TV talent contests pros and cons

TV talent shows like X Factor come in for some stick because people think they stifle originality and creativity and replace it with ‘manufactured’ stars.

This might be the case – but then the show is looking for performers who can sing properly and carry an audience – it doesn’t claim to be looking for original singer-songwriters.

So while it might be true that the X Factor does nothing to progress originality or creativity, what it does do is raise the bar for singing standards among serious contenders.

Many established pop stars are not great singers and might not have got far on X Factor – ones that come to mind are Damon Albarn and Sting. Both inventive musicians, both with distinctive voices ……….But good singers? Not really.