I'm gonna make you a star'rrrrr (The X Factor)

Member Name: paulhanton

Product:	The X Factor
Date:	24/08/09 (151 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Real talent gets uncovered, the auditions.

Disadvantages: Lechy judges and rigged format.

The X Factor (2009).

There are very few 'reality' shows that I watch, though X Factor is a must, why? Well firstly I love the auditions, and secondly, there are occasionally real talents, such as Leona Lewis that pop up and it feels like we are sharing a bit in their journey.

A big, well produced show, hosted by that loveable chappy Dermot whatsisface and essential (for me) Saturday viewing. You may note from previous reviews that there are very, very few that are of TV shows, this is mainly as I run out of things to say about them, not so with X Factor.


~~The format and characters~~

Changed slightly this year as the auditions are in front of a live audience, with backing track if desired....good, this gives us a sense of their timing, stage presence and ability to cope with nerves.

There are four 'judges':

Simon Cowell: Incredibly powerful in the music business, pretty much his show, almost all that he says is like command from God...interesting to hear previous contestants talk about how aloof and powerful he is....like we couldn't guess. In reality he often talks sense when summing up a performer/performance.....yet when you look at his track record of producing singers and songs....well, cheesy, samey and unspectacular come to mind. He is also a lech when it comes to any pretty woman from 16 - 35 in a short dress, with an inch or more of cleavage.

Cheryl Cole: Very successful singer with Girls Aloud, and probably the brightest and most talented in that group. Quite an emotional character who, like many in the pop industry seems obsessed by looks and status, a WAG with a very poor taste in men. She makes quite 'nice' comments, bit too watery for my liking. She is also a lech when it comes to any bloke that has darker than white skin and a decent body.

Danni Minogue: The less successful of the two Minnogues, go on, name a song of hers! Exactly! She does make the odd constructive comment, though it is hard to read her lips or understand her as she is pumped so full of botox her face does not move. Bit of bitchiness going on with Cheryl methinks. Oh yeh, she is a lech when it comes to any man that can walk and talk at the same time and is under 30.

Louis Walsh: Arguably the most 'successful' and knowledgeable about pop. Incredibly biased toward any Irish performers, and if they happen to be good looking young men too, well, you will make it through the next round guaranteed. In competition with Danni for the young men.

So, basically, a performer or performers come on stage and get two minutes to wow the judges with their vocal talents, they may then get voted in to 'boot cam' where they will be further whittled down to the 'top 12'. The top 12 battle weekly for the general public to vote them through until we have a final, a winner, and the traditional, hyped and promoted Christmas number 1.


~~What is good about the show~~

Okay, firstly, whilst it is probably voyeuristic and mean, I love watching the great deluded. Those that are convinced they can sing and are truly awful. I like it especially when their ego's are huge and they get shot down, and if they give Cowell some lip, even better.

I love it when we get someone on that looks like a mouse and sings like a lion, big bold voices, bluesy singers and soul diva's.

I like to see people improve over the weeks and grow in confidence.

I like to bet with my family and friends, from boot camp stage, who will be in the top three and who will win. There is often a singer to love and 'feel' for and one to dislike.

Finally, I love the fact that they sometimes sing 'standards' in completely different and unique ways.


~~Not so good~~

The selection process of who the judges see is rigged. We see the truly awful and the truly good, there is a whole range of people that are potentially very good that do not make it through.

I hate seeing people's dreams dashed, especially when they appear vulnerable.

The stories that come out about control and not getting paid well and media manipulation really annoy me, I sometimes feel 'conned' by watching. I also believe that the phone voting is a money spinner for the judges, and probably rigged, so I do not phone in.

The Christmas song is always banal and boring and really winds me up, I would love to see them sing their own song.

Sometimes singers in the top ten have little idea of music, don't thank the band (a real pet hate of mine) and get very, very big for their boots.


~~Final thoughts~~

This show has produced talent, of that there is no doubt, but some of the dross along the way is tedious.

It is a good Saturday night entertainment show which borrows much from traditional variety show and talent spotting formats; I do like it and continue to watch.

Summary: X Factor 2009