It is all about making good telly. Even the editing is totally American in style now- cue singer crying with joy- cut to Simon Cowell winking at them- cut to emotional music.It's all so predicatable. Simon Cowell knows that a singer will have far more public interest if there is a "story" to accompany them. A news item. A reason for us to like them, or feel sorry for, or be intrigued by them. It's not the judges that are swayed by the singer's life story, it's the public! It simply makes for a more interesting show. We are the ones obsessed with celebrities lives, and couldn't give a toss about their latest single. Pete Doherty- what did he sing? I've never even heard his voice!! But his lifestyle choices are what make him an interesting character and story. The X-factor contestants are no different.