Browsing casually on the internet for anything that slightly catches my attention (just like any other weeknight), I happened to come across this article three days ago about the supposed workings of the popular television show X Factor’s production team. I bet most people wouldn’t be surprised to learn that the show makers are more intent on creating entertainment and using smoke and mirrors over the actual fulfillment of an aspiring musician’s dream.
What makes the article so special is the statement from an X Factor NZ former contestant about the producer’s “bible”. What is this bible, I hear you ask? Tom Batchelor claims that his experience as a contestant wasn’t always comfortable, and that he had been subjected to “mime playing his guitar”. Obviously, this didn’t come as a surprise to me. I have already seen enough TV to come to this conclusion myself. However, the idea of having a set of guidelines to be religiously followed by the show producers vanquishes the human aspects of fulfilling one’s dreams. Batchelor, who was a contender in the Top 7, claimed that he “didn’t get much say” and that even the song choices were mostly appropriated by the producers.
Then there is the fact that the prize for the winner includes a contract with Sony, which is ultimately underdressed by all 13 finalists receiving contracts of their own. When you think about it, what actually happened to those past winners and finalists long after the flash in the pond show was done for the year? Sure, Rhys Mastin and Samantha Jade are touring around Australia (I think?) but what about Bella Ferraro whose audition was “truly amazing” and made to be as if it’s what they’ve been searching for the whole time? I’m not that big a fan of the Year 12 drop out, but she was still dropped on her a**.
For more “entertainment” and flash in the pond winners, tune in to X Factor on Channel 7, 7.30 PM!
