Thursday, November 12, 2009

Just so you know...

...last weekend I finally fell out of love with musical reality TV.

Yes, I'm talking about The X Factor. Now I'm not stupid. I've always known that these programmes are about manipulating the public. Sometimes, of course, the public like to get their own back. Remember Gareth and Will? The first series of Pop Idol produced possibly the most successful reality winner in the UK, but it wasn't the one Simon Cowell wanted.

This year, however, The X Factor has just got nasty. The very personal insults thrown at Danyl by the judges and the press, from week one of the live shows. The whole Jedward phenomenon and the audience heckling of them every week. Simon Cowell's inexplicable actions last weekend.

Sometimes I think the judges (and audiences) forget that many of the contestants are just teenagers. None of them deserve the sort of crap they have been getting. The music business can be tough, but this is a baptism of fire.

Sadly, I bet I'll still watch it on Saturday, though possibly from behind my fingers. What I won't do is vote this year. Not even during the final.

6 comments:

HelenMWalters said...

I'm so torn by this. I totally agree with you and I *want* to boycott it. But I sort of know I won't ...

Cathy said...

Of course you'll watch it, Helen :)

HelenMWalters said...

You know me too well!

Jenny Beattie said...

I really understand how you feel. One of the best things about being overseas is that I don't get sucked into stuff like this... and you know, I would if I lived there.

Cathy said...

I did see X Factor last night as rest of family were watching and it was, well, boring.

Not impressed with this series at all and I had such high hopes at the start.

Anonymous said...

To be honest I don't watch it. I've sometimes flicked over during the final but I just can't get into it at all - much rather prefer the dancing on BBC1.

But I agree, insults are totally unnecessary and vulgar. These people work damn hard to get on that stage and it must be nerve-wracking too. They deserve better and more encouragement.

CJ xx