The day celebrity, momentarily, crumbled

Categories: uncategorized

Date: 13 November 2005 08:41:18

Although you wouldn't really know it from the The X Factor official website something really interesting happened on the TV talent show last night, the judges were shown to be human beings with real feelings rather than simply cardboard cut-out goodies or baddies.

For those who haven't got the fainest idea what I'm talking about The X Factor is one of these tv music talent show things. Last night, in a v. controversial decision Maria had to leave the show, after Irish judge, Lois who had the final vote, chose Irish band The Conway sisters over Maria. This was a decision that Sharon decided, in a moment of pure emotion, was based on their passport rather than their talent.

That was the end of the main show, but over on ITV2 there was the follow up interviews and this was the really interesting bit. By this point it was clear that the judges were actally in shock at the decision, because they didn't expect Maria to end up in the bottom 2 in the first place, and that part of the reason she was there was because a song which was wrong for her had been chosen, (as it appeared the judges who were mentors were trying to stretch the contestants to the max & so chose some songs which were not necessarily the right choices). Add to this Lois had been accused of nepotism, a text pole showed 98% of those who texted in thought Lois had got it wrong and the fact the judges had woken up to the fact the audience voted on the actual performances, rather than on the artist and it was all rather tense.

This was where they broke out of the stereotypes which had been created around them and showed that they weren't just celebrities but human beings. Simon started to "look after" Lois, and showed himself to be a compassionate, but skilled manager, who was prepared to admit that in some ways he himself had misjudged the audience and the show. Sharon was clearly shaken and made clear that it was not all down to Lois, but had also related to the song, which she had help choose. She showed a different type of vulnerability and caring side, than simply the image which has been cultivated over recent years. As for Lois, he was ashen and if you looked carefully you could see blood on his lip where he had been biting it so much. As I sat there I just wanted to be able to hug Sharon & Lois and shake Simon's hand, as each in their own way took some responsibility.

As for the contestants, one again has to feel for both. Maria, as she left but The Conway Sisters as they remain, aware of their apparent unpopularity. Whilst one feels that this won't be the start of a new way of doing things perhaps it will be the start of a re-evaluation.