Are Tv Talent Shows Destroying the Music Industry?

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Are TV Talent-Shows Ruining the Music Industry? In the twenty-first century, fame can be achieved with merely a computer and a decent wifi signal; yet in the world of music, TV talent-shows such as The X Factor are often considered the number one scheme for overnight success. However, as success in these staged, meretricious shows increases almost anyone’s chances of victory in the charts, (as well as sudden unnecessary amounts of media coverage), have they also become detrimental to the music industry itself? There is no doubt that talent shows like X Factor offer successful competitors an open door into the music industry, and a chance to become recognised. Many opposers of TV talent shows will argue that a show like X Factor is the wrong way to kickstart a career in music; Elton John has frequently protested 'The X Factor', warning contestants of the false image it gives of a career in music: "TV vaults you to superstardom and then you have to back it up."[1] Before the world was introduced to these televised competitions, artists were left to work for their success, gaining experience and strength with every rejection. Without that hardship, the newly-signed and hopeful manufactured winners – as well as various others from the contest – emerge from the final with inadequate expectations of the trials and tribulations of a career in music. Safe in the folds of a binding contract for the first few years, the artists are highly unlikely to be found properly attempting to secure a place in the ruthless industry, and more often than not, are prone to suddenly disappearing from the public eye after obtaining the infamous ‘X Factor Christmas No. 1’ (undoubtedly due to vigorous over-marketing PR campaigns). Paul Weller is worried too. He feels the new generation of musicians, having been primed by The X Factor, aren't prepared for the long, arduous slog of

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