The song, not the singer

[andy-hughes]

Since songs like X Factor and similar attract such huge viewing figues, it is time to look at what we actually appreciate and applaud.

For example - opera is not my thing. I can't tell a good / bad / indifferent performance because i have no way of measuring what I hear.

And neither has most of the viewing public.

That is why this kind of thing gets massive votes -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k08yxu57NA&fea ture=related

It is not his performance - those who know advise that his technique is not that good, he slides on and off notes, and hs voice is not strong.

What gets people is the motion of the song. Crikey, you could make a door chime from that music and it would move people, that is where the power is, not his perfomance of it.

Pop and rock music, which i do know about, is a different story. I know that Alexandra is a far far better singer than Diana, and that Bad Lashes were a better group than JLS because I know what I'm talking about - but the public don't look at these shows like that.

I'm not criticising, merely observing, and noticing that we all opine on things we really know nothing about, and then boo Simon Cowell, who patently does know!

Your thouhts?

[HJT40]

Not sure if I am on the right tracks or not.

I did watch the x factor on saturday and when I heard the young lad (sorry rubbish with names) sign Ben, it turned me off completely. There are people that we have heard sing before, but the songs they are give are wrong. Just like we are the world. The first thing I heard with both previously mentioned songs was "CHEESE".

However, the young blonde girl seems to bring something different to a song, but the guy who sang Billie Jean did nothing for the song. All examples of x-factor I know, sorry.

A singer has to have the right song for them. It is very difficult for singers to prove themselves when having to sing someone elses song. Perhaps even by a singer that they would not cover.

Some people, although not brilliant singers just find the right kind of song for their voice and that is where they come in to their own.

[B00]

I adore these kind of shows andy.

i just love how something so beautiful, like Paul's voice is, can come out of someone so unassuming. I like the fact that 'nobodies' can, through sheer talent, get somewhere in life and make something of themselves.

As you say, the performance itself wasn't without a few faults, but hell, we're talking about untrained singers here, we can't expect perfection.

And yes, I'll admit- I got teary watching it again just then. The whole 'mood' of the thing just gets to you.

[andy-hughes]

HJT40 - you are quite right. It does go to show that what looks easy - when done by professionals - isn't.

If you saw Girls Aloud perform - six years and 18 Top Ten singles on from their audition, the difference is seriously evident.

I am not knocking the inexperience or raw talent - my point is, we get swept along by what is presented, rather than the genuine craft and skill - even in a raw form - that should be behind it.

[andy-hughes]

Boo, I adore them too.

The point I am making is not that performances are unploished, which is perfectly acceptable - it's that we get carried away with the song, not the singer.

I can't sing, but if i recorded 'Unchained Melody' and got the right exposure, I would have a hit - you can;t not, the song is too good to break.

And that's my point, it's not what we are seeing and hearing, it's how it is put across to us that carries us away.

As for untrained - some have a gift that simply shines through, and Alexandra has the whole lot - looks, poise, voice, technique, she is so far on her way, she should win, but I doubt if she will.

[LoftyLottie]

Andy, I actually almost 100% agree with all Simon's comments on X factor! I don't think Simon knows that much about music - however, he knows exactly what will be a money spinner. I think booing Simon Cowell has become part of the show and doesn't hold any meaning.

I don't think you have to know about music pop or otherwise to enjoy it. We all have different tastes. Alex might well have the best voice and be musically quite perfect but I prefer Diana with her ethereal qualities and Laura for her exciting raunchiness. They are all different. I also think Austin is fantastic. Alex does nothing for me (I know she does something for you ;o) (not just her voice either!))

Personally I can't stand Leonna Lewis or the type of music she sings, but obviously I am in the minority.

[mrs_overall]

Hi Andy - Mr AB Resident TV Personality lol

I don't think Simon Cowell is an expert in as much as he has no musical training, but he CAN spot commercial talent.
Re your comment about you not being able to sing - a lot of today's manufactured acts (boy bands in particular) have no singing ability whatsoever. Their duff notes are smoothed out in the studio. I'm sure a good technician could make me (who sings like a cat being strangled with piano wire) sound half decent.
My view is that too many of these wannabes who appear on reality shows want instant fame. They're not prepared for the old fashioned slog of working their way up from dingy pubs and learning their craft along the way.