I remember when X Factor started there were some actually decent contestants (Leona Lewis, for example). Go forward 14 years and it's full of desperate wannabes with mediocre talent.
22 Reviews
Tragic
Lavender8110 September 2018
Become a childish "my acts better than yours" show instead of a talent show.
Izak8611 November 2007
I used to quite enjoy the X Factor when it first started, however I have been increasingly fed up with the way everybody takes to too seriously and the way the judges act like little spoilt kids especially when someone criticises "their" act.
The auditions are good though and by far the best part of the series. I always find them very funny.
If the judges weren't also mentors, maybe it would improve the show and stop the stupid jibs at other judges acts. Its just so childish.
I think for the next series, I'll watch the auditions and forget the rest.
Turn the clock back to the 90's and bring some decent Saturday shows back to life!
The auditions are good though and by far the best part of the series. I always find them very funny.
If the judges weren't also mentors, maybe it would improve the show and stop the stupid jibs at other judges acts. Its just so childish.
I think for the next series, I'll watch the auditions and forget the rest.
Turn the clock back to the 90's and bring some decent Saturday shows back to life!
Not a great show.
greatpaulious10 December 2020
I don't watch this show much & haven't seen it in years, I don't know if the judges are bullies for that reason but I think it's messed up how the upset & anger from bad singers is broadcasted to the world so they can get laughed at while famous artists get death threats online or wherever, it's pretty obvious it's no joke, I've heard the excuse of "oh but one of the is enjoying his fame even though he was laughed at publicly by the x factor", it doesn't mean it isn't dangerous & that comment was from a stranger so may not be true, I don't wanna blame the judges because bad singers like that are in serious need of honest criticism & in many cases therapy, their mental health seems bad I think, this show seems to not care about them, their wellbeing or their mental health so it makes a sick joke out of their trauma & people laugh, another thing that makes me sick is bad singers coming back to the show & getting disappointed again, in my opinion the music industry despite probably often being a huge buzz for great artists is one of the sickest most cut throat industries in the world & it's not funny but some people are literally sadistic & cruel despite acting nice & unfortunately lower themselves down to the level of laughing at these bad singers & calling them nasty names, I think they're often people who just couldn't care any less about total strangers such as people who are cold, hungry & homeless, I reckon they just think if someone they don't know did anything silly to mugged & beaten or something like walking through the wrong street alone at midnight or whatever it's their own fault & they deserve no sympathy, I personally think that's mean because some people are just careless.
Time to end it
Sleepin_Dragon20 November 2015
This series (2015) has shown that the X Factor has run its course, that the death knell has rung for Mr Cowell and co. and that it's time to end this misery. The nose dive in viewing figures has shown that people feel the same, it's been done to death and enough's enough.
I'm not saying that there aren't great singers on the show, but it's not about them, it's about the egos of Mr Cowell and co. What gives Cheryl the right to comment on people's singing abilities when she's mimed more times then Marcel Marceau.
The crying, grizzling, sob stories, 'it's my dream' thing ruins the show, they didn't have it on the U.S. series, what is the point, is it a singing competition?
Plaudits for giving us Leona Lewis, the one saving grace of the show, but otherwise I'm one of the millions that have switched off.
Please end it and give us a good drama on a Saturday night!! 1/10
I'm not saying that there aren't great singers on the show, but it's not about them, it's about the egos of Mr Cowell and co. What gives Cheryl the right to comment on people's singing abilities when she's mimed more times then Marcel Marceau.
The crying, grizzling, sob stories, 'it's my dream' thing ruins the show, they didn't have it on the U.S. series, what is the point, is it a singing competition?
Plaudits for giving us Leona Lewis, the one saving grace of the show, but otherwise I'm one of the millions that have switched off.
Please end it and give us a good drama on a Saturday night!! 1/10
I just don't understand
sglrml26 September 2008
I simply don't understand how anyone could possibly find this show in any way successful. How can people stand for the auditionees being abused by the judges? I may be no expert but I don't believe that someone should be allowed come onto the show with some false hope or dream in their head and then be punished for it. Aren't they human beings too? Is it right that the judges can laugh at their performance and then criticise them for making some effort? Quite simply if people like Simon Cowell are going to be allowed to insult other people like this, then I don't know what the world's coming to. Just because a person is idle or boastful about 'having the X Factor' is it right for judges to display a similar type of behaviour? Is this a way of saying that other people don't have feelings the same as anyone else? In any case not all the auditionees behave like that and I don't believe that they should be hurt in such a cruel way.
Professional Scammers: Not Contest. It's a Reality Show
sxmculturetoday2 July 2021
The X-Factor (and I wouldn't be surprised if it was all similar shows) is a overglorified scam focused on creating drama and embarrassing vulnerable people (some of these people also include the disabled).
A lot of it (if not every single part) is faked. One big example is the case of Zoe Alexander (the girl they said looked like Pink - her story can be heard on YouTube).
There are no real winners on these shows. Only pawns. Only victims.
Professional Scammers: Not Contest. It's a Reality Show.
A lot of it (if not every single part) is faked. One big example is the case of Zoe Alexander (the girl they said looked like Pink - her story can be heard on YouTube).
There are no real winners on these shows. Only pawns. Only victims.
Professional Scammers: Not Contest. It's a Reality Show.
Use to like it but now, I think it should be gone from television.....
Irishchatter23 March 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I remember when I was 14 years old in 2009 and started to like watching X Factor because there was mainly nothing on the telly and basically, I thought it was cool then. I have to say, the people getting involved on the show to sing their hearts out and thinking they will be future singers, is just ridiculous. Sure after the winners and losers appear on the show, they disappear and never to be heard again until the next year they were on the show.
I haven't heard nearly Leona Lewis,Shayne Ward, Leon Jackson, Joe McElderry, Alexandra Burke, James Arthur, Matt Cardle or Sam Bailey do anything recently with their music. They would've been successful for themselves even more if they got their thinking caps on and just show off their music. Its just a disgrace really, Simon Cowell should really check on them more seriously. No wonder hes getting more money then them, hes doing this bloody show by getting his face fixed with botox among the other judges being his followers.
I'm glad I stop watching it, it does suck you right in watching it and it also wastes your times when watching it a few months!
I haven't heard nearly Leona Lewis,Shayne Ward, Leon Jackson, Joe McElderry, Alexandra Burke, James Arthur, Matt Cardle or Sam Bailey do anything recently with their music. They would've been successful for themselves even more if they got their thinking caps on and just show off their music. Its just a disgrace really, Simon Cowell should really check on them more seriously. No wonder hes getting more money then them, hes doing this bloody show by getting his face fixed with botox among the other judges being his followers.
I'm glad I stop watching it, it does suck you right in watching it and it also wastes your times when watching it a few months!
They are terrible people
eyeager-4650417 November 2022
Ive seen alot of videos exposing them like for example this girl had a friend who had a mic attached under his shirt without her knowing which she found out and was upset. Same women(wont say her name) also was asked who she wanted to duet in music industry she said who and then left the judges asked someone else same question but who would they want to take out from the music industry as that person said the exact person the woman (whom i talking about) said and splice what the two said and made it out that the person that the woman wanted to duet said she wanted to take that person out of the.
Misunderstood
Ghostsammeo1 January 2011
I only started watching Xfactor last year, and then mostly only the auditions. This year (2010 Xfactor) was different.
I was like all the other haters out there, believing it to be some stupid money-making scheme by Simon Cowell which shames terrible singers then praises slightly better singers.
This year I found myself mistaken. The auditions are still the same, it's just the audience laughing at bad performances (don't get me wrong I'm not saying it's bad to laugh at some freaky old lady screaming down the microphone) but this time, when it came to the live shows, I actually liked the contenders. Not only could they sing well like I believed no-one really could on the Xfactor, most seemed to have nice personalities, only shown further on back-stage shows like Xtra factor. You can choose your favourites which would for me be the good singers with good personalities, and then choose your most hated. (Some one you just don't like the look of or a bad singer, it's your choice) and then from then it's listening to them sing and hoping your favourite stays in.
It can get tedious and boring at times, I often left half-way through once my favourite act had performed, but it's much better than I expected.
It may just be this year, maybe next year it'll be packed-full with boring generic singers. Either way I know I'll have to check it out at least.
I was like all the other haters out there, believing it to be some stupid money-making scheme by Simon Cowell which shames terrible singers then praises slightly better singers.
This year I found myself mistaken. The auditions are still the same, it's just the audience laughing at bad performances (don't get me wrong I'm not saying it's bad to laugh at some freaky old lady screaming down the microphone) but this time, when it came to the live shows, I actually liked the contenders. Not only could they sing well like I believed no-one really could on the Xfactor, most seemed to have nice personalities, only shown further on back-stage shows like Xtra factor. You can choose your favourites which would for me be the good singers with good personalities, and then choose your most hated. (Some one you just don't like the look of or a bad singer, it's your choice) and then from then it's listening to them sing and hoping your favourite stays in.
It can get tedious and boring at times, I often left half-way through once my favourite act had performed, but it's much better than I expected.
It may just be this year, maybe next year it'll be packed-full with boring generic singers. Either way I know I'll have to check it out at least.
Addictive viewing, but I would NEVER participate in it!
TheLittleSongbird25 July 2009
The X Factor I do find very addictive, and while it is very entertaining at times, there are things I don't like about it. There have been some talented singers, I especially loved Alexandra Burke and Leona Lewis, but other wannabes in the auditions have been laughable, and there have been others who were fine in auditions, but were dreadful on the live shows. I do like Simon Cowell, though his criticisms can be very hurtful and unfair, reminds me of Jason Gardiner on Dancing on Ice. When the contestants sing, I do like most of the song choices, as long as the arrangement, choreography and singing is good, and their outfits too, and I have mostly liked them. Louis Walsh sometimes gets on my nerves, he heavily criticised Daniel Evans, and compared him to Ricky Gervais in a nightclub or something like that, and that is the sort of thing people would take to heart in a bad way. As I said The X Factor is very addictive, but I do have a nag that applies to other entertainment shows as well. The actual decision to replace Sharon Osborne with Cheryl Cole was okay, though Sharon was very encouraging and friendly, and is missed. But now Strictly Come Dancing have replaced Arlene Phillips with Alesha Dixon, which is ludicrous. Dixon is a beautiful woman, and has a talent for dancing, but I wish that people would stop being so prejudiced, and stop replacing more experienced people with younger ones. Honestly, it has been too long that people keep judging others by their appearances and ages instead of their talents which is actually more important. In conclusion, I like The X Factor, but I would never participate in it. I want to be a singer being 17, but I prefer to start small, instead of rushing what I want to do, and not be subject to negative press. Speaking of that, the X Factor is very manipulative, thanks to all the lies the media put in the papers. 6/10 for entertainment. Bethany Cox
It has it's moments but has obvious flaws
rohanumpleby-340578 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The three judges Sharon Osbourne, Louie Walsh and Simon Cowell know alot about music. They know the Music industry better then anyone, and if I'm being completely honest with you are the best judges. I mean, just look at Harry Styles, Simon sore potential. That potential was matched with the Band One Direction, who went on to win the X Factor, and become a popular group in the early 2000'S. Not only were they popular but they were also very successful. They had a couple number ones under there belts too. Harry Styles then split from the group and makes his own music, and gets very high on the charts, " Watermelon Sugar" 🍉 being one of my favourites. Now let's talk about the Judges individually and see why they are such good judges, starting of with Simon Cowell.
Simon Cowell,
He has a grate taste in Music, most of what he says I can agree on. I dislike his attitude though. He is strict but fare, but his words aren't very nice. For example when Lorraine was doing her audition, she started to sing and he flat out Laughed his head of. I agree with him as I didn't think she was very good, but laughing as loud as you can at someone who is trying to sing is just streight damn rude and a little bit harsh on Lorraine's part. Other lines like " You need a Helpline " is really harsh, fair criticism is needed in the music industry but to present it in this way seems nothing short of just far fetched and shouldn't say things like that, like EVER. Most of what I like about Simon though is he is completely honest, and tells some of the " Wannabes " truthfully that they were bad. Never going to do well, is another thing I can agree with him on, as if you can see potential, then you can see the potential, if there singing it in a 1,000 keys then the reality is they won't make it big in the music industry. The only thing I strongly disagree on is how Honey G one the X Factor, she was a good wrapper yes but nowhere near good enough to win the whole thing,So I think Simon will be gutted on his part. As she was good but not that good.
Sharon Osbourne,
I like her honesty. She seems really sweet and I completely agree with her. Sometimes people deserve to get treated badly back. And Sometimes they Don't deserve it back. She's got to right attitude and whenever a performer performs she gives them fair criticism as well as the bad performers. I disagree on the take, Champaign was great. She seemed to judge his appearance rather then his music ability, which he was better then alot that have passed round 1.
Louie Walsh,
" can we have a second song " makes me die every time. He is a great judge as he says things on how they are, if there bad there bad if they are good they are good. That's the type of vibe he gives out of me. Doesn't get much wrong either, as well as Sharon and Simon.
The Flaws,
I could start with anything like the set ups the scripting the drama, however I am going to start of with the tribute act, Zoe Alexander. Albeit why her actions were wrong, and she might not be telling and saying on her YouTube account that publicly announced that she was set up might not be 100 percent accurate but however might be more true then a false accusation. She was stating how she was completely set up, and that she was specifically told to sing a P!nk song. So she did exactly that. The judges then criticised her for doing a P!nk song? And lack of identity?. So she then sings Emily Sandes " Next to me " song. She gets even more criticism, even though her performance was very good, the argument was still lack of Identity. I strongly disagree with how they treated her, she did exactly what she was asked to sing and sung it. She was completely set up, was treated poorly by the stuff and left in a room with no Food and drink?. Unfairly criticised if I'm being honest, her tangent was justified. However, she did go way to far and went way to over the top with it, I have sympathy for her and at the same time feel her pain. Scripted for the drama elements. Makes a mockery of the bad singers and releases it on TV which I strongly disagree with.
5/10 It has its fair share of good bits and bad bits.
Simon Cowell,
He has a grate taste in Music, most of what he says I can agree on. I dislike his attitude though. He is strict but fare, but his words aren't very nice. For example when Lorraine was doing her audition, she started to sing and he flat out Laughed his head of. I agree with him as I didn't think she was very good, but laughing as loud as you can at someone who is trying to sing is just streight damn rude and a little bit harsh on Lorraine's part. Other lines like " You need a Helpline " is really harsh, fair criticism is needed in the music industry but to present it in this way seems nothing short of just far fetched and shouldn't say things like that, like EVER. Most of what I like about Simon though is he is completely honest, and tells some of the " Wannabes " truthfully that they were bad. Never going to do well, is another thing I can agree with him on, as if you can see potential, then you can see the potential, if there singing it in a 1,000 keys then the reality is they won't make it big in the music industry. The only thing I strongly disagree on is how Honey G one the X Factor, she was a good wrapper yes but nowhere near good enough to win the whole thing,So I think Simon will be gutted on his part. As she was good but not that good.
Sharon Osbourne,
I like her honesty. She seems really sweet and I completely agree with her. Sometimes people deserve to get treated badly back. And Sometimes they Don't deserve it back. She's got to right attitude and whenever a performer performs she gives them fair criticism as well as the bad performers. I disagree on the take, Champaign was great. She seemed to judge his appearance rather then his music ability, which he was better then alot that have passed round 1.
Louie Walsh,
" can we have a second song " makes me die every time. He is a great judge as he says things on how they are, if there bad there bad if they are good they are good. That's the type of vibe he gives out of me. Doesn't get much wrong either, as well as Sharon and Simon.
The Flaws,
I could start with anything like the set ups the scripting the drama, however I am going to start of with the tribute act, Zoe Alexander. Albeit why her actions were wrong, and she might not be telling and saying on her YouTube account that publicly announced that she was set up might not be 100 percent accurate but however might be more true then a false accusation. She was stating how she was completely set up, and that she was specifically told to sing a P!nk song. So she did exactly that. The judges then criticised her for doing a P!nk song? And lack of identity?. So she then sings Emily Sandes " Next to me " song. She gets even more criticism, even though her performance was very good, the argument was still lack of Identity. I strongly disagree with how they treated her, she did exactly what she was asked to sing and sung it. She was completely set up, was treated poorly by the stuff and left in a room with no Food and drink?. Unfairly criticised if I'm being honest, her tangent was justified. However, she did go way to far and went way to over the top with it, I have sympathy for her and at the same time feel her pain. Scripted for the drama elements. Makes a mockery of the bad singers and releases it on TV which I strongly disagree with.
5/10 It has its fair share of good bits and bad bits.
The X Factor
jboothmillard13 June 2005
Warning: Spoilers
We had seen Popstars (The Rivals) and Pop Idol, we thought that could be enough, but no, there was another one. The only thing that's close to all of them is the involvement of National Television Award nominated Simon Cowell. With him are Westlife's manager, Louis Walsh and Ozzy Osbourne's manager and wife, National Television Award winning Sharon Osbourne. When I started watching the actual show, it was really good. The contestants worked really hard, and the one's that didn't put in enough effort eventually left. The best singers are always left to last, and it becomes really hard to choose the winner. But personally, it's the auditions that are the highlight. Some become really successful and deserve to go through, but the best ones are the bad ones. So far the show has had winners Steve Brookstein, Shayne Ward and Leona Lewis, but other acts that were discovered have become successful as well, such as G4, Journey South, Maria Lawson, Brenda Edwards, Andy Abraham and Chico. It won the National Television Award for Most Popular Entertainment Programme. Simon Cowell number 33 on The 100 Worst Britons (for being mean), he was number 67 on The 100 Greatest Sex Symbols, and he was number 28 on TV's 50 Greatest Stars, the programme was number 14 on The 100 Greatest Funny Moments for Robert Unwin singing The Bee Gees' Tragedy and then Aqua's Barbie Girl, and it was number 19 on The 100 Greatest TV Treats 2004. Very good!
Quite interesting but can be misleading
Simon_J_Rodgers14 August 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I'm not quite sure what to make of this show. I quite like the beginning of the series where people drop in for their first audition and they have to sing acappella. Some latter shows in the years permitted backing tapes. Some of them are quite good, some are quite bad. Some of them are so bad you just know that they are not serious about the competition.
Sometimes I think the judges should allow one or two bad ones through to the next round for a laugh. It's never been done before, so who knows what would happen? In order to get through the first round, the auditionees require the majority of yes votes, which means more than half. So when Sharon Osbourne had to leave due to a home fire, they needed both Louis and Simon to vote yes, otherwise they were out.
I feel that this was unfair and the rules should have been amended slightly in order to make things a little fairer, after all, what would Sharon have said if she was there? Was it the auditionees fault that she wasn't there? I hate the little inconsistencies as well. The group "Eskimo Blond" got through the first round with their lead singer, Harri, or some name like that. She then went on to go solo the next year and got further than her band did as they replaced her with another girl and according to the judges, Eskimo Blond did not have a lead singer (all three girls just sang and backed themselves, no one girl stood out). They were singing "Viva Forever" by the Spice Girls. It sounded quite good. Does it really matter about a lack of lead vocals if the tune sounds good? Surely enough another girl trio came on singing the song "Do Your Thing" by Basment Jaxx, (I believe) and again they did not really have any have any lead vocals, and it was a lot less smoother than Eskimo Blond's "Viva Forever", with one girl practically shouting "Do Your Thing" all the time, nevertheless they got through! One or two auditionees after a bad start were given a second chance, which is unfair on the other auditionees.
Some of the judges comments are funny, however sometimes it is quite clear to see that they go too far. Sharon Osbourne said to one girl something along the lines of "You're not the sort of person suited for popular music" and she shouted back "And Ozzy is!?" Who's to say which sounds are good and bad really? It really is a matter of opinion. Personally I am not familiar with Ozzy Osbourne's work but I'm sure for him to get so much fame, he must be some good. However some people do not like his stuff and such opinions should really be respected.
I find it funny how the acts that I like always seem to come second. Is this some sort of fix? It would seem that acts that are not mainstream pop will never win. G4, Andy Abraham, Ray Quinn and Rhydian. All good singers and all came second.
The winners were good as well, but isn't it funny how these four are not really pure pop singers either? G4 and Rhydian are both the classical type, Andy Abraham is more soul and Ray Quinn is a crooner.
Not only did Andy Abraham have a good voice, he had bags of personality and really down to earth. I've never met him, but he's the sort of bloke I'd want as a friend for life. You only have to look at him to know he's a good man.
And how on Earth some rubbish acts like Hope got as far as they did is really beyond me too. I always find that no matter how rubbish a girl group are on this show, they only have to sing Lady Marmalade and suddenly they're the best sound ever (well for the next few minutes anyway).
Don't forget that just because an act doesn't win, doesn't mean they are totally useless. Look at that Onka Judge who sang Michael Jackson's Earth Song. Yes he was bad but he was funny. He might not make a good singer, but I'm sure he's be a good entertainer, comedian or a bit of both.
Over all, it's a good show for finding good singing talents, but it can be unrealistic as far as REAL winners are concerned.
Sometimes I think the judges should allow one or two bad ones through to the next round for a laugh. It's never been done before, so who knows what would happen? In order to get through the first round, the auditionees require the majority of yes votes, which means more than half. So when Sharon Osbourne had to leave due to a home fire, they needed both Louis and Simon to vote yes, otherwise they were out.
I feel that this was unfair and the rules should have been amended slightly in order to make things a little fairer, after all, what would Sharon have said if she was there? Was it the auditionees fault that she wasn't there? I hate the little inconsistencies as well. The group "Eskimo Blond" got through the first round with their lead singer, Harri, or some name like that. She then went on to go solo the next year and got further than her band did as they replaced her with another girl and according to the judges, Eskimo Blond did not have a lead singer (all three girls just sang and backed themselves, no one girl stood out). They were singing "Viva Forever" by the Spice Girls. It sounded quite good. Does it really matter about a lack of lead vocals if the tune sounds good? Surely enough another girl trio came on singing the song "Do Your Thing" by Basment Jaxx, (I believe) and again they did not really have any have any lead vocals, and it was a lot less smoother than Eskimo Blond's "Viva Forever", with one girl practically shouting "Do Your Thing" all the time, nevertheless they got through! One or two auditionees after a bad start were given a second chance, which is unfair on the other auditionees.
Some of the judges comments are funny, however sometimes it is quite clear to see that they go too far. Sharon Osbourne said to one girl something along the lines of "You're not the sort of person suited for popular music" and she shouted back "And Ozzy is!?" Who's to say which sounds are good and bad really? It really is a matter of opinion. Personally I am not familiar with Ozzy Osbourne's work but I'm sure for him to get so much fame, he must be some good. However some people do not like his stuff and such opinions should really be respected.
I find it funny how the acts that I like always seem to come second. Is this some sort of fix? It would seem that acts that are not mainstream pop will never win. G4, Andy Abraham, Ray Quinn and Rhydian. All good singers and all came second.
The winners were good as well, but isn't it funny how these four are not really pure pop singers either? G4 and Rhydian are both the classical type, Andy Abraham is more soul and Ray Quinn is a crooner.
Not only did Andy Abraham have a good voice, he had bags of personality and really down to earth. I've never met him, but he's the sort of bloke I'd want as a friend for life. You only have to look at him to know he's a good man.
And how on Earth some rubbish acts like Hope got as far as they did is really beyond me too. I always find that no matter how rubbish a girl group are on this show, they only have to sing Lady Marmalade and suddenly they're the best sound ever (well for the next few minutes anyway).
Don't forget that just because an act doesn't win, doesn't mean they are totally useless. Look at that Onka Judge who sang Michael Jackson's Earth Song. Yes he was bad but he was funny. He might not make a good singer, but I'm sure he's be a good entertainer, comedian or a bit of both.
Over all, it's a good show for finding good singing talents, but it can be unrealistic as far as REAL winners are concerned.
What no Ant n Dec?
gibbs-181727 April 2020
Yeah another Brit invention.
They show us the "terrible singers" wether they be drop dead gorgeous or let's say not.
Then they show us people who are different in many different ways so we can point, laugh, make memes etc. They have extra clips to show.
But they never show the ones where the 17yr old girl who's a size 22 with acne and mixed dress sense sings like an angle.
Or the boy band who's voices are like the beach boys the lead singers teeth are brownish because his parents didn't teach hygiene and two of them are only 5" 0' with one over weight.
No this is a body shaming contest.
Incidentally, people like I mentioned don't get to go on stage that would give the game away.
At least pop idol played it straight down the line.
They show us the "terrible singers" wether they be drop dead gorgeous or let's say not.
Then they show us people who are different in many different ways so we can point, laugh, make memes etc. They have extra clips to show.
But they never show the ones where the 17yr old girl who's a size 22 with acne and mixed dress sense sings like an angle.
Or the boy band who's voices are like the beach boys the lead singers teeth are brownish because his parents didn't teach hygiene and two of them are only 5" 0' with one over weight.
No this is a body shaming contest.
Incidentally, people like I mentioned don't get to go on stage that would give the game away.
At least pop idol played it straight down the line.
The winning formula rolls on, more stage-managed, forced and less thrilling than ever
bob the moo20 September 2006
Recently "Nasty" Nigel and Simon Cowell were in court because the former (nothing to do with this show) was claiming damages off the latter for stealing the idea from Pop Idol etc to make this show. Of course to the majority of us this just seemed like an easy claim because, aside from legal technicalities over whether or not you can copyright a concept, the X Factor is clearly just Pop Idol etc in slightly different clothes (but not even that different). The court case was settled behind closed doors and everything went on as normal but we the viewers were still left with a show that continues to flog a formula that seems like it will never die.
The X Factor is supposedly different from Pop Stars/Idol because it is about the people as well as the music; you know that x factor that makes stars stars. Well, at least on paper that is what it is about but taking a look at it, it looks awfully like Pop Idol crossed with Popstars (groups and solo artists), with different judges, a new presenter and a slightly different approach (we see a lot more of the training as each artist is taken under the wing of one of the judges). It has nothing really original in it and, although the artists are supposedly got individuality (x factor) they still belt out cover versions; in fact series 1 winner Brookstein (praised by Cowell for his individual sound) was very quickly dropped from the 6 album deal he won because he refused to do an album of cover versions. Anyway, so much for that idea, so for the most part this is just another clone of the same formula. The music is nice, big, professional karaoke of hits that everyone can sing along at home to but it is all very dull and depressing if you are looking for more.
The training camp may allow those of us that were adolescent boys in the 1980's a chance to rekindle our lust for Sinitta but mainly the way that the groups are split up across the judges is less about training and more about allowing conflict between them. The producers have realised that it is the judges that get the headlines and inject the character into these shows so here we have it pushed and endlessly stage-managed. They do this to extremes, this year having Osbourne throw water on Walsh, with the latter saying he has quit the show, only to return after a week of free headlines in the tabloids, stirring up the viewers and upping ratings (something they can't do with the bland acts themselves). Presenter Kate Thornton can't help us because she is just as caught up in the whole thing and comes across as there is nothing more important happening in the world than the results of the public vote and maybe for her there isn't. Even after the vote though, the judges still get their say (which made me doubt their independence since both "losers" will belong to at least one of them), cue more pantomime booing, hissing and jeering in line with the whole idea of manufactured drama.
Overall this is a popular show because the formula works for a lot of people. I won't demean them on this decision but I will say that it doesn't work for me. The judges stir it up the best they can and try to get headlines for the show and conceal how bland the artists themselves are but really this is just what it has always been a big, obvious karaoke show that gives the masses something easy and hollow to watch on a Saturday night. Hopefully it will all come to an end soon but I suspect we'll continue to get the same formula with minor twists for as long as the viewers will watch it. My only hope is that one of those twists will be the inclusion of live, hungry bears, freely roaming the backstage area.
The X Factor is supposedly different from Pop Stars/Idol because it is about the people as well as the music; you know that x factor that makes stars stars. Well, at least on paper that is what it is about but taking a look at it, it looks awfully like Pop Idol crossed with Popstars (groups and solo artists), with different judges, a new presenter and a slightly different approach (we see a lot more of the training as each artist is taken under the wing of one of the judges). It has nothing really original in it and, although the artists are supposedly got individuality (x factor) they still belt out cover versions; in fact series 1 winner Brookstein (praised by Cowell for his individual sound) was very quickly dropped from the 6 album deal he won because he refused to do an album of cover versions. Anyway, so much for that idea, so for the most part this is just another clone of the same formula. The music is nice, big, professional karaoke of hits that everyone can sing along at home to but it is all very dull and depressing if you are looking for more.
The training camp may allow those of us that were adolescent boys in the 1980's a chance to rekindle our lust for Sinitta but mainly the way that the groups are split up across the judges is less about training and more about allowing conflict between them. The producers have realised that it is the judges that get the headlines and inject the character into these shows so here we have it pushed and endlessly stage-managed. They do this to extremes, this year having Osbourne throw water on Walsh, with the latter saying he has quit the show, only to return after a week of free headlines in the tabloids, stirring up the viewers and upping ratings (something they can't do with the bland acts themselves). Presenter Kate Thornton can't help us because she is just as caught up in the whole thing and comes across as there is nothing more important happening in the world than the results of the public vote and maybe for her there isn't. Even after the vote though, the judges still get their say (which made me doubt their independence since both "losers" will belong to at least one of them), cue more pantomime booing, hissing and jeering in line with the whole idea of manufactured drama.
Overall this is a popular show because the formula works for a lot of people. I won't demean them on this decision but I will say that it doesn't work for me. The judges stir it up the best they can and try to get headlines for the show and conceal how bland the artists themselves are but really this is just what it has always been a big, obvious karaoke show that gives the masses something easy and hollow to watch on a Saturday night. Hopefully it will all come to an end soon but I suspect we'll continue to get the same formula with minor twists for as long as the viewers will watch it. My only hope is that one of those twists will be the inclusion of live, hungry bears, freely roaming the backstage area.
Not for me thanks!
sarahjames-5430930 May 2020
Isn't it obvious?
jackboone8 November 2020
The boredom factor
budvar9918 February 2006
Welcome to the world of karaoke, If you are a 14 years old female you will like and believe that what you see is entertaining, for the rest of us its the same old tripe that we have got used to for the last five years. No I don't watch it (it's just hard to avoid all the hype in the media).
In my opinion the voting can be rigged and then the shows screaming host pretends that the "public have .............(long pause)........decided" when the "winner" has already been chosen. But keep on voting as many times as you like (hummm isn't that illegal....vote rigging anyone) the production company really needs your votes err money.
Forgive me if I am wrong but I always assumed that judges have to be independent with no attachments to the contestants. Enough said.
In my opinion the voting can be rigged and then the shows screaming host pretends that the "public have .............(long pause)........decided" when the "winner" has already been chosen. But keep on voting as many times as you like (hummm isn't that illegal....vote rigging anyone) the production company really needs your votes err money.
Forgive me if I am wrong but I always assumed that judges have to be independent with no attachments to the contestants. Enough said.
Season 13
ivenceto-321-22265224 September 2017
What were you thinking kicking out so many good singers like Gift, Sam, Ryan and leaving that stupid, BAD sorry excuse of a performer "Honey G" in the show?
You people make a joke out of this show and all the good singers who try for it. Huge huge huge huge disappointment.
You people make a joke out of this show and all the good singers who try for it. Huge huge huge huge disappointment.
Very Addictive
whiskyjak12 December 2004
OK, first of all, I was NOT gonna watch this show, not after the disaster of Pop Idol and Michelle McManus (yes I got caught up in the hype!) This time, I got hooked! With talent like Tabby, Cassie, VWS, and others, well you had to watch it! I was surprised at one of the Finalists being there, but voted like mad for Steve (cos the ones I wanted had gone!) It was nail-biting TV, and at least with Sharon Osbourne, you got honesty! One of the highlights was her emptying a glass of water over Simon Cowell... or was it two glasses? I'm pleased for Steve, after working the clubs and pubs (been there, seen it, got the T-shirt) he deserves a go at "fame"! No-one really has lost, because Sharon has Tabby and Cassie under her wing, Louis has G4.. no doubt VWS will get a record, Rowetta I think should too!
One last comment about the judges... Love em or loathe em, they do know the business!! Let's hope also that Steve will be more of a success than Michelle McManus, and please, please..... no mention of Hear'Say.
One last comment about the judges... Love em or loathe em, they do know the business!! Let's hope also that Steve will be more of a success than Michelle McManus, and please, please..... no mention of Hear'Say.
Sharon has The X-Factor
clairesa1316 October 2004
Sharon Osbourne has a lot of experience of the music industry, just because she's famous for being Ozzy's manager doesn't mean that's all she's done, her father was a manager and she has been involved in the industry for all of her life. In my opinion she is the best judge, she has compassion and does not get off on insulting people just for the hell of it, she cares. Sharon is a fair judge and does not insult someone unless the person deserves it, for being arrogant or rude.
If you didn't like Pop Idol then why would you watch The X Factor?
It is a classic TV talent show, and does not discriminate against the older performers or groups, anyone over 16 can enter and they only discriminate on the grounds of talent.
If you liked any of the previous 'Popstar's' or 'Pop Idol' shows then you'll love this.
If you didn't like Pop Idol then why would you watch The X Factor?
It is a classic TV talent show, and does not discriminate against the older performers or groups, anyone over 16 can enter and they only discriminate on the grounds of talent.
If you liked any of the previous 'Popstar's' or 'Pop Idol' shows then you'll love this.
"Fabulous!"
Stockard20 September 2004
This show is fabulous! Sharon Osbourne is fabulous, Simon Cowell is fabulous and Louis Walsh is...well not fabulous, he's just...there. We are only three episodes into the series and already it has proved itself to be miles better than Pop Idol and other such previous shows, and that is because of Sharon Osbourne. What a brilliant judge, honest compassionate and so very funny. I could happily sit and watch her yell "fabulous" for the whole hour.
As brilliant as the audition shows are, the "boot camp" shows should be even better, with the judges eventually taking home 5 acts each from whichever category they are given. The show just hooks you in and you can't help but watch, and it is getting more and more popular each week, with over 500 000 more viewers tuning in each new week. Kate Thornton is doing a great job as the presenter, although i would have preferred to see Ant and Dec.
The live shows should also prove excellent, and we will see how Kate does with presenting those. As it is, we have about 3 or 4 more weeks worth of audition shows and i am looking forward to every single one. Brilliant Saturday night TV is finally back!
As brilliant as the audition shows are, the "boot camp" shows should be even better, with the judges eventually taking home 5 acts each from whichever category they are given. The show just hooks you in and you can't help but watch, and it is getting more and more popular each week, with over 500 000 more viewers tuning in each new week. Kate Thornton is doing a great job as the presenter, although i would have preferred to see Ant and Dec.
The live shows should also prove excellent, and we will see how Kate does with presenting those. As it is, we have about 3 or 4 more weeks worth of audition shows and i am looking forward to every single one. Brilliant Saturday night TV is finally back!
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