... for that is where the road to fame and fortune lies. What a sad indictment!

[one eyed jack]

I agree with Bob on one point: There is a lot of talent out there playing live gigs to smaller audiences not getting recognised for it but...

Normally dont watch the X Factor but occasionally subjected to it because its the missus porgramme of choice between watchingthe various box sets as we do over dinner.

personally I think The X Factor is highly popular because it is put into an exciting medium and presented well.

the format works because the lack of talent makes it entertaining. There are some serious fruit loops out there and really thisis the window dressing that makes the show popular.

Some people are so bad its laughable and then you get those moments when the least likeliest person just makes your heart bleed with such a great voice.

I can see why the show is popular and if it really took itself too seriously and was about serious talent it would lose its appeal

Its like karaoke, most people do it to make an arse of themselves and its more fun for it. I really dont mind the show. Its infuriated me and exhilarated me. Thats the kind of emotional arc i expect from a good show and a good movie.

[one eyed jack]

Plus that Cheryl Cole is a darling to look at !happy!

Simon Cowell..Not so much..But I like the guy. Thast mother fucker is stone cold..but in truth he is right nearly all the time.

If the other two werent his foils the show would be dead pan and gutless

[Flat_Eric]

I admit - I followed X Factor for a couple of seasons before getting bored with it.

Basically I agree with spunkie, the format has become tired and stale. And to the counter-argument that "millions still tune in" well ... all I can say is "mediocrity sells" (always has done in the music biz).

I even saw a trailer last night for some other show called "It's All About The Music". From what I saw it looked to be a poor man's X Factor with an almost identical format, with the now mandatory three "celebrity" judges (not one of whom I recognised) giving their sage insight into the acts.

!deadhorse!

- Eric