Lets Discuss | The X Factor

The X Factor is taken too seriously. With this years X Factor over and done with, the inevitable debate on whether the national competition is damaging the music industry will arise. Tomorrow, it will be decided whether Ben Haenow's debut single has gone to number one or not. But, with live finalists from previous years having produced a total of 35 number ones since its first season in 2004, we can probably say that is a given.

Music business professionals say it's destroying the industry and spoiling the Christmas number one. But do we care? The charts aren't worth looking at anymore, especially singles. With Spotify debates and illegally downloading still in the forefront of peoples minds, The X Factor taking the number one should be the least of everyones worries. Our attention has been taken away from the race to the top for a range of reasons, assuming the X Factor will take the top spot could be accused as to why we don't expect much from the Christmas No.1 anymore.

People in the music business tend to take The X Factor way too seriously. In an interview with The Telegraph, Chris Wright, founder of Chrysalis Records said: "The music industry hates the X Factor with a passion. The record industry is under pressure, it becomes difficult to sustain your marketing on a truly talented, individualistic artist when you're up against everything that is coming out of The X Factor."

The X Factor is great television and you can't fault it's production, but thats all it is, an entertainment show. It is Saturday night television that gets the family in the same room. Something that doesn't happen often, especially with the increase in technology, smart phones and laptops especially. Every year, as thousands queue up in the hope of being the next 'big thing', millions settle down on their couch on a Saturday evening to have a laugh at who will walk onto the stage next. 

Families rarely sit together and it is a concept like The X Factor that brings everyone into the same room, you have your tea in front of the telly and have a laugh at some wolly who thinks they can sing like Adele. All ages love it, I know that when I go to visit my Grandma we'll have a good chat about who got eliminated that week, but she won't be logging onto iTunes to buy the latest release by Sam Bailey or Little Mix.

Going forward, music consumption needs to be heavily focussed on live gigs and performances, with less focus on where a song/album charts. If somebody is a fan of your band, they will make the effort to see you on tour or buy your merch, not see how many times they can buy your song until it charts at an acceptable position. *cough One Direction*

♥