X Factor 2009 - ITV1
Who Will Be Lining Idol Judge Simon Cowell's Pockets This Time?
At long last X Factor 2009 has arrived, for those desperate for their next reality fix since the end of Britain’s Got Talent. ITV’s original Saturday night juggernaut has rolled onto the box once more, bringing the usual assortment of the deluded, the mediocre and, with luck, the talented. The judges remain the same – Louis Walsh, Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue, and the White Toothed One himself, Simon Cowell.
The big change this year is that all auditions are held in front of a live, thoroughly over-excited audience, and the contestants are allowed to use backing tracks. Rather than merely waiting with bated breath for a yes or no from the judges, hopefuls now face the prospect of humiliation (or adoration) on a grand scale. Quite why this was introduced is unclear; perhaps one or more of the judges has an embarrassing “hygiene problem” and the others no longer wish to be cooped up in a small room with the offender.
The categories remain the same, although the minimum contestant age has been raised to 16 – Girls 16-24, Boys 16-24, Groups and Over 25s, otherwise known as Why Do They Bother, Nobody That Old Will Ever Win. But are the judges still looking for the next Leona Lewis or Shayne Ward (or in the case of Louis Walsh, Boyzone), or do they want something more than just a pretty face which will appeal to the lucrative “youth” market?
Something for the Ladies
Judging by the opening show, the youngsters still seem to be ruling the roost. Doe-eyed Joe McElderry from South Shields had Cheryl’s vote before he even opened his mouth, and with numerous shots of his huge support group cheering him on from the wings, the result was never in doubt. “We may have just found ourselves a pop star”, crowed Simon, pound signs floating before his eyes.
Less heart-tugging, but undeniably more Irish, were 17-year-old Dublin twins John and Edward, who were determined to win the audience over (well, they already had the Louis vote), prowling the stage and urging everybody to sing along. The boys had just enough twinkle to win over Cheryl and Danni, although Simon was not impressed.
A New YouTube Sensation?
And the show even managed its very own Susan Boyle moment, in the shape of Dagenham single mum Stacey Soloman. Dressed in denim hot pants and with an unmistakable Essex twang, it wasn’t long before Simon was rolling his eyes and praying her two minutes would end quickly. But, guess what, the girl could actually sing – cue “I really wasn’t expecting that” and “you really surprised me” from the judges. Perhaps Susan should be guest judging to avoid all these red faces in future.
And finally, a beacon of hope for the wrinklies, 27-year-old Danyl Johnson, who had the whole auditorium in the palm of his hand with his rendition of “With A Little Help From My Friends”. Best first audition he’s ever seen, says Simon. The ladies were busy melting like ice cream, and Louis was “one million percent yes”. A definite contender, but would he be content to do the usual album of cover versions released just in time for Mother’s Day?
Was it wise to start the series with the “best audition ever”? Surely the only way from here is down? Unlike Britain’s Got Talent, X Factor has been running long enough to have a built-in fan base who will watch from beginning to end, and don’t need a gimmick to ensure they tune in. Perhaps Simon is worrying the golden goose is not laying enough eggs.
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