There have always been TV talent shows, I’m old enough to remember the like of Opportunity knocks and New Faces, and still have my Bernie Flint single (he was a winner of the former if you didn’t know). There were a few went onto stardom from these early shows, but they all came across as more of a bit of fun than life changing events. That is certainly not the case nowadays however.

Unlike in the old days, we now see the whole audition procedure and get attached to these young kids, and cry with them when their hopes and dreams are cruelly dashed by a pompous prig in a tee shirt. The judging panels of these shows are a mixed bunch, and the amount of teeth on display makes you think that they are sponsored by some toothpaste company.

Even for the winners, who battle through the auditions, and the live shows, and visibly age 10 years in 3 months, the road is to success is not guaranteed. After the obligatory first single goes to number 1, many have sunk without trace, only to pop up in a low budget toothbrush commercial or on a reality show. For every one who goes onto to carve themselves a successful career, there are a dozen on the production line of a mouthwash factory boring everyone stupid with their tales of ‘when I was a star’.

These shows draw in massive audiences and are very addictive. It just seems wrong that the very people who voted for them to win, then immediately turn their backs on them when the new series starts. The public are very fickle, and every wannabe should bear this in mind before even thinking of putting themself through this ordeal.

knocks · TV