Post by roger on Nov 6, 2009 17:11:57 GMT
Hi everyone,
I never watch the X Factor - I think it is a loathesome programme and what I think of Cowell cannot be printed here!!
In view of Grant's comment, I have my doubts about starting a general X Factor thread... but I will anyway!
A viewing audience of 14 million, posted by Dave, represents nearly 23 per cent of the entire population of the UK. In these days when so many channels are available, that is remarkable.
There are aspects of the programme that I enjoy greatly and others that I don't. For example, I don't like the fact that each week throughout the finals is themed. I fail to see why a rock singer (Jamie) should be forced to sing from the Big Band repertoire in order to be given a chance as a rock singer. And why does a ballad singer (Lucie) have to prove she can sing a rock song in order to succeed as a ballad singer? It makes no sense to me and I feel they should be given the freedom to sing whatever they wish.
Inevitably, there are many auditionees who can't sing any more than I could fly and it always astounds me when they truly believe they are good. I just wish less air time was given to them so that more could be given to those who deserve it.
I like to compare my opinions to those made by the judges and, at the risk of personal ridicule, I have been known to agree with Simon Cowell... but not often! I also like to select my favourite acts during the audition stage and then follow their subsequent progress. Er, that is, if they make any progress! I am particularly pleased that the three I chose during this year's auditions are all still there in the last eight!
Those of you who are familiar with my broader musical tastes (beyond Hayley) might be amazed to know that one of my favourites is Jamie Archer. I have no interest in rock music whatsoever but I thought his audition was outstanding and a thoroughly professional performance. Sadly, I don't believe he has delivered so well during the subsequent rounds but that, I suspect, is largely due to the fact that he has been forced to sing from other musical genres (with the exception of one week).
Stacey Solomon is undoubtedly a superb singer and, as far as CD sales are concerned, I see no reason why she should not be as successful as Leona Lewis within a year or so. But could she present a concert? I don't think so. Although she is fine vocally, she doesn't speak well and doesn't look comfortable on the stage whenever she isn't singing. Those difficulties could be overcome and, hopefully, the quality of her voice will carry her through for a few more weeks yet.
Despite my reservations about Stacey, I feel that either she or Jamie are likely to win. But because of my personal preference for her style of singing, my personal vote would go to Lucie.
Of the others, all the soloists can sing very well but there is nothing about them that, for me, makes them any better than countless existing singers. Nevertheless, their position in the last eight is thoroughly deserved. And so to the one surviving group. Sorry, but I will just say briefly that I think the so-called Jedward are a complete joke and, as far as they are concerned, am am in complete agreement with Simon Cowell.
So, what do you think of shows such as X Factor (Grant excepted
)?
Can those of you outside the UK see the current series?
Do these shows benefit the music industry generally and are they fair to the contestants?
And who do you think will win this year?
For those of you who are unaware (and just in case anyone is remotely interested!), the judges and mentors are as follows:
With four acts already eliminated from the finals, the last eight are:
Girls
Boys
Over 25s
Groups
Any further comments regarding Hayley's recent comment are of course welcome in the thread on the Media board here but, for general X Factor discussion, please continue below... or am I talking to myself like I usually do?
Roger
In view of Grant's comment, I have my doubts about starting a general X Factor thread... but I will anyway!
Nov 6, 2009 15:08:59 GMT Dave said:
The X Factor cemented its reputation as one of UK TV's biggest hits, surging to a record audience of nearly 14 million for the results programme on ITV1 last night, Sunday 1 November.A viewing audience of 14 million, posted by Dave, represents nearly 23 per cent of the entire population of the UK. In these days when so many channels are available, that is remarkable.
There are aspects of the programme that I enjoy greatly and others that I don't. For example, I don't like the fact that each week throughout the finals is themed. I fail to see why a rock singer (Jamie) should be forced to sing from the Big Band repertoire in order to be given a chance as a rock singer. And why does a ballad singer (Lucie) have to prove she can sing a rock song in order to succeed as a ballad singer? It makes no sense to me and I feel they should be given the freedom to sing whatever they wish.
Inevitably, there are many auditionees who can't sing any more than I could fly and it always astounds me when they truly believe they are good. I just wish less air time was given to them so that more could be given to those who deserve it.
I like to compare my opinions to those made by the judges and, at the risk of personal ridicule, I have been known to agree with Simon Cowell... but not often! I also like to select my favourite acts during the audition stage and then follow their subsequent progress. Er, that is, if they make any progress! I am particularly pleased that the three I chose during this year's auditions are all still there in the last eight!
Those of you who are familiar with my broader musical tastes (beyond Hayley) might be amazed to know that one of my favourites is Jamie Archer. I have no interest in rock music whatsoever but I thought his audition was outstanding and a thoroughly professional performance. Sadly, I don't believe he has delivered so well during the subsequent rounds but that, I suspect, is largely due to the fact that he has been forced to sing from other musical genres (with the exception of one week).
Stacey Solomon is undoubtedly a superb singer and, as far as CD sales are concerned, I see no reason why she should not be as successful as Leona Lewis within a year or so. But could she present a concert? I don't think so. Although she is fine vocally, she doesn't speak well and doesn't look comfortable on the stage whenever she isn't singing. Those difficulties could be overcome and, hopefully, the quality of her voice will carry her through for a few more weeks yet.
Despite my reservations about Stacey, I feel that either she or Jamie are likely to win. But because of my personal preference for her style of singing, my personal vote would go to Lucie.
Of the others, all the soloists can sing very well but there is nothing about them that, for me, makes them any better than countless existing singers. Nevertheless, their position in the last eight is thoroughly deserved. And so to the one surviving group. Sorry, but I will just say briefly that I think the so-called Jedward are a complete joke and, as far as they are concerned, am am in complete agreement with Simon Cowell.
So, what do you think of shows such as X Factor (Grant excepted
)?Can those of you outside the UK see the current series?
Do these shows benefit the music industry generally and are they fair to the contestants?
And who do you think will win this year?
For those of you who are unaware (and just in case anyone is remotely interested!), the judges and mentors are as follows:
 |  |  |  |
Simon Cowell Over 25s | Louis Walsh Groups | Dannii Minogue Girls | Cheryl Cole Boys |
With four acts already eliminated from the finals, the last eight are:
Girls
 |  |
Stacey Solomon | Lucie Jones |
Boys
 |  |
Lloyd Daniels | Joseph McElderry |
Over 25s
 |  |  |
Jamie Archer | Olly Murs | Danyl Johnson |
Groups
 |
John and Edward |
Any further comments regarding Hayley's recent comment are of course welcome in the thread on the Media board here but, for general X Factor discussion, please continue below... or am I talking to myself like I usually do?
Roger
