Talent and creativity fighting on an empty stage with forks

[Kiki]

This thread was inspired by something I heard about The X Factor today. Apparently they have been editing the singing of one of the contestants in the first stage of the auditions. Now they had some sound reasoning behind this, basically they said the judges heard an unedited version and made their decision on that. The editing was only done to improve the enjoyment for the people at home (wouldn't of they enjoyed it regardless?)

Now rather than talk about the merits and pitfalls of the UK's premier talent show, I've leapt a mile.

All over the X Factor is an emphasis on talent. Naturally talented, insanely talented. Talented people looking for talented individuals. The people watching are never explicitly told that talent is something you're born with but it is constantly hinted at throughout that it is. The people watching pick up on this I suppose, contently smiling to them self and telling whoever may hear that it is why they stopped at home.

Now the songs the contestants sing on it are all covers I think we'll agree. Most are written many years prior to the day of the auditions. Far away from the prying eyes of the millions, they were crafted into gems (depending of course) with the care and love of music of their creator. While some people could write brilliant songs, they may not have had the "talent" to really make them shine. So hearing the song performed by a singer with a beautiful pair of lungs a lot more people will love their song.

So has the artists of the past and now become one giant pool of songs for the singers of these reality song competitions? Is this what people want? Is this a harmonious relationship which will better music, peoples lives and the world?

Or is this completely different? Could it be a war?

Is this a culture that is actually eating itself and purging at shocking speed. Intentionally poisoning music and in consequence society through an unsustainable greed. Were all well accustomed to remakes in the realm of film. What about remakes in the world of music? Their not going to get a 18 year old girl and call her 'Madonna' now aren't they?

So where are we heading with all this? Will the songwriters separate themselves from the microphones? Have we actually got it better now than the situation in the 50's 60's 70's? What will an X Factor show be like in the 2080's?

Any thoughts?