X Factor

[julian]

odm said:

I was a bit concerned when Mark Hudson was talking about the fact that Abba have accents and that the singers have to remember how Abba pronounce their words...Well I did,nt understand why he would want them to pronounce the words exactly like Abba . It would just be Karaoke then. The whole idea is to take the song and put your own character into it that is what makes an original voice which is what they hail Ben for. If all of a sudden they are supposed to 'sing it like Abba' it is a complete contradiction.

Mark didn't want them to sing it like Abba he was making a point that Abba songs can be difficult to sing because the rhythm of the words is based on a foreign pronounciation which sometimes doesn't sound right when the words are spoken with a more natural rhythm/pronounciation. Can't say I'd ever noticed before but I can see how it would put people off.

I wasn't upset that Ashley went as I have really never seen what Simon thinks is so special about him. I think Simon was unusually nasty and temperamental last week, actually. Usually I have a lot of respect for him but I think he let himself down this time. Although sometimes you have to wonder if it isn't all arranged to make the show more interesting

Ben is probably my favourite right now. I also like Leona and Robert. Ray has had some great weeks and he's an enthusiastic and charismatic performer but I don't think I'd vote for him to win.

I wasn't too keen on Eton Road but last week they were really good.

The MacDonald brothers weren't quite as awful as usual this time but they're definitely my first choice to leave next week.

Nikitta is probably the one I'd most like to be the best but she isn't I used to think it was down to the songs she was being given but I'm beginning to think she just doesn't have what it takes. The song choice certainly didn't help her though!

Regards

Julian

[remaha]

I'm really hoping the MacDonal Brothers go this week. I predict it will be them and Robert in the bottom two. If so, it will be Simon's choice who to save and I think we all know what the outcome of that one will be.

Julian mentioned that it might be staged. To me, there's no might about it. The arguments between the judges are just manufactured. I know it makes good TV but the rivalry between the judges ruins the talent contest aspect of the show for me. I'd prefer it if they all just gave unbiased views on the contestants.

[odm]

:(Im sorry Im at it again. moaning...

Look I cant understand why these people keep bladdy crying when they get on x factor and then start saying that this is all they wanted to do all there life and they dont wanna go back to their jobs blah blah...

The thing is, whether they are on x factor or not, if they REALLY love music that much as long as they are DOING IT it does not matter whether it is on x factor or not. There are hundreds of brilliant singers and musicians who unworthily go by the wayside and never get noticed despite all sorts of hopes and dreams. Just because you go on a TV programme does not mean a thing. It is not a promise. It is a bit of promotion that if you are lucky you will get picked up. There is only one winner and that is it. However, all this crying and sympathy stuff does NOT work for me and it never will. Everyone can realise their dreams if they keep knocking on the doors..if they are good enough and they are determined enough, they will get noticed.

So...I dont wanna hear all this rubbish from these contestants like they have been doing this 'all their life' even more when they are only 20 or such like, I mean, what does ALL THEIR LIFE mean at that age..?? its ridiculous. The xfactor is just a programme to highlight their talents, it will not stop them playing instruments, it wont stop them singing or dancing or whatever they do, if they love what they do, they will do it whether they are in the spotlight or not. So I would like them to say SOMETHING different and stop being so cliched and cloned. This show is not a good step up for the winner, that much is for sure ..you only have to look back and see what happened to the others...

but..good luck to them..

[remaha]

ODM, I agree with you. I mean someone like Ray. His voice has probably only just broken. How can he have known all his life. He will have only just found out whether he can still sing. There's no guarantee that the most angelic choirboy voice will turn into anything in later life.

Of the bottom two tonight, he deserved to go. Simon saved him because he thought he was more guilty in his downfall than he was in Nikita's. In truth Nikita hasn't performed well in the last few weeks. So that may have tipped the balance even though she did well tonight.

As ever, the MacDonalds Bros or Eton Road should have gone. I've said it before, Anthony is Eton Road's most recognisable face and character but also their weakest link singing-wise.

Loved Simons comment about the fact the brothers could bark on stage and still stay in. However, if he wants them to go home, he should be a bit nicer to them, then they wouldn't get the sympathy vote.

[odm]

remaha said:

ODM, I agree with you. I mean someone like Ray. His voice has probably only just broken. How can he have known all his life. He will have only just found out whether he can still sing. There's no guarantee that the most angelic choirboy voice will turn into anything in later life.

Of the bottom two tonight, he deserved to go. Simon saved him because he thought he was more guilty in his downfall than he was in Nikita's. In truth Nikita hasn't performed well in the last few weeks. So that may have tipped the balance even though she did well tonight.

As ever, the MacDonalds Bros or Eton Road should have gone. I've said it before, Anthony is Eton Road's most recognisable face and character but also their weakest link singing-wise.

Loved Simons comment about the fact the brothers could bark on stage and still stay in. However, if he wants them to go home, he should be a bit nicer to them, then they wouldn't get the sympathy vote.

Interesting views Remaha.

My opinion of Ray is actually quite appraising having seen repeat of tonights performance. First of all though he is a one trick pony..I have definately recognised that, but one thing I think that is important to see regarding Ray is that he is an allrounder..and by that he can do anything. Guaranteed singing is not going to be his one and only path. I can see this boy on telly doing ant and dec type routines, or hosting a show when he is older. I can see him in films like Oliver and west end musicals, there is no limit for this kid because he has the it factor to look at. In a way it would not have mattered if he left the show because he will do well without it.

Nikitta cannot make it by herself and she would really need the promotion of this kind of show to get her noticed. The problem with Nikitta is that she has a lovely story and a very sad one at that to tell people, but she does not ooze anything memorable. I never seem to remember this girl on stage at all..because she does,nt have the stage presense to command attention. The fact that Nikitta went does not surprise me,but I do feel out of the two of them, Nikitta needed the chance more, though I truly dont believe she could win.

These two scottish boys are getting up everyones nose ar,nt they? Most of you know I work on stage and sing every single week so there is,nt much I dont know about audiences and I dont mean that from a big headed point of view. Singing to me is like eating my dinner..Im long in the tooth and I know my onions..but really, oh dear, these two brothers belong in a pub singing. I hate to say it because they are nice lads, but they are not what stars are made from. God forbid if I were wrong, I would certainly have to backpedal, but to me, these two are in the competition to keep everyone on their toes and to make the winning act whoever it is stand out more....I always say if you wanna pick a winner, surround them by rubbish...mean, but true.

They are not terrible though, I mean they can hold a tune, the problem is they remind me like they are in a classroom and keep giving each other little sly looks and they do not come across to me as a couple of professional dudies..more work needed I think..

I am liking Robert, but he is overemotional, and me and the OH who is also a long time performer have both said to each other that the music industry could destroy a nice boy like Robert. It is not a nice industry, it is full of rotten mean spiteful jealous people who would knock you out rather than see you get anywhere..anyone in the music industry will tell you that it is the best occupation in the world and the very worst to work in..because nobody will respect that music is a job...

I worry for Robert that the Music Industry is one mean bi@tch of a game that could destroy his life with his girlfriend and baby longterm as he is full of love...the music industry is full of crap and money is devil that drives it.

Anybody who wants to be superstar will end up mad, addicted to something or a nervous emotional disaster. Ask any star, they will agree with me.

So who could stand this stress and strain then? Eton Road might because they will appeal to the gay market, particularly Anthony who may or may not be gay, that wont be in question, its whether he appears gay or whether gays fancy him which no doubt they do...on that count alone, they will do well. Is the music industry that fickle...in one word...yes.

Leona. You think she is a winner?? She lacks Bass tones in her vocal and she lacks Mid tones too. Her voice is pure treble and it is irritating. Do you want to imagine listening to a whole album of her voice...I would rather shoot myself in the head. This girl needs stagecraft to teach her how to present herself on stage, she also needs to get that voice down a tone and let some colour come through. She is not going to be the star that is promised.
If you think Im being nasty. Close our eyes and listen to her voice. Is she distinguishable. If you close your eyes, do you KNOW that voice is Leona? No, but if you closed your eyes, and listened to Christina Aguilera, Anastascia, Pink, Fergie, Beyonce, Madonna and I could name quite a few more, one thing is certain..YOU KNOW ITS THEM SINGING.. with Leona it could be absolutely anyone, she sounds like a hundred other girls and she does not stand out. Close your eyes when you pick a star, if that voice is memorable then you know the singer will make it..and it is NOT Leona..

that Ben..he is the probable star and the only person who can make it through the Music Maze. He has the best ability to deal with the lifestyle and the best understanding of it. He has trod the boards got pis sed many a time and passed out a few times more all in the name of music.. This is the only contestant who could truly make it in the music world...because he is the muso...

[odm]

P.S. Word to the wise...dont write posts when your tired...lol..they very often come out wrong like mine.

[wigangirl]

i think leonas voice is amazing ODM. One thing is for sure i'll buy her album and i bet its brilliant. We havent got any singers like her in the UK and i personally think she'll be a huge star. I think eton road will be big aswell. Ben however i used to really like him but I dont know what to think anymore and he definately forgot his words last night but nobody mentioned it whereas poor ashley got slated for it.

[odm]

wigangirl said:

i think leonas voice is amazing ODM. One thing is for sure i'll buy her album and i bet its brilliant. We havent got any singers like her in the UK and i personally think she'll be a huge star. I think eton road will be big aswell. Ben however i used to really like him but I dont know what to think anymore and he definately forgot his words last night but nobody mentioned it whereas poor ashley got slated for it.

She made a brilliant job of the Elton song. Its a truly lovely song and I know I sound very hard on Leona.. Its true we have not got a singer like her in the UK but they have one of her in the United States and that is Mariah. If I could only stop seeing and hearing Mariah in her voice I know I would feel a little better about her. The problem is that she has Mariahs STYLE and in the pop business you really need to develop your own uniqueness to be durable and longterm. Leona will probably do very well, but if I was truly honest nobody should have a leg up into the music business unless they have trod the boards and learnt about real audiences and singing live in all sorts of situations.

Many people go into the music business and fall foul of it because they have not experienced the rough end of things nor the appreciated the real climb it takes to get there. That is why we have a turnover of new faces and singers and nobody sticks around as a longterm artist. Trust me this is very true. Leona has not had to sing down local pubs and clubs every week, she has just sat at her desk dreaming of the big time and holding her hairbrush in her bedroom much of the time. Ben on the other hand has worked with musicians and writes music and is inspired by sound in general. He is not a glamourous singer, he is just a raw and real piece of musical talent. I am not crazy about Ben at all but he has the ability and has earned the right to make a career.

I know Leona can do well but I dont find her amazing because I have seen home grown talent around me for years that is, people who are genuinely excellent and have worked hard. The reason they dont go on these talent shows is because the music industry loses respect for you and they say exactly what I am saying now..

Basically most of these TV talent show singers have not EARNT the fame...and when they get it, they cant cope with it. So lets hope Leona does cope once she is up there...its is a much harder world then what we are seeing on the x factor, and people like simon they make their money and they walk away..that is why you have to be tough..and Leona is only a shy young woman with no experience of these money making ass h.les.

[odm]

Looks like Tony Bennett agrees with my views..just found this and even he knows these young singers get exploited and then dropped like hot spuds...Leona should get herself a good Agent..and no one connected with the show.

Tony Bennett slams greed of 'X Factor'
Friday, November 10 2006, 11:00 UTC - by Ben Rawson-Jones


Tony Bennett has slammed The X Factor for being motivated by financial greed at the cost of exploiting young talent.

"I’m a little disturbed that the businessmen are making a fortune, but after the first record, they drop the artist and go with the next," the veteran crooner told The Sun.

"It’s not fair because the artists all have such good potential. They all have the possibility of really becoming good performers if they just had the place they could break into and learn how to do it properly."

Earlier this month, 80-year-old Bennett guested on the singing competition and gave advice to contestants during rehearsals.

[odm]

Check this out RAY from X Factor wins TV award for Brookside....

www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0Naab7sjTI