On X Factor, Alexandra, Hallelujah, and iTunes reviewers
Firstly, let me say that, until this year, I paid very little attention to the X Factor, but this year I’ve been a lot more interested in following it.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the concept, but I’m quite happy to say that the finalists, particularly those in the final show and a few others, have very credible talent.
Alexandra Burke is a worthy winner of the X Factor. Not only does she have an obvious talent (regardless of whether it’s your particular style or “flavour”) but she comes across as an extremely genuine person as well.
I know that the Leonard Cohen and Jeff Buckley versions of “Hallelujah” are arguably better than this cover, though I actually like all of them and think there’s room for all three to co-exist. However, those who are blaming Alexandra for covering it need to get their heads tested and think for a minute about how the show works. It will be Simon Cowell and various management that chose which song would be covered by the winning contestant, sorting out all the legal issues and so on. You have to consider, therefore, that the original artists (or at least their record labels) were happy for the cover to be recorded, otherwise it wouldn’t have gone ahead.
What really makes me laugh is that some people went to iTunes and spent 79p on the single just so that they could leave a negative comment. Why do that? Now, I’m not saying that iTunes reviews should only be good, of course, but the fact is that nearly everyone buying this would have either seen and heard it on TV, or decided that they hated the genre and format and avoided it. SO WHY BUY IT?
Personally, I think Alexandra sings the song very well. Bear in mind that, though she will have had some say in the style, it wasn’t her that made the ultimate decision. Personally, I think the duet she performed with Beyonce showed off more of her vocal range and talent. I think this is just a springboard for an album in 2009, hopefully with at least some original material.
Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but simply leaving iTunes “reviews” like “why do people buy this rubbish?” is counterproductive. If you like Alexandra, buy the single. If you don’t, don’t.
Simple.
Prefer to get the CD single? It’s £3.99 from Amazon. Hallelujah (Single)
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December 19th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Andy, I read your blog from time to time and like what I read but this is a joke. I’ve worked in the music industry for forty five years and I can tell you with absolute concrete certainty that EVERY phone in show (Pop Idol, American Idol, Popstars, X-Factor, etc. etc.) is fixed.
The bulk of each show is genuine, with thousands of people being herded like dumb cattle around various conference centres. The producers pick out the ones that look like they will make the best camera fodder and send them to the “auditions”. I use quotes since they are nothing like real auditions at all. They are just an excuse to get someone in front of the “judges”. Quotes again, because not one of those judges has any discernible talent whatsoever.
The “winner” is pre determined way in advance. Backgrounds are checked and all sorts of things are done to ensure that the “winner” will have an easy passage to the number one spot.
The proof is there if you look…
Will Young – Known to ITV and Simon Cowell for over 10 years before he “won” pop idol.
Alexandra Burke – Daughter of Soul to Soul singer who is currently signed to Simon Cowells management team. Back story, including a salacious sex video rumour, all sorted out to ensure maximum exposure.
Also, didn’t you ever stop to think how they manage to get records in the shops 24 hours after the winner is announced? Do you have any idea how long it takes to properly write, record and produce a record? On top of all that the record has to be pushed to the online distributors, all of whom have to do various legal checks, all of which usually takes at least a month. All of this is suddenly done in 48 hours.
The whole thing is a lie and anyone who falls for it is as dumb as a bag of hammers. I’m very disappointed that you have tried to make a quick buck out of it with your affiliate link.
December 19th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Yes, OK, whatever Mark. I hope you get over your “disappointment”. I have NOT tried to make a quick buck (it wouldn’t work) I simply provided a link – in fact the iTunes link isn’t even an affiliate one and the Amazon one, well only just. Please check YOUR facts. In any case, I’m merely linking to something that I believe in and would recommend. I don’t see a problem with that.
And so what how things are done. I do know how things work on these shows, so don’t lump me in with your bizarre “bag of hammers” insult (huh??) I still stand by what I say that Alexandra is a worthy winner of X Factor.
Feel free not to bother reading this blog again if you’re so easily disappointed and “amused” (you said it was a joke, so it must’ve been funny).
December 19th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
You can’t take criticism can you? Shame.
Dumber than a bag of hammers is a line from the film O Brother Where Art Though.
Lets look at what you’ve said shall we…
1. You understand how the show work.
2. You acknowledge that winner is predetermined and the whole thing is a farce.
…and then you go on to say that you think Alexandra is a credible talent and a worthy winner?
Are you really that stupid?
Surely you thought twice about your ringing endorsement of the lovely Alexandra when you found out about her sex tape? Google it, it’s all over the place!
January 7th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
You don’t actually need to buy a song to leave a comment on iTunes.