Oh Dear, secretly I have found myself loving the X-Factor!
Last weekend after dinner, whilst clearing and washing the dishes my wife and I decided to tune in and watch the X-Factor. We were intrigued to see what would be different, who would provide our Saturday entertainment of delusional grandeur. From the shows early days, we would occasionally watch the auditions which in my opinion was always the best part. Seeing the discovery of raw, fresh talent and people living out their dreams of being heard and noticed. Equally sitting and being judgemental of people who had fallen way short, I mean you gotta ask do they not listen to themselves or do they not have friends and family that could be honest with them. Was always fun too.
Over the years we grew tired of the format, tired of Simon Cowell and his ways, tired of how contestants would hero-worship him, tired of how the show became predictable. So watching and admitting to watching was not something I had done for some time.
So far, this year seems different, subtle changes have made big differences. We no longer seem to be subjected to the carousel of delusional would be artists, the judge line up for me is better and working. We have only seen 2 episodes and I have got to admit I like it. I like the new judges, Louis, Robbie and Ayda. We are seeing a different type of connection with the judges and contestants and the personal stories which have always played out have been sincere and touching. Maybe I am becoming more emotional at my age, but I sense something different about the show, and about Simon.
As I watched last night show, I understood further, how good Simon Cowell is. His ability to spot talent and fuse what you would never imagine could and would work together to create something special is unrivalled and he demonstrated that last night. I watch this happen not once but twice last night, with the best example being two teenage girls, Aaliyah and Acacia who had never previously met. They arrived as individuals and were ok. They could have exited the competition, based on their song choice and first performance. But they were given a chance to form a duo and sing together. In about an hour they had bonded, rehearsed and learnt Ariana Grande’s song, Bang Bang, which they performed together and smashed it. It was truly amazing to watch and amazing to see the birth of something new. Now that takes a creative vision and the ability to spot potential. I know Simon has a track record, Little Mix, One Direction to name a few but seeing that genius, the coaching and mentoring to make it happen for me was truly impressive. For me Simon has also appeared to have slightly mellowed, he still can be brutally honest and cutting, which I have always found difficult to watch, but so far I think we are seeing more of his softer more human side.
Louis, Robbie and Ayda bring with them an inspiring and real connection with the audience and contestants. Something about been there, seen it and done it makes them more believable and empathetic. There is no grandeur, no nastiness about them, they are relatable which I think has struck a chord with this year show. Watching the love between Ayda and Robbie on the show is refreshingly honest, there is no awkwardness played out between them. Louis for me has shown great maturity for his age, my admiration and respect for him has grown having watched the episode which featured him reaching out to a former show contestant in a real human way.
Maybe it’s me, or maybe its the show but this year has connected more than any on an emotional level. The subtle changes and entertainment factor with the choice of televised acts (for something special see Janice Robinson) have been successful. I find myself once again looking forward to watching the next set of auditions. Whether this will last to the finals, who knows but I am enjoying the production and feel happy declaring I now watch the X-Factor.