The real tragedy of last night... - The X Factor

Honolulula · 09-11-2009, 13:18

...wasn't necessarily that someone talented was voted out over a couple of talentless, if amiable guys, it was more the confirmation of what the X Factor has now become.

I don't think it can be denied that the show is more about Simon than anyone else (even the acts) for the most part. Simon votes last in the auditions, Simon is introduced last at the start of the show, Simon comments last after performances aside from the act's mentor and votes last in the judges votes in situations where he is 'impartial' (i.e. when one of his acts isn't in the bottom two), and the majority of the headlines and publicity generated revolve around Simon in one way or another.

The simple fact is that it is Simon more than any other who influences the direction of the show and that he has engineered his 'important' role within the show. Why do you think we have three other judges who largely offer no actual constructive criticism and instead favour clichéd platitudes and soundbites? If Simon was truly serious about the X Factor as a 'singing' contest, why would he choose a panel of a pretty but talentless chavtacular media whore who is more concerned with the dress she is wearing than anything else on a Saturday night, a washed-up singer who will always live in the shadow of her infinitely more talented sister, and of course Louis Walsh, who over the last couple of years has become some kind of bizarre parody of himself? It's all engineered to make Simon 'the important one' - the only one who consistently actually provides (somewhat) constructive input.

Look at the introduction of the sing-off and the judge's vote. While it's sort of necessary now in padding out the Sunday show to an hour long, the vote was introduced before the advent of the Sunday shows. Why? So that 'joke' acts who finish second from bottom could be thrown out? Clearly not given the evidence of the last two weeks. No, it's quite obvious now that it was introduced simply to give Simon even more of an inflated sense of importance. He is the last to vote when his acts aren't involved, and as the vote will invariably be 2-1 when it comes to him for a couple of minutes every Sunday Simon has the British public hanging on his every word and if his smug grin is anything to go by he absolutely loves it. Meanwhile there are two acts on stage, often still in their teens, who are on the verge of nervous breakdowns. All in the name of 'tension' and 'drama', oh, and let's not forget 'entertainment'.

Last night was uncomfortable viewing for many reasons. Watching Simon assassinate a girl on stage who he had been singing the praises of 24 hours earlier and reduce her to tears was frankly depressing. Watching him do it with a smug grin on his face and with pound symbols flashing in his eyes and thoughts of more and more column inches passing through his brain while he arouses himself at the thought of the indignation he's causing among the viewers was even more so.

Last night Simon said something along the lines of "it's not that important... there's a charity single next week, that's important". Yes, the X Factor is a glorified TV talent show but to say that it's "not important" is absurd and disrespectful to the acts - for whom the X Factor is and likely will be the most important thing to happen in their lives. To reduce something so important to these people to little more than playing an immature joke on a bright-eyed, talented 18-year old girl is, well, depressing.

What about John and Edward? I'm probably going to surprise you by saying that I quite like them - since they performed "Oops I Did it Again" they've made me laugh week in, week out. But anyone who thinks that last night was a triumph for them is deluding themselves. Again, Cowell is guilty of playing a childish trick on two amiable 17-year old guys. They have already complained of receiving death threats and of having abuse hurled at them in the street, and every time they are interviewed there is more and more of a weary, jaded, miserable undertone to what they're saying. Do you honestly think after this week that's going to get better or worse? Of course they aren't to blame for any of this and to suggest so is absurd but do you thing the ignorant masses who form the majority of the show's viewers see things the same way? Of course not, as evidenced by the ridiculous booing every week.

You know, maybe I'm just bitter because last night was the worst possible result for two of my three favourite acts. Maybe I'm rambling on too much about a simple light entertainment show. But Simon and co. playing sad little pranks on 17 and 18 year olds and potentially destroying their lives (seriously who doesn't think there's at least a reasonable chance we'll see J&E in rehab in a few years?) for the sake of 'entertainment' just isn't good TV - it's kind of like watching "Beadle's About" except with an even less likeable central character, or like watching "Big Brother" except with the majority of the contestants being likeable, normal people instead of the vapid media whores they tend to select.

I don't even really know the point I'm trying to make here considering the above could be eloquently summed up as "Simon is a giant knobhead" or something, but sometimes it's good to ramble.

Peace and love!

kenda11 · 09-11-2009, 13:20

i really cant be bothered to read all that....so im just gonna say yes i agree!

Leetid · 09-11-2009, 13:24

Well done Honolulula! The X Factor is turning in the Simon Cowell show as he does get the last say on everything. It would be interesting to see some other judges on there and he just take a back seat because it would certainly change the show and make it fresher.

The Squire · 09-11-2009, 13:25

You should bother to read all that, it's excellent

Honolulula · 09-11-2009, 13:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honolulula

"Simon is a giant knobhead"

Condensed version for you.

kenda11 · 09-11-2009, 13:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honolulula

Condensed version for you.

ok thanks...i do agree...see why the need for the book....that would have been fine

pgw71 · 09-11-2009, 13:31

Bravo Honolulula for an excellent post - it stands out in a sea of knee jerk threads that have popped up over the past 15 hours since last nights show.

I think that many of us, myself included, wised up to all of this a couple of years ago and now watch it for what it is - a piece of entertainment TV.

But, you are right - it is now crossing the rubicon. It's moving over that narrow - but important - line between being a bit of harmless throwaway TV, and being something that it quite depressing and exploitative.

cr120575 · 09-11-2009, 13:31

The original post is very well written and something I agree completely with. Go and read it, you know you want to.

pickledwalnuts · 09-11-2009, 13:34

Brilliant,The best post i've read on here.

No wonder Simon got pissed with Peter Kays parody.

Britain's got the pop factor and possibly a new jesus christ soapstar superstar strictly on ice

It really is just The Simon Cowell Show.

PamelaL · 09-11-2009, 13:37

It's a good post and I don't think you're wrong but we all contribute by continuing to watch, unfortunately.

Syntax Error · 09-11-2009, 13:39

Great post by the OP.

Simon's ego is now so out of control that he can't see what he is doing to his baby (The X-Factor).

Honolulula · 09-11-2009, 13:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by PamelaL

It's a good post and I don't think you're wrong but we all contribute by continuing to watch, unfortunately.

Absolutely true. The sad thing is that despite my gut reaction of "I've had enough of this crap, I'm not watching it again" I, like many others, will probably continue to watch, at least until J&E go.

We're all horrible, horrible people.

bionicfrank · 09-11-2009, 13:42

great post, very well written and i pretty much agree with every word. the usual cynics will say why so surprised etc but i really think they are missing the point. the show is about one person only - cowell. he doesnt care about anyone or anything.

LauraJSkittles · 09-11-2009, 14:20

Fantastic post OP, completely spot on.

As a John & Edward fan, I'm sort of torn. I'm happy they got through, but I'm hating the abuse they get for it. I'd much rather they go home and be happy than stay in the competition and be miserable.

jedward4pontins · 09-11-2009, 14:28

talentless chavtacular media whore

not how I'd describe cheryl cole.

But, if I was cheryl, dermot, danni or even the vocalist coach who defended Jedward to the hilt on breakfast TV this morning, I'd walk out unable to take the indignity of prostituting myself and taking part in that panto farce for cowell's money.....

kyri · 09-11-2009, 14:32

Let's face facts, the one act everybody this year is talking about are John and Edward. They are in every magazine, every newspaper, all over the internet, all over the radio and were even in The Sun advert yesterday. If the one act creating so much fuss left in Week 5 over boring Lucie (who has her fans but nobody really pays much attention too), then that would be the real tragedy. Think what you want of Jedward, but they are getting all this years publicity whether it is good or bad. They won't win and neither would Lucie have, so why not keep them in? They keep Louis in the game, keep people talking and make the show alot crazier and fun. Simon created one of the most insane, shocking and hilarious results show last night and I thought it was TV Gold!

haphash · 09-11-2009, 14:36

Of course it's the Simon Cowell show - it always has been.

It's pretty irrelevant if they manage to find a good singer on this show really. This is just a large massage to Simon's ego every week as the deity of popular music and font of all knowledge (excuse me whilst I puke a little).

If they find someone like Leona with a bit of talent then fine. If the winner is another Steve Brookstein he just gets dropped quickly. It's really not that important to us is it? (only to the acts in question).

The shameful thing is that there are many talented people in this country who still can't get a break because the industry is run by the Simon Cowell's of this world who like everything as bland as possible. There are probably a good many who did audition and didn't get through to the televised part.

Of course the vast majority of people with any talent and sense would give this show a wide berth.

Honolulula · 09-11-2009, 14:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by jedward4pontins

talentless chavtacular media whore

not how I'd describe cheryl cole.

I was actually a little guilty of a Cowellism there in that I was being overly harsh for effect. Fortunately (a) Mrs. Cole is very unlikely to read this and (b) even if by some quirk of fate she did she has her millions of pounds to console her, so I won't lose any sleep.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyri

Let's face facts, the one act everybody this year is talking about are John and Edward. They are in every magazine, every newspaper, all over the internet, all over the radio and were even in The Sun advert yesterday. If the one act creating so much fuss left in Week 5 over boring Lucie (who has her fans but nobody really pays much attention too), then that would be the real tragedy. Think what you want of Jedward, but they are getting all this years publicity whether it is good or bad. They won't win and neither would Lucie have, so why not keep them in? They keep Louis in the game, keep people talking and make the show alot crazier and fun. Simon created one of the most insane, shocking and hilarious results show last night and I thought it was TV Gold!

Umm, I like John and Edward, as I said, and if you think that turning them into public hate figures for the sake of 5 minutes of giggles on a Saturday night is good for them, then fair enough, but I would disagree.

kyri · 09-11-2009, 14:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honolulula

I was actually a little guilty of a Cowellism there in that I was being overly harsh for effect. Fortunately (a) Mrs. Cole is very unlikely to read this and (b) even if by some quirk of fate she did she has her millions of pounds to console her, so I won't lose any sleep.

Umm, I like John and Edward, as I said, and if you think that turning them into public hate figures for the sake of 5 minutes of giggles on a Saturday night is good for them, then fair enough, but I would disagree.

I don't think they are hate figures, it's not their fault they got more votes than her - and if anybody wants to blame them for that, then they are truly insane.

I think more people like them than hate them.

willywonker · 09-11-2009, 14:47

Excellent post OP.

Lizzy11268 · 09-11-2009, 14:51

Good post OP BUT

For me, the real tragedy of last night is that anyone is calling it a tragedy

Its a tv show. Or did I miss an actual tragedy of which I am not aware.

Glorfindel · 09-11-2009, 14:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lizzy11268

Good post OP BUT

For me, the real tragedy of last night is that anyone is calling it a tragedy

Its a tv show. Or did I miss an actual tragedy of which I am not aware.

Had you not heard?

Eliminated acts are taken out the back and shot. I mean, no-one's seen Rikki Loney lately, have they?

Sparklyblue171 · 09-11-2009, 15:01

09-11-2009, 13:18	#1
Honolulula Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 463	The real tragedy of last night... ...wasn't necessarily that someone talented was voted out over a couple of talentless, if amiable guys, it was more the confirmation of what the X Factor has now become. I don't think it can be denied that the show is more about Simon than anyone else (even the acts) for the most part. Simon votes last in the auditions, Simon is introduced last at the start of the show, Simon comments last after performances aside from the act's mentor and votes last in the judges votes in situations where he is 'impartial' (i.e. when one of his acts isn't in the bottom two), and the majority of the headlines and publicity generated revolve around Simon in one way or another. The simple fact is that it is Simon more than any other who influences the direction of the show and that he has engineered his 'important' role within the show. Why do you think we have three other judges who largely offer no actual constructive criticism and instead favour clichéd platitudes and soundbites? If Simon was truly serious about the X Factor as a 'singing' contest, why would he choose a panel of a pretty but talentless chavtacular media whore who is more concerned with the dress she is wearing than anything else on a Saturday night, a washed-up singer who will always live in the shadow of her infinitely more talented sister, and of course Louis Walsh, who over the last couple of years has become some kind of bizarre parody of himself? It's all engineered to make Simon 'the important one' - the only one who consistently actually provides (somewhat) constructive input. Look at the introduction of the sing-off and the judge's vote. While it's sort of necessary now in padding out the Sunday show to an hour long, the vote was introduced before the advent of the Sunday shows. Why? So that 'joke' acts who finish second from bottom could be thrown out? Clearly not given the evidence of the last two weeks. No, it's quite obvious now that it was introduced simply to give Simon even more of an inflated sense of importance. He is the last to vote when his acts aren't involved, and as the vote will invariably be 2-1 when it comes to him for a couple of minutes every Sunday Simon has the British public hanging on his every word and if his smug grin is anything to go by he absolutely loves it. Meanwhile there are two acts on stage, often still in their teens, who are on the verge of nervous breakdowns. All in the name of 'tension' and 'drama', oh, and let's not forget 'entertainment'. Last night was uncomfortable viewing for many reasons. Watching Simon assassinate a girl on stage who he had been singing the praises of 24 hours earlier and reduce her to tears was frankly depressing. Watching him do it with a smug grin on his face and with pound symbols flashing in his eyes and thoughts of more and more column inches passing through his brain while he arouses himself at the thought of the indignation he's causing among the viewers was even more so. Last night Simon said something along the lines of "it's not that important... there's a charity single next week, that's important". Yes, the X Factor is a glorified TV talent show but to say that it's "not important" is absurd and disrespectful to the acts - for whom the X Factor is and likely will be the most important thing to happen in their lives. To reduce something so important to these people to little more than playing an immature joke on a bright-eyed, talented 18-year old girl is, well, depressing. What about John and Edward? I'm probably going to surprise you by saying that I quite like them - since they performed "Oops I Did it Again" they've made me laugh week in, week out. But anyone who thinks that last night was a triumph for them is deluding themselves. Again, Cowell is guilty of playing a childish trick on two amiable 17-year old guys. They have already complained of receiving death threats and of having abuse hurled at them in the street, and every time they are interviewed there is more and more of a weary, jaded, miserable undertone to what they're saying. Do you honestly think after this week that's going to get better or worse? Of course they aren't to blame for any of this and to suggest so is absurd but do you thing the ignorant masses who form the majority of the show's viewers see things the same way? Of course not, as evidenced by the ridiculous booing every week. You know, maybe I'm just bitter because last night was the worst possible result for two of my three favourite acts. Maybe I'm rambling on too much about a simple light entertainment show. But Simon and co. playing sad little pranks on 17 and 18 year olds and potentially destroying their lives (seriously who doesn't think there's at least a reasonable chance we'll see J&E in rehab in a few years?) for the sake of 'entertainment' just isn't good TV - it's kind of like watching "Beadle's About" except with an even less likeable central character, or like watching "Big Brother" except with the majority of the contestants being likeable, normal people instead of the vapid media whores they tend to select. I don't even really know the point I'm trying to make here considering the above could be eloquently summed up as "Simon is a giant knobhead" or something, but sometimes it's good to ramble. Peace and love!

09-11-2009, 15:01	#23
Sparklyblue171 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 73	Top post, OP.

09-11-2009, 13:20	#2
kenda11 Inactive Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: everywhere Posts: 690	i really cant be bothered to read all that....so im just gonna say yes i agree!

09-11-2009, 13:24	#3
Leetid Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 51	Well done Honolulula! The X Factor is turning in the Simon Cowell show as he does get the last say on everything. It would be interesting to see some other judges on there and he just take a back seat because it would certainly change the show and make it fresher.

09-11-2009, 13:25	#4
The Squire Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 587	You should bother to read all that, it's excellent

09-11-2009, 13:31	#7
pgw71 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Bradford, UK Services: Virgin Media TV, Braodband and Phone Posts: 416	Bravo Honolulula for an excellent post - it stands out in a sea of knee jerk threads that have popped up over the past 15 hours since last nights show. I think that many of us, myself included, wised up to all of this a couple of years ago and now watch it for what it is - a piece of entertainment TV. But, you are right - it is now crossing the rubicon. It's moving over that narrow - but important - line between being a bit of harmless throwaway TV, and being something that it quite depressing and exploitative.

09-11-2009, 13:31	#8
cr120575 Forum Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 207	The original post is very well written and something I agree completely with. Go and read it, you know you want to.

09-11-2009, 13:34	#9
pickledwalnuts Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 132	Brilliant,The best post i've read on here. No wonder Simon got pissed with Peter Kays parody. Britain's got the pop factor and possibly a new jesus christ soapstar superstar strictly on ice It really is just The Simon Cowell Show.

09-11-2009, 13:37	#10
PamelaL Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Worcestershire Posts: 54,932	It's a good post and I don't think you're wrong but we all contribute by continuing to watch, unfortunately.

09-11-2009, 13:39	#11
Syntax Error Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Manchester, England Services: Please be seat, for MEERKAT puppet theatre! Posts: 3,479	Great post by the OP. Simon's ego is now so out of control that he can't see what he is doing to his baby (The X-Factor).

09-11-2009, 13:42	#13
bionicfrank Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Llantrisant Posts: 53	great post, very well written and i pretty much agree with every word. the usual cynics will say why so surprised etc but i really think they are missing the point. the show is about one person only - cowell. he doesnt care about anyone or anything.

09-11-2009, 14:20	#14
LauraJSkittles Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 647	Fantastic post OP, completely spot on. As a John & Edward fan, I'm sort of torn. I'm happy they got through, but I'm hating the abuse they get for it. I'd much rather they go home and be happy than stay in the competition and be miserable.

09-11-2009, 14:28	#15
jedward4pontins Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 68	talentless chavtacular media whore not how I'd describe cheryl cole. But, if I was cheryl, dermot, danni or even the vocalist coach who defended Jedward to the hilt on breakfast TV this morning, I'd walk out unable to take the indignity of prostituting myself and taking part in that panto farce for cowell's money.....

09-11-2009, 14:32	#16
kyri Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Services: Team Walsh ~ John and Edward Posts: 20,229	Let's face facts, the one act everybody this year is talking about are John and Edward. They are in every magazine, every newspaper, all over the internet, all over the radio and were even in The Sun advert yesterday. If the one act creating so much fuss left in Week 5 over boring Lucie (who has her fans but nobody really pays much attention too), then that would be the real tragedy. Think what you want of Jedward, but they are getting all this years publicity whether it is good or bad. They won't win and neither would Lucie have, so why not keep them in? They keep Louis in the game, keep people talking and make the show alot crazier and fun. Simon created one of the most insane, shocking and hilarious results show last night and I thought it was TV Gold!

09-11-2009, 14:36	#17
haphash Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: London Posts: 629	Of course it's the Simon Cowell show - it always has been. It's pretty irrelevant if they manage to find a good singer on this show really. This is just a large massage to Simon's ego every week as the deity of popular music and font of all knowledge (excuse me whilst I puke a little). If they find someone like Leona with a bit of talent then fine. If the winner is another Steve Brookstein he just gets dropped quickly. It's really not that important to us is it? (only to the acts in question). The shameful thing is that there are many talented people in this country who still can't get a break because the industry is run by the Simon Cowell's of this world who like everything as bland as possible. There are probably a good many who did audition and didn't get through to the televised part. Of course the vast majority of people with any talent and sense would give this show a wide berth.

09-11-2009, 14:47	#20
willywonker Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 10,174	Excellent post OP.

09-11-2009, 14:51	#21
Lizzy11268 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 4,941	Good post OP BUT For me, the real tragedy of last night is that anyone is calling it a tragedy Its a tv show. Or did I miss an actual tragedy of which I am not aware.