Stacy Francis the real X Factor.





Stacey Francis

     Recently I've been watching The X Factor. For those that don't know the show is more than just another attempt of capturing lighting in a bottle as American Idol has proven to be. American Idol has woven it's niche in the fabric of American pop culture like no other talent show has ever done before. From the domination of FOX air-time to the many recording stars that the show has spawned, the American Idol influence on pop culture can not be denied. Just take a moment to reflect on how many different shows like: America Has Talent, Dancing With The Stars and The Sing Off has emerged out of the wood work . This is proof that The American Idol format and formula are so successful that other networks are willing to try their hand at capturing lighting in a bottle. But as we all know, you can come close but will never quite capture that special essence again.



With that being said The X Factor I feel, is the best thing since American Idol. There are many different reasons why I feel this way. The first reason is Simon Cal and Paula Abdul. For many years these two personalities were in the drivers seat, pushing the American Idol program ultimately becoming the face of the show. So when they both decided to create and become the faces of The X Factor, credibility instantly was given to the idea and resulting into it's ultimate success.


FOX becoming the launching network also contributes to the show's credibility. As always we know that advertisements are the bread and butter of television. When looking at all the product placements during The X Factor we can only visualize the finical backing of the show. The business minds behind the show has capitalized on what I like to call "alternative advertising". Meaning: what ever product that is being promoted on the American Idol program, it's exact opposite is being promoted on The X Factor. This had to be easy to do when we know that Coca Cola or Coke has always been one of America Idol's main Sponsors. That's why you see Pepsi and it's brand being promoted on The X Factor. If you are a fan of these two shows, try to pick out all the different alternative advertisements- it's eye dropping, fun and revealing.

The number one reason that I like the show is probably the most controversial reason and that's anybody can be on the show and have a shot at the dream of becoming a star and receiving a $5 million dollor recording contract. I've noticed that some of the acts are super seasoned. Meaning: that they must have been in the music business before. Take the professional singer and wife of musical great Ike Turner. She was on the show trying to give it one last try. Another guy said that he has toured and performed for thousands. There's even a sixty year old man who looks and sounds great. Do you really think in all his years he have never tried making it in the music business. And not to mention the young phenom rapper Astro. I saw him performing live on B.E.T's 106 and Park last year.


I'm saying all of this to simply say- please stop being hypercritical when it comes to the R&B contestant on the show Stacy Francis. Come on, if you're OK with Ike Turner's touring protege then what's all the controversy really about. I mean this is not American Idol people; this is The X Factor and the name says it all. X-SINGERS, X-PERFORMERS, X-RECORDING ARTISTS=The X Factor. Until next time have some fun and get something done.