Having the X Factor

I would like the producers of X Factor (namely Simon then) to explain to me and the rest of the public, what exactly they want from their contestants. We take the name X Factor for granted but what does it actually mean? Good personality/Good performer/Good singer? All of the above? Some of the above?

You see, watching this week’s show I was suddenly confused about what we’re looking for.

Take Jamie to being with. He’s a rock star. That’s his clothing style, his singing style and it’s his passion. What do the judges want from him then? When he sings rock, he literally ROCKS because he lives and breathes that style. Big band last week wasn’t his thing but why should it be. Who wants to hear a rocker singing big band? Louis is full of criticism for him but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with doing what you do, as long as it is brilliant. And he is and was.

Next up is our dear Stacey. Amazingly powerful voice with such a divine personality that I would be upset should she not grace our screens every Saturday night. So dancing isn’t her thing. Big deal! On the one hand she’s criticised for not moving enough. But it’s a singing competition. If we’re to listen to Danni (who I think copied it off Simon a few weeks ago) then what’s important is to sound good on the radio, so Stacey moving on stage should not be of major concern. In total comparison there is Jedward. Good on stage (debatable but for arguments sake I guess the fact that they’re still in means people like them) yet they would undoubtedly be bad on the radio. So what’s the answer? Do they need to excel at both singing AND performing? In my own opinion (never humble in this self indulgent blog) I don’t think that a wonderful singer like Stacey should be ruled out because she isn’t a mover. Maybe I haven’t watched enough Leona videos to know but does she really dance?

My point may have taken a while to make but here it is: do we really need a perfectly all rounded artist and is there even such a thing? An artist needs to have their style and identity and they should not be afraid to show that on the show. Jedward’s style may not be to everyone’s taste but it’s their style. Jamie’s a great rocker so why shouldn’t he bring that into his performances. I’m not saying they should deliver the same routine week after week, but we should we grateful to find gems like Jamie and Stacey who are amazing at what they do. Why hide their uniqueness when once/if they get a record deal their producer would anyway focus on their strong point. Similarly, if you’re into off tune, crazy dancing Jedward then so be it. Maybe that will be their angle. Live performances with tracks so covered up that their voices are masked to sound professional. Now it’s not like the music industry’s never done that before.

Watching hours of the X Factor each week and writing this blog, I am clearly a big fan of the show. So this article should not be taken as a sign of dislike, more than a passion for a show which I love and want to kick into shape.

Only 5 days to go.

Talking Tara