This is the debate I have been interested in lately. With TV viewing figures for the 2011 X factor final at an all time low and the winners Little Mix being pipped to the post for Christmas number one by the Military Wives Choir is this the end for the x factor?
The argument in favour of the x factor says no this is not the end and merely a one of blip for the show. Prime time television slots need filling, and the target demographic for these slots is the majority of the Birtish public. The broadcasters need to put on a show which appeals to the masses; that has something for everyone and above all is accessible to everyone. The answer it seems is reality TV. Most people can relate to the ‘stars’ of reality tv because they are ‘real’ people and not celebrities. In the case of the x-factor, many people dream of one day becoming rich and famous, this show makes that dream a reality for the every day person and so people want to watch.
On the other hand the x-factor (and other shows like it) can be seen as a fad-part of pop culture that will fade with the fashions of our generation. The shows current superstar status has been created by the followings of today’s tv watching youth. These people will inevitably grow up and find new interests and the youth of tomorrow will have a new show or genre that captures their imagination and the x-factor will become a thing of the past.
So, my verdict? There was popstars, there was pop idol and now there is the x-factor. Same show, same concept, different name, the formula is still the same and as the careers of many of the winners have faded the popularity of the shows grew and grew until recently. Hopefully this ratings decline will see a return of real music-with real artists who write their own music and live through their songs, rather than wannabes looking for a fast-track to success.
I’m not saying that nobody who enters these talent competitions has talent, but hoping that the general public has finally begun to see through the sob stories and the fancy costumes and remember that it was all meant to be about the music. Maybe 2012 will mark a turning point in British music and the x-factor chart monopoly will be over allowing the best of British talent to step into the limelight.
This is my article for Propaganda magazine. With thanks to andy and dani for their input on either side of the debate.
I feel that show like this have entered into too much of a formula. There is far too much pressure on the performers and therefore makes for uncomfortable viewing.
ReplyDeleteMy boyfriend last week recorded the singles of 2 of the Voice of Germany's finalist contestants. Jasmin and Michael. He said that they were both very talented and had a great approach to what they are doing- these are the main attributes that a singer must have right? He went on to tell me that Jasmin has been having a lot of bad press because of her weight.
This girl is very pretty and shouldn't have such bad press attention, no one should.
Here we enter into talent show VS media. And this is why I dislike these shows. There comes a point where I'm not sure if people are voting for talent or sums of money thrown at the media to sway public opinion.
To sum it up, Michael won the round. To say this is because of the media or that his talents were stronger is anyone's guess. X-Factor is guilty of this conundrum too. It's all a money, media, ego spinner, and when the lime light of the show dies down, so does the performer. This proves that it's only press who give them the number 1 hit.