X Factor Flashcards
Describe the intro.
- melodramatic, loud and bright
- trying to attract everyone (mainstream) by seeming important (global/national)
- event TV
- Simon Cowell has the rights to the show and is selling it to different countries
- the music used has mass appeal (pop based theme)
- X comes down like a meteor, impacting lives
Give some background information.
It is a primetime show on ITV1 and ITV2 in the UK. They travel around the country holding auditions in different cities. This boosts local viewers by linking the contestants to certain areas (diversifies the show on a national level).
Who are the current judges and presenters? Mention relevant past judges/presenters.
Presenters: Olly Murs and Caroline Flack
Judges: Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Nick Grimshaw, Rita Ora
Past judges: Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh
Dermot O’Leary is the best known presenter of The X Factor (07-14), but left in 2015 (season 12) to pursue other projects. After one season away from the show he is to return again in 2016.
What are the categories and what is their purpose?
- Male soloists (age 16-24)
- Female soloists (age 16-24)
- Groups
- Over 25s
This provides contestants for everyone to relate to and enjoy and ensures a mix of contestants every season.
Discuss genre and The X Factor.
It is a hybrid show of reality and talent and has created narrative codes of its own that are now seen in other similar shows (Britain’s Got Talent, American Idol).
How can The X Factor be considered a reality show?
There are lots of dramatic/humorous moments that are framed to be believed to be unscripted and spontaneous. Lots of contestants also provide an emotional backstory that fuels a reality driven aspect of the show.
- dramatic
- humorous
- emotional to extremes
Discuss the Louisa Johnson (S12 winner) audition.
She comes onto the stage in front of the judges and audience showing her nerves which puts us on her side. She explains that this is her dream and she’s been working to it her “whole life”. There are interview snippets just before she sings of her and her mum providing further information (inspirations, nerves, relationship with mother).
“This is the day she’s been waiting for for 10 years.”
Just before the audition there is a wide shot from the back of the live audience which places us there with them and shows the immense pressure that’s on her. During the audition there are shots of her mother backstage and the judges watching her. Most notably: Simon Cowell (known for being tough). After the first shot it cuts to Simon looking up quickly and smiling as if shocked and impressed.
Following the audition the crowd stands and cheers (as well as the judges) with emotional soft piano music in the background. The first judge to speak is Simon, breaking his tough demeanour and praising her, announcing he wants to mentor her. The other judges follow suit. Following all of the ‘yes’ votes the music swells and the crowd stands again to seemingly cheer her off stage. The judges are then shown arguing about who gets to mentor her and leaving the arena. This makes their comments seem more personal and less scripted, as if it’s ‘behind the scenes’ footage.
What is the prize?
Syco Music contract with a value of £1 million: the contestant does not get this money directly. The terms are non-negotiable.
How can The X Factor be considered a talent show?
- title refers to the undefinable “something” that is star quality
- X flying in signifies it as a star, what they hope to create
- celebrities are on the panel who are well dressed
- live audience
- studio setting (live finals)
- delaying the winner reveal to create tension
Does it challenge genre conventions?
The X Factor creates genre conventions rather than challenging or adhering to them.
- documents real events (auditions and boot camp)
- live audience for the whole show
- “ordinary” contestants revealed to have an “extraordinary” talent
- judges all famous celebrities
What is the purpose of The X Factor?
On the surface it seems to be to create superstars and make dreams come true, but the real purpose is to make money.
What is the primary audience of The X Factor?
Mainstream, teenagers/young adults, class C, aspirers.
Discuss the Josh Daniel audition.
The backstory for this audition is important:
- lost best friend 2 years ago
- focusses on the song choice (Jealous by Labrinth) and makes audience listen more
- soft and emotional piano in the background of the interview about it, along with pictures of the two of them
- shot of him choking up
- Simon asks why he chose this song: doesn’t ask every contestant, clearly scripted
Compared to Louisa’s audition the reaction of the audience is a lot quieter and more sombre due to the backstory. Rather than impressed the judges are shown to be looking thoughtful and concentrating on his voice and words more. Simon is even shown to be tearing up. The audience is also a lot quieter, even when cheering.
Again it uses crowd reactions, snippets of judges and presenters reaction. However this time the response is a lot less lively and more thoughtful and emotional although it’s still overwhelmingly positive.
Most of the reactions focus on Simon and how Josh seemingly broke his tough and emotionless exterior. The shots of Simon leaving show him very emotional and Cheryl seeming concerned for him.
Discuss the (find silly/bad audition) audition.
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Explain the structure of each series.
Total of 31 episodes between 18 August and 9 December.
- Auditions episodes 1-7 (first 3 on Saturdays, then Saturday and Sunday)
- Boot camp episodes 8-9 ( Friday and Saturday night)
- Judges houses episodes 10-11 (Saturday and Sunday night)
- Live shows episodes 12-31 (Saturday and Sunday nights)
