News & Jukebox Chart

Pop will eat itself

Unless you left the country this weekend, you will not have missed the fact that it was The X Factor final.

This show has become a national institution of sorts having spawned some of the most successful recording artists of recent years, such as One Direction and Leona Lewis. But just as it can create instant stars, it can also cruelly promise fame and fortune to those who will barely be remembered 12 months on – Joe McElderry anyone?

Soundnet has an X Factor category on all of its digital jukeboxes because we realize that the show is part of the national zeitgeist. People talk about it, they read about it and undoubtedly they go out and buy the records.

So, last night saw Sam Bailey, a 35-year-old prison officer crowned as this year’s winner. Love or hate the show, nobody can deny that the lady has a pair of lungs and can belt out a tune. She has been given Demi Lovato’s Skyscraper as her single. It’s available to download on iTunes already and the Chancellor has even waived the VAT as the proceeds are going to charity. That’s how big this show is.

It was also interesting to note the number of other stars who were willing to let the show give their careers a boost. Of course, the judges Nicole Sherzinger and Gary Barlow were ideally placed to leave their desk and hop on stage; Nicole in a duet with Sam Bailey (where she was accused of upstaging her) and Gary Barlow in a duet with Elton John with twin grand pianos, a squadron of toy soldiers and a silver revolving stage that looked like a wedding cake.

The final also saw appearances by Katy Perry and One Direction, while the live shows have also hosted performances from the likes of Miley Cyrus, Robbie Williams, Olly Murs and just about any star with an album to promote. Beyonce has even announced that Sam Bailey will be invited to support her on tour.

Once the Christmas number one is in the bag and the UK X Factor tour is underway, the fuss will perhaps die down a little for another year. It is so all-encompassing that it is not surprising that people take offence at the sheer force that is the X Factor and the svengali behind it that is Simon Cowell.

However, to play devil’s advocate for a moment, I would say that the show is not just a national season event, but increasingly a music industry event, showcasing some of the best talent in the charts as well as uncovering some of the undoubted stars of the future. Of this year’s crop Tamera Foster seems most likely to cross over to the mainstream.

There is also something very satisfying in seeing somebody such as Sam Bailey – who was uncharitably christened “Screwbo” by the papers – win a competition that can often by associated with looks and youth.

So – perhaps it is a win win situation – certainly for Cowell and for our customers with their X Factor playlists!

Unless you left the country this weekend, you will not have missed the fact that it was The X Factor final.

This show has become a national institution of sorts having spawned some of the most successful recording artists of recent years, such as One Direction and Leona Lewis. But just as it can create instant stars, it can also cruelly promise fame and fortune to those who will barely be remembered 12 months on – Joe McElderry anyone?

Soundnet has an X Factor category on all of its digital jukeboxes because we realize that the show is part of the national zeitgeist. People talk about it, they read about it and undoubtedly they go out and buy the records.

So, last night saw Sam Bailey, a 35-year-old prison officer crowned as this year’s winner. Love or hate the show, nobody can deny that the lady has a pair of lungs and can belt out a tune. She has been given Demi Lovato’s Skyscraper as her single. It’s available to download on iTunes already and the Chancellor has even waived the VAT as the proceeds are going to charity. That’s how big this show is.

It was also interesting to note the number of other stars who were willing to let the show give their careers a boost. Of course, the judges Nicole Sherzinger and Gary Barlow were ideally placed to leave their desk and hop on stage; Nicole in a duet with Sam Bailey (where she was accused of upstaging her) and Gary Barlow in a duet with Elton John with twin grand pianos, a squadron of toy soldiers and a silver revolving stage that looked like a wedding cake.

The final also saw appearances by Katy Perry and One Direction, while the live shows have also hosted performances from the likes of Miley Cyrus, Robbie Williams, Olly Murs and just about any star with an album to promote. Beyonce has even announced that Sam Bailey will be invited to support her on tour.

Once the Christmas number one is in the bag and the UK X Factor tour is underway, the fuss will perhaps die down a little for another year. It is so all-encompassing that it is not surprising that people take offence at the sheer force that is the X Factor and the svengali behind it that is Simon Cowell.

However, to play devil’s advocate for a moment, I would say that the show is not just a national season event, but increasingly a music industry event, showcasing some of the best talent in the charts as well as uncovering some of the undoubted stars of the future. Of this year’s crop Tamera Foster seems most likely to cross over to the mainstream.

There is also something very satisfying in seeing somebody such as Sam Bailey – who was uncharitably christened “Screwbo” by the papers – win a competition that can often by associated with looks and youth.

So – perhaps it is a win win situation – certainly for Cowell and for our customers with their X Factor playlists!

Tagged in: Music News