Home to talk about ‘X Factor,’ week two
Loading ...I’m on vacation but I wanted to give the regular followers of “Idol” to kvetch (or even praise) “X Factor” during its second week on the air.
Ratings last week both nights were 12.5 million viewers. That was clearly a disappointing figure for Fox officials and creator Simon Cowell after all the publicity and build up over the months. “Criminal Minds,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “Person of Interest” and “Modern Family” drew more viewers. Both comedies drew more 18 to 49 year olds.
The only clear upgrade from “Idol” so far that I can ascertain is record executive L.A. Reid. He has gravitas and a track record that outweighs Randy Jackson. Otherwise, we have two personality black holes in Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones, neither of whom have distinguished themselves yet. And even Simon himself seems oddly diminished. So far, what used to be his classic wordplay has been rather tepid. And the show itself focused absurd amounts of time on bad and mediocre singers, giving them even more time on stage to sing than “Idol” would.
Plus, the “naked” guy last Wednesday was a complete fake out. TMZ reports the guy wasn’t even naked! He was wearing a leopard print thong! It seems Simon courted the controversy by letting the guy stay on the stage a ridiculously long time and then airing the entire sequence. Simon wanted people to be outraged and talk about it. The Parents Television Council fell for it, saying it was an abomination and plans to file copious complaints to the Federal Communications Commission. Sure, there is a school of thought that controversy like this might fuel viewership but I thought it was a complete and utter turnoff. I’m 100% sure Nigel Lythgoe and Co. at “Idol” would never have allowed the guy to have done that for more than three seconds before security folks hauled him off. Even Piers Morgan would have buzzed him on “America’s Got Talent” before he had even gotten his pants off.
Maybe week two will be better. Maybe. At least the audition episodes only last two weeks, as opposed to four for “Idol.”
Other folks who write about the show were not any kinder than I was.
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126 comments Add your comment
G
September 29th, 2011
5:19 pm
One of these reality shows should go out on a limb, and undergo a major restructuring. Voice and Sing Off seem to be the only shows standing on there own, but most of them are “cousins” of AI.
It would be a nice twist to have a show with multiple winners based on gender or genre of music. Men have been dominating the wins on AI as of late. There could be two winners (one male and one female). Or maybe have 3 winners in genre (pop, country, and r&b). Just a thought to make things interesting.
G
September 29th, 2011
5:20 pm
Correction: there should be their. For all you proofers out there.
JTesla
September 29th, 2011
5:24 pm
Good idea G, dog shows have multiple winners, why don’t singing competitions have “best in breed”?
Deirdre
September 30th, 2011
7:12 am
Morning!
I have a little more respect for Nicole after yesterday’s XF. She seems to try very hard not to hurt someone’s feelings. During a particularly bad audition, when Simon’s case of the giggles also infected Paula, Nicole stayed quiet, didn’t join in and was careful not to insult the singer. LA Reid also waited patiently for Simon to get over it.
I think we got more good singers than bad last night although there were only a couple who stood out as excellent.
Deirdre
September 30th, 2011
8:08 am
Scotty McCreery will be joining Brad Paisley’s tour.
Deirdre
September 30th, 2011
8:19 am
Getting back to XF…there was a guy named Leroy Bell who claimed he was 59. The guy didn’t look a day over 40. I want his genes! He had a nice smooth voice too.
The first kid annoyed me. Yes he was a talented rapper but he was obnoxious and the kind of precocious that makes you want to throttle something.
There was a 12 year old girl that I’m pretty sure the guys were into until she said she was 12. Her mama needs to get a handle(or leash) on that.
Then there was handsome Brennin who sang a song he wrote beautifully and whose ego may be one step too far gone to be likeable…time will tell because with those looks and that voice, he’ll be around for awhile.
Deirdre
September 30th, 2011
8:34 am
XF, imo, still has done nothing to set it apart from the other competition shows. The only thing that will make it or break it now is the talent.
Woodpappy
September 30th, 2011
8:59 am
Last night my wife asked me if I wasn’t tired of “another singing competition”? Then she wanted to know what was so different about X-factor, it looked, sounded, and even the auditions were in her opinion, an exact copy of AI. Come to think of it, she’s may have a point. I think I’ll stick with the one that brung me to the dance. American Idol.
Sam-A
September 30th, 2011
9:15 am
The good looking guy has the most obnoxious personality of anyone so far – turns me way off even if he is cute and can sing. During last hour I was flipping around, so missed some. The 17 year old blonde girl was good and lovely. The last one, the 16 year old has a really great voice. Hope they both do well.
Some really truly bad stuff over the two nights. And sadly, as I said yesterday, they’re just bad singers, not adding the hilarity some of Idol’s truly bad ones have done.
Just don’t think this show is going anywhere. I will watch a bit more, to see if any of the few I thought good make it thru to the upper eschelons.
JTesla
September 30th, 2011
9:26 am
I watched one audition last night, the kid who had the hot mom. He had a point, people were probably checking out his mom, and they probably thought they were brother and sister. How far will he go? It doesn’t matter, it’s all about Simon.
That was the problem for me, after all these years, I can see the man behind the curtain. Simon’s response to him was crafted to garner the most drama, the most shock or whatever. It was simply a tool to showcase Simon and the show.
kelly&carriefan
September 30th, 2011
10:37 am
Hi y’all!
So, I watched a bit of X Factor last night. I was switching back and forth from that and Charlie’s Angels. I love Lyla Garrity, but man, the show is not good. Perhaps I’m too used to having that pesky thing called “plot” to enjoy the “boob tube” campiness? JT? Rickster? Branch? How do y’all do it? (If you do?)
Anyway back to X Factor. My first thoughts: It’s alright, but so far it’s the same old, same old. I found myself going “Where’s Ryan?” last night, especially whenever Paula and Simon interacted. Maybe once the move to “Boot Camp,” they will do enough to differentiate themselves from Idol…but for now? It’s a big ol’ pile of MEH for me.
The last girl Jazzlyn was really good, so I’m looking forward to her. Nashville boy was good, but I only heard him sing, don’t know anything about his personality (Which in these shows is almost more important than actual vocal talent!). The “Ausome” duet sounded like a bad Glee impression. Sorry, kids. Will I be back? Probably…but once the auditions are done.
Sam-A
September 30th, 2011
10:47 am
Actual “Idol” note, Kellie Pickler will be on “Ellen” one day next week – not sure which one. She is really hilarious when they get together. The show last year where Ellen sneaked Clint Eastwood in (KP’s Idol) and she sat on his lap was a true TV gem!
Rickster
September 30th, 2011
11:32 am
Wish I could help you K&CF, I don’t watch stuff like that. I would imagine, however, that there’s a certain segment of the population that really likes the mute button.
And, thankfully, K&CF, the auditions are over. So hurry on back!
kelly&carriefan
September 30th, 2011
11:44 am
HA! Well, thanks, Rickster. I’ll have to give it a try.
Deirdre
September 30th, 2011
11:57 am
Re Ausome…did you see the look on the boy’s face when he was getting all the praise and the judges were wondering out loud if he should dump the girl? Talk about mixed emotions. On the one hand he feels great hearing that he’s good while on the other, his best friend is not only not feeling the love from the judges but may, if the judges are right, be holding him back.
Deirdre
September 30th, 2011
12:04 pm
Last night’s XF was down 12% in the ratings from last Thursday’s show but still managed to win the night for Fox.
Rickster
September 30th, 2011
2:59 pm
My initial take on X-F:
The judges are much more of a factor than in AI. They made a mistake dumping Cheryl Cole for Nicole S. Cheryl would have been more entertaining compared to Nicole – who is a non-factor. That which shines the spotlight even more on Simon – which is exactly what he wants.
How many people auditioned for the emcee job? And this guy is the best they could come up with? He’s a non-factor, which shines the spotlight even more on Simon – which is exactly what he wants.
(Hmmm.. I’m noticing a pattern here.)
There are maybe 6 – 10 acts that I’ve seen that have a legitimate chance at winning.
Rickster
September 30th, 2011
5:06 pm
Everyone have a great weekend!
JTesla
October 2nd, 2011
8:13 pm
AI judges made it to Portland this weekend. A non-FOX station was able to air it and air “thoughts” from the judges. They didn’t even need to go into spy mode like Rodney did that one time.
tvboy
October 3rd, 2011
3:37 am
i love LA reid for one reason – he’s the former husband of my ‘girlfriend’ pebbles — ms perri reid. she’s awesome
tvboy
October 3rd, 2011
3:38 am
an hour of ellen makes me want to stab out both my eyes
Deirdre
October 3rd, 2011
7:36 am
Morning!
JT, I read that the AI judges and Ryan were going to do a press conference in Portland. That must be why you got a look at them when most cities don’t. Maybe they’re a little XF nervous. Did they say anything interesting?
Harriett
October 3rd, 2011
8:11 am
Good morning!
The powers that be around here did not get the memo about the temps. Brrrr! My office is freezing and the air is still on!! You know how I love the cold!
Deirdre
October 3rd, 2011
8:31 am
It’s that time of year when the heating and cooling systems run almost simultaneously. Cold at night, warm during the day.
So, can someone explain why last year’s Falcons played the first half and this year’s Falcons showed up for the second half. What’s up with that?
Harriett
October 3rd, 2011
8:41 am
The Falcons at least show up for a half. Remember the bad old days when they wouldn’t show up for a game–five or six in a row?
Sam-A
October 3rd, 2011
9:13 am
This was the most perfectly lovely weekend – No CA weather – wish it’d stick around forever!!!!!
Saw “Dolphin Tails” – loved it totally. Beautiful story, beautiful animal, wonderful ending. If you go, wait after the end of the movie. There are actual films of this precious girl helping kids, soldiers, etc with limb loss to accept and recover.
JTesla
October 3rd, 2011
9:23 am
Deirdre: Randy was the one whose comments they aired, even though all three judges and Ryan were at the table. So of course with Randy’s comments, nothing was really said. Portland is great… blah blah blah, great talent, Reggae, Jazz, etc. Nothing insightful. They picked a rather dull place for the judges to hold the auditions, but I’m looking forward to the episode.
Deirdre
October 3rd, 2011
9:38 am
What…no “a girl is in it to win it this year”???? Is Randy not feeling well?
Harriett
October 3rd, 2011
9:48 am
Rolling Stone has a fairly favorable review of XF this week. I will see if I can find it and post.
Harriett
October 3rd, 2011
9:52 am
Here is the one I read yesterday in my RS: http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/x-factor-the-bitch-is-back-20110929
Rickster
October 3rd, 2011
10:05 am
Looks like I’ll be spending this Saturday in the highly-secure, undisclosed, heavily-reinforced, well armed, highly secure but oh-so-comfy zombie-proof bunker.
This October flesh-eating corpses could be shambling the streets of a city near you. Oct. 8 has officially been coined World Zombie Day and events across the United States are searching for victims this month.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2011/09/30/zombies-in-city-near/?test=faces#ixzz1Zj9h0bEz
Deirdre
October 3rd, 2011
10:07 am
Thanks Harriett. This quote stands out for me:
But except for the different logo on the soda cups it looks exactly like Idol, just cranked up to spectacular levels of hype and with more dry ice.
Deirdre
October 3rd, 2011
10:14 am
It was a positive article if you can call basing the show on Simon’s ego positive. I love the author’s comments about Paula. I don’t agree with the focus of the success of Idol’s most recent season being about the judges. I think it has a lot more to do with the talent last year.
Which brings me to the question…do critics only see the judges and not the talent? Is the talent extraneous to the success of the show?
Deirdre
October 3rd, 2011
10:15 am
Rickster, we had quite a large number of zombies here in my town while The Walking Dead was filming here. They’re ok…not to worry.
Sam-A
October 3rd, 2011
10:18 am
Rickster: Between “Walking Dead” and “Vampire Diaries” – there’s quite a large number of “dead” creatures in and around the Atl area most of the time. And that doesn’t even take into consideration those of us ambling up to our office buildings every Monday morning!
Deirdre
October 3rd, 2011
10:23 am
Has anyone mentioned this yet? Scotty will be singing the National Anthem for game 1 of the World Series. That’s one advantage to having the series on Fox.
Harriett
October 3rd, 2011
10:25 am
I meant fairly positive in the sense they did not pan it. The article just validated what we’ve been saying about Simon’s ego being the reason for the thing in the first place. I think the critics here are critics of the show and not of the music. Does that make sense? There was another article that critiqued the talent. I will recover it and post.
Harriett
October 3rd, 2011
10:32 am
Here is the critque of last week: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/x-factor-recap-auditions-go-out-with-a-bang-and-a-whimper-20110930
Deirdre
October 3rd, 2011
10:32 am
Yes Harriett, I think you’re right about the critics. I guess, since the talent comes and goes and the constants are the judges, the host and the production values, the critics focus on those things rather than the talent. However, imo, it’s the relatively consistent(seasons 6 and 9 being the exceptions that prove the rule)talent that actually makes this show as popular as it still is. That and, after 10 years, the comfort level of its audience.
Deirdre
October 3rd, 2011
10:38 am
Love this quote:
This collision of true talent, hot mess and utter exhaustion is what the episode was all about, and a final reminder of how different the auditions are with a live audience around.
Rickster
October 3rd, 2011
11:08 am
To Sam-A & her queeness: Those are the well-behaved zombies that just want you to think that zombies are harmless so laws will be passed to prohibit zombie discrimination or to create national “Invite a Zombie to Dinner” day.
Then BAM! they eat you and your entire family!
Them zombies is tricky!
Harriett
October 3rd, 2011
11:11 am
LOL @ the quote. And, you are right about the consistency of the talent, with noted exceptions. It has always been about the talent “for me.” And, I think that is true for others, seeing that the show’s popularity is still there, even with most of the original judging panel gone.
Deirdre
October 3rd, 2011
2:49 pm
mj is a big fan of former Idol hopeful(and sad case) Josiah Leming so she posts all his new songs. I like this one a lot and know that the kid has talent. I still think Idol was absolutely correct to cut him because he was emotionally unstable at the time. He still sounds a little like he’s from Liverpool but the song’s not bad at all:
http://www.mjsbigblog.com/josiah-leming-one-last-song-music-video-get-at-itunes.htm
Harriett
October 3rd, 2011
3:02 pm
Thanks for the link, D. I agree it’s a pretty good song.
JTesla
October 3rd, 2011
3:17 pm
Great, now I hope that Josiah comes here and blogs with us again. That kid is funny.
Harriett
October 3rd, 2011
3:52 pm
Amanda Knox free
Harriett
October 3rd, 2011
4:15 pm
I have to prepare for my class, so talk to y’all tomorrow.
JTesla
October 3rd, 2011
5:02 pm
You mean Foxy Knoxy? Maybe she can go on a book tour with Casey Anthony.
Deirdre
October 4th, 2011
8:09 am
Morning!
Glee gets a second chance from me tonight since I liked last week’s episode.
Watched Jurassic Park Meets Alfred Hitchco*k’s The Birds last night. Despite the sarcasm, I enjoyed Terra Nova very much.
Harriett
October 4th, 2011
8:33 am
Morning!
Yep, I thought of The Birds immediately, D. I did like the show, and I can see the intrigue coming.
On your recommendation, D, I am going to watch Glee tonight. I had given up on it. I noticed last night there were commercials saying that “Glee has rediscovered its heart.”