1: What is X factor?

When judging anyone else except for Wagner Louis’ quick to point out that this is a singing competition? Is it really? Then why put Wagner through?

He’s a lovely person I’m sure but can he sing? In tune even? No. To even call the show X-Factor when the judges are so willing to put such acts through is a gross misrepresentation in my opinion. The public is obviously being misinformed as to what this show is about, shouldn’t we have the right to formally complain? Where’s the TV version of the ASA?

2: Crowd control

I don’t generally object to audience participation but I find the decision to let the crowd rage at undefined volumes completely bizaare. Am I not meant to care what the judges say?  If that’s the case why not just replace them all with a crowd-o-meter and let us decide on whether or not an act has done well based on the boos and cheers of the crowd. It’s all I can hear anyway.

3: Hostile takeover

A bit of heated banter between the judges was always a little entertaining but everyone seeming increasingly stressed and a tad vitriolic this season. Judges attacking contestants, acts attacking judges, contestants attacking the show itself and poor Dermot trying to keep the peace. It just seems to be getting worse and more distasteful by the week.

I’d much rather the days when I was left feeling excited by Leona’s incredible range and Alexandra’s amazing stamina to dance and sing like a pro. X-Factor use to leave me feeling entertained and happy. Now I just find it all annoying and unpleasant especially as all the surrounding drama is overshadowing what’s meant to be important… the acts.

4: Katie and Wagner

2 contestants who have had to face several weeks of public humiliation. The judges blame the public. The contestants blame the press and I blame the judges.

Wagner should never have been on the show in the first place and each time a contestant leaves instead of Wagner I hope Louis feels the weight of his decision. Why Louis put him on the show I will never understand and what’s worse is that the judges then show such disdain for Wagner in their critiques. Of course he’s not good but it’s not his fault he’s there either. It’s Louis’ so if you’re going to boo anyone boo him.

As for Katie, she should have been let go in the first instance instead of this attempt by the judges to force people into liking her. I’m not saying she’s a bad person or that she can’t sing, I even like her new hair cut but she’s not my cup of tea. And usually that’s all it comes down to when people decide whether or not they’re going to support an artist. Don’t judge us for it. I don’t know Mariah either but I’ll be playing All I Want for Christmas right though to January 1.

Katie and the judges should see the viewing public as that old adage “if you love someone set them free if it’s meant to be they’ll come back”. Set the audience free judges! Next time she’s in the bottom 2 let her go home.  Stop with all the begging and pleading and just let her go and grow and come back to a more forgiving public.

5: Who’s this show really about?

So much of this show doesn’t make sense to me. Especially Simon with his new found love of mediocre. There was a time when Simon’s opinion was one you can trust but I think it’s fair to say that ever since the Jedward debacle last year it’s become evident that his judgement has been greatly compromised.

With that and the way the careers of some of the winners has disappeared into oblivion we have to ask who is this show really about? The contestants or the judges? When all the contestants are long forgotten, the judges return year after year.

Are they just putting on a show to confirm their seat for the following year, with each controversy, cat fight and teary-eyed contestant working in their favour? Sounds cynical I know but I see no other explanation for what has taken place. Why is talent being looked over in favour of comedy value in what is meant to be a “singing competition”?

Why are subsequent winners given corny cover songs whilst so-called “losers” actually get their own identities cultivated and quality songs/videos recorded?

And so…

I’m sure all the publicity courted by the controversy is probably helping to line a few people’s pockets but it’s starting to look like the shows heading in the direction of cultivating that kind of activity on purpose.

X Factor’s had some good years but if it keeps going in this direction it might have to go on without me. Truly I wouldn’t even miss the show if it weren’t for my Twitter family who have made it so entertaining to watch but no worries, we can  giggle over the Apprentice instead.

Ledisi – Blues In The Night

[via tfs]

To avoid Valentine’s Day having the same effect on single people as a full moon does on werewolves here are my top 10 tracks we should avoid like the plague. Think of it as a musical survival kit for the uncoupled on V-Day.

PS: I feel like I’ve missed something? What do you think?

Watch the video below for Alexandra’s live acapella rendition of Listen by Beyonce. It seems to be confirmed that the female half of Jay-B / Bey-Z / Jayonce will be partnering up with our little home-grown diva for the finals… can’t wait!

Alexandra – Listen

TEAM ALEXANDRA TO WIN!!!

Can I just say I have been TEAM ALEXANDRA since her first audition (Alex to win!), I warmed up to Diana Vickers after her second but was a little worried about Laura White after her drunken Amy Winehouse impersonation at boot camp.

Fortunately my worries were firmly laid to rest in week one when I was pleasantly surprised by her Alicia Keys song and she absolutely blew me away with her jazzy number on Big Band week so how comes the bookies’ and Danni’s favourite was voted off tonight?

Seriously, can anyone tell me how she could leave before Eoghan and JLS?