It’s the show that Matthew Newton almost had. Almost. If it wasn’t for that lifestyle of excess and violence, he could have had it all. If, by all, we’re referring to hosting a talent show with judges who – with one notable exception – are barely talented enough to make it through the audition phase themselves.
That’s right, I said it. The judges are, mostly, hacks. The big news story in this release is the lowering of the age for contestants to 14.
Would you trust these people to judge your emotionally immature 14yo?
Are we thinking clearly about this, producers of X Factor Australia? Are you not fast-tracking the next Matthew Newton (or a contestants depression or worse at the hands of some pretty ruthless comments during judging)? Given the ratings for 2010 (and the winner) who gave this the green light? Hang your head in shame, executives-without-a-shred-of-balls-to-back-something-new-and-completely-lacking-original-creative-thought. From the press release:
The biggest singing competition in the world is returning to Channel Seven in 2011 – with auditions starting in two weeks.
Created by Simon Cowell, The X Factor is the hottest TV franchise around the globe, having enjoyed epic success in the UK. It is set to launch in the US this year.
The X Factor kicked off on Channel Seven last year. Its grand final saw over 2 million Australians tune in to see Altiyan Childs crowned series one winner.
Altiyan’s self-titled debut album peaked at number three on the ARIA charts with certified platinum sales. He recently completed sold out live shows across the country.
There is one very exciting change to the format for 2011, with the new minimum age for contestants lowered to 14 years of age.
The X Factor is open to either solo performers or groups. Once through the final audition process, the show’s four judges will take on mentoring roles, as the performers are split into categories – Boys under 25, Girls under 25, the over 25s and the Groups.
This will again culminate with a huge weekly live show, where the singers will battle it out in front of the judges and the Australian public. The ultimate winner will be rewarded with a recording contract with Sony Music Australia.
Since its first UK series in 2004, The X Factor has established itself as the world’s leading singing talent search – successfully launching into over 20 territories, including Sweden, Russia, Spain, Greece, Ireland, Italy and Germany.
Auditions will begin this month in Perth and travel around the country.
PERTH
SUNDAY MARCH 27
PARMELIA HILTON
Registration 9am-3.30pmADELAIDE
TUESDAY MARCH 29
AAMI STADIUM
Registration 11am-6.30pmBRISBANE
SATURDAY APRIL 2
SUNDAY APRIL 3
GOLD COAST CONVENTION CENTRE
Registration 9am-3.30pmSYDNEY
FRIDAY APRIL 8
SATURDAY APRIL 9
SUNDAY APRIL 10
AUSTRALIAN TECHNOLOGY PARK
Registration 9am-3.30pmMELBOURNE
FRIDAY APRIL 15
SATURDAY APRIL 16
SUNDAY APRIL 17
MOONEE VALLEY RACECOURSE
Registration 9am-3.30pmFull audition details are available at www.xfactortv.com.au
Further details on series two of The X Factor will be announced soon.
The X Factor is a FremantleMedia Australia production for Channel Seven.
The X Factor Australia – programming TBD, Ch7.
Wow .. just .. wow.
There are no words to describe the loathing I feel for the picture of the 4 wannabes alone.
Hi lowereing the age, why yes there are some mature 14 yr old out there but not many , and at 14 most of them will not have had a lot of exp of performing in front of big crowds most of them are bedroom singers they sing along with a cd and think they are great let me tell you its a total different kettle of fish when you are up on stage performing in front of crowds
and will they handle the dissappointment of being rejected and the whole thing the cameras following your every move etc, what about when they go to boot camp will they have a parent go with them
and how can a 14 yr old compet with a 25 yr old as they are in the same catergory arnt they if they want to have that age they should say have 14, to 16 section maybe
my boy is 14, and he wants to try out iam not agianst 14 yr old trying out as long as they are mature ones my son has been performing since 7 so this we are going to do just for the audition exp, as if he wants to be in show biz which he does its a never ending round of auditions so the more he does the better he will get and be confindent if he gets further its a bonus but if you are thinking of letting your child go for it please make sure they are ready for it my son has been in shows and auditioned and has a taste of the ups and downs so i feel its a good exp for him