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EVENTS
The Dark Side of Talent Shows
Wednesday 30th May 2012 | Osh
Few among us wouldn't confess to watching the "X Factor" or one of its deeply formulaic competitors such as "The Voice" or "Britain's Got Talent", as an occasional guilty pleasure. Even the most elitist of music snobs can take pleasure in Simon Cowell's snide insults, Louis Walsh's camp enthusiasm or the downright bizarre performances of some of the audition stages' more deluded artists (here's looking at you, Donald Bell-Gam). Equally, who can't take some joy in watching unlikely stars like Susan Boyle have their time in the sun, no matter how proud you are of your Jesus and Mary Chain vinyl collection. A bit of harmless fun, surely?
However, the viral status of some of these shows' funnier failures shows something about the nature of the editors, and indeed the viewers. Much as I must take credit for several of the infamous "I work in a chicken factory" video's two million YouTube views, the hilarity is often tainted with a touch of guilt as another innocent hopeful is shot down for the viewing pleasure of the baying public.
The victors, all of which have undeniable singing talents, show a further murky side to the entertainment. Singers like Alexandra Burke invariably make pure pop music, disposable by its very nature, have one hit and are forgotten about. This is clearly an unfortunate waste of some fine natural ability. Furthermore, artists at the peak of their fame often receive unfair hatred from the more discerning listener. The recent X Factor runner-up Marcus Collins received strong abuse from the alternative rock scene, notoriously opposed to commercial pop, over his cover of The White Stripes' classic 'Seven Nation Army'.
Of course, this is all a moot point really. These shows, uncreative and exploitative as they are, will continue for as long as Cowell and Co wish them to. Their voyeuristic appeal and touching success stories are a recipe for success as people flock to their local arena to catch a glimpse of the next Leona Lewis, or the next Donald.
