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'X Factor is a big fix'
X Factor singer Nikki Stook has failed in her bid to become a pop star.
Oxford Mail exhibitions co-ordinator Miss Stook, right, was one of 12,500 people hoping to get noticed by judges Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne at a mass audition in Birmingham on Sunday.
But instead the 34-year-old was left disappointed by her experience.
Miss Stook said: "It's a big fix when you get there. Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne were not there. You have to go through three auditions and you don't get to meet them until the fourth."
She sang Bonnie Tyler's Holding Out for a Hero in front of 12 judges and the other 12,499 people auditioning - she was told she had a "good voice but unfortunately this time it was a no".
Miss Stook added: "You had to be absolutely fantastic or useless."
9:05am Wednesday 21st May 2008
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CommentPosted by: will, oxford on 9:09am Wed 21 May 08
[italic]It's a big fix when you get there. Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne were not there[/italic] Do you really think Simon Cowell and co are going to sit through over 12 thousand auditions?...come on!
It's a big fix when you get there. Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne were not there Do you really think Simon Cowell and co are going to sit through over 12 thousand auditions?...come on!
Posted by: malcolm baker, Witney on 9:20am Wed 21 May 08
Having been through a similar experience in Britains Got Talent. We got to perform in front of Simon, Piers and Amanda, I can fully understand your comments. It is in fact even worse as they build up very poor acts to think they have a real chance and future, only to be shot down cruely by the panel. My advice to wannabees is stay well clear.
Having been through a similar experience in Britains Got Talent. We got to perform in front of Simon, Piers and Amanda, I can fully understand your comments. It is in fact even worse as they build up very poor acts to think they have a real chance and future, only to be shot down cruely by the panel. My advice to wannabees is stay well clear.
Posted by: Millsy, Witney on 9:21am Wed 21 May 08
After hearing you singing in the office, I'm not surprised. Stick to your day job love.
After hearing you singing in the office, I'm not surprised. Stick to your day job love.
Posted by: alan page on 9:24am Wed 21 May 08
Actually you would be better off (and more newsworthy) if you were to find something that wasn't fixed.
Money governs everything these days and people don't like to lose.
Of course one must maintain the SEMBLANCE of a competition as the punters will stop filling your swimming pool, but there is NOTHING left to chance now and it is naive to think otherwise.
Actually you would be better off (and more newsworthy) if you were to find something that wasn't fixed.
Money governs everything these days and people don't like to lose.
Of course one must maintain the SEMBLANCE of a competition as the punters will stop filling your swimming pool, but there is NOTHING left to chance now and it is naive to think otherwise.
Posted by: harold, Headington on 9:34am Wed 21 May 08
Why is this even news? Some member of the oxford mail staff couldn't get on a television programme for attention seekers? If I got a job there, could the mail report on the fact that I dropped my keys in the drain the other day, and had to fish them out with a pair of stockings? Didn't think so.
Why is this even news? Some member of the oxford mail staff couldn't get on a television programme for attention seekers? If I got a job there, could the mail report on the fact that I dropped my keys in the drain the other day, and had to fish them out with a pair of stockings? Didn't think so.
Posted by: Bogota Bob, Cook Islands on 9:44am Wed 21 May 08
Are you suprised they want crap or great? I mean look at it and every other show - they want the dire for entertainment and the great for a hit. Also runs don't make ratings based TV.
You had a 1 in 12,000 chance, you've got more chance of getting run over.
Are you suprised they want crap or great? I mean look at it and every other show - they want the dire for entertainment and the great for a hit. Also runs don't make ratings based TV.
You had a 1 in 12,000 chance, you've got more chance of getting run over.
Posted by: oxman, Oxford on 9:51am Wed 21 May 08
[quote][bold]alan page[/bold] wrote:
Actually you would be better off (and more newsworthy) if you were to find something that wasn't fixed.
Money governs everything these days and people don't like to lose.
Of course one must maintain the SEMBLANCE of a competition as the punters will stop filling your swimming pool, but there is NOTHING left to chance now and it is naive to think otherwise.[/quote] Agree totally.
H'mm worrying
alan page wrote:
Actually you would be better off (and more newsworthy) if you were to find something that wasn't fixed.
Money governs everything these days and people don't like to lose.
Of course one must maintain the SEMBLANCE of a competition as the punters will stop filling your swimming pool, but there is NOTHING left to chance now and it is naive to think otherwise.
Agree totally.
H'mm worrying
Posted by: M, Oxford on 10:15am Wed 21 May 08
She's a bit dumb if she thought she was going to get time in front of Sharon and Simon. Even if they'd got 30 seconds each, get in - sing - vote - get out that's 104 hours of auditions, last time I looked there weren't that many hours in a day.
And of course you've got to be "fantastic or useless"! Has she veen seen this show?
If there was a show called avarage factor maybe she'd be better off going for that.
She's a bit dumb if she thought she was going to get time in front of Sharon and Simon. Even if they'd got 30 seconds each, get in - sing - vote - get out that's 104 hours of auditions, last time I looked there weren't that many hours in a day.
And of course you've got to be "fantastic or useless"! Has she veen seen this show?
If there was a show called avarage factor maybe she'd be better off going for that.
Posted by: MISS RANDALL on 2:47pm Wed 21 May 08
Who really cares cause i dont[quote]quote[/quote] !!!
Who really cares cause i dont
quote
!!!
Posted by: Lynne, Witney on 4:37pm Wed 21 May 08
What a bunch of nasty people you readers are (except Millsy who was joking). Its a great shame that you didnt get through Nicky but very well done for trying. It must be heartbreaking when you see rubbish people being auditoned when the show is on, but as you say they chose the best and the worst (obviously so that we can have a laugh when the show is on). Anyway, well done for going - I am sure you have a lovely voice so try again next year or on another show. Still cant believe what a bunch of nasty people some of the readers are with their comments.
What a bunch of nasty people you readers are (except Millsy who was joking). Its a great shame that you didnt get through Nicky but very well done for trying. It must be heartbreaking when you see rubbish people being auditoned when the show is on, but as you say they chose the best and the worst (obviously so that we can have a laugh when the show is on). Anyway, well done for going - I am sure you have a lovely voice so try again next year or on another show. Still cant believe what a bunch of nasty people some of the readers are with their comments.
Posted by: charlotte, Abingdon on 4:47pm Wed 21 May 08
Some of these comments are ridiculous give the girl a chance. It's nice to hear that staff from a local newspaper can comment on these things and give an insight into these programmes that people are glued to on a Saturday night.
At the end of the day it's something you can say done that got the t-shirt.
Some of these comments are ridiculous give the girl a chance. It's nice to hear that staff from a local newspaper can comment on these things and give an insight into these programmes that people are glued to on a Saturday night.
At the end of the day it's something you can say done that got the t-shirt.
Posted by: charlotte, Abingdon on 4:48pm Wed 21 May 08
Some of these comments are ridiculous give the girl a chance. It's nice to hear that staff from a local newspaper can comment on these things and give an insight into these programmes that people are glued to on a Saturday night.
At the end of the day it's something you can say done that got the t-shirt.
Some of these comments are ridiculous give the girl a chance. It's nice to hear that staff from a local newspaper can comment on these things and give an insight into these programmes that people are glued to on a Saturday night.
At the end of the day it's something you can say done that got the t-shirt.
Posted by: Stuart, Banbury on 6:31pm Wed 21 May 08
[quote][bold]harold[/bold] wrote:
Why is this even news? Some member of the oxford mail staff couldn't get on a television programme for attention seekers? If I got a job there, could the mail report on the fact that I dropped my keys in the drain the other day, and had to fish them out with a pair of stockings? Didn't think so.[/quote] cheap shot - the paper would have heard about the story because she works there, not run it because of it. millions of people watch the show and, although it may seem obvious to most people, many viewers might not realise how the audition processs works. i seem to remember an oxford mail worker getting stabbed recently - should the paper not run the story because of his affiliation.
harold wrote:
Why is this even news? Some member of the oxford mail staff couldn't get on a television programme for attention seekers? If I got a job there, could the mail report on the fact that I dropped my keys in the drain the other day, and had to fish them out with a pair of stockings? Didn't think so.
cheap shot - the paper would have heard about the story because she works there, not run it because of it. millions of people watch the show and, although it may seem obvious to most people, many viewers might not realise how the audition processs works. i seem to remember an oxford mail worker getting stabbed recently - should the paper not run the story because of his affiliation.
Posted by: harold, Headington on 9:25pm Wed 21 May 08
[quote][bold]Stuart[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]harold[/bold] wrote:
Why is this even news? Some member of the oxford mail staff couldn't get on a television programme for attention seekers? If I got a job there, could the mail report on the fact that I dropped my keys in the drain the other day, and had to fish them out with a pair of stockings? Didn't think so.[/quote] cheap shot - the paper would have heard about the story because she works there, not run it because of it. millions of people watch the show and, although it may seem obvious to most people, many viewers might not realise how the audition processs works. i seem to remember an oxford mail worker getting stabbed recently - should the paper not run the story because of his affiliation.[/quote] Umm, excuse me, but I didn't see anyone knocking on my door to interview me about my keys.
Stuart wrote:
harold wrote:
Why is this even news? Some member of the oxford mail staff couldn't get on a television programme for attention seekers? If I got a job there, could the mail report on the fact that I dropped my keys in the drain the other day, and had to fish them out with a pair of stockings? Didn't think so.
cheap shot - the paper would have heard about the story because she works there, not run it because of it. millions of people watch the show and, although it may seem obvious to most people, many viewers might not realise how the audition processs works. i seem to remember an oxford mail worker getting stabbed recently - should the paper not run the story because of his affiliation.
Umm, excuse me, but I didn't see anyone knocking on my door to interview me about my keys.
Posted by: Kyoceran, Wootton on 10:55pm Wed 21 May 08
How genuine is this contest, its a golden opportunity for a company to market a potentially good performer for thirteen weeks, recieve income en route, just how bad are the a & r departments of major record labels to miss Shane or Leona, I believe virtually every other contestant is cannon fodder, padding the Show out, how can some of the useless acts who perform in front of the true panel got through the vetting rounds, this program should be reported to the Regulator s being a pure commercial and that in reality the winning act should be open to any Company rather than being tied/expoited by BMG.Imagine the hooha if Argos or Woolworths had one hour plus a week to promote its products.Its probably fixed,and theoreticaaly illegal. Why has no form of large Media run with this ?
How genuine is this contest, its a golden opportunity for a company to market a potentially good performer for thirteen weeks, recieve income en route, just how bad are the a & r departments of major record labels to miss Shane or Leona, I believe virtually every other contestant is cannon fodder, padding the Show out, how can some of the useless acts who perform in front of the true panel got through the vetting rounds, this program should be reported to the Regulator s being a pure commercial and that in reality the winning act should be open to any Company rather than being tied/expoited by BMG.Imagine the hooha if Argos or Woolworths had one hour plus a week to promote its products.Its probably fixed,and theoreticaaly illegal. Why has no form of large Media run with this ?
Posted by: C, Oxford on 11:10pm Wed 21 May 08
I think it's reasonable enough to report the fact that Cowell etc won't necessarily be at the auditions, just for the benefit of anyone too stupid not to have worked it out in the first place.
I think it's reasonable enough to report the fact that Cowell etc won't necessarily be at the auditions, just for the benefit of anyone too stupid not to have worked it out in the first place.
Posted by: Nasty Simon, Oxford on 12:24pm Thu 22 May 08
THis story boils down to "Real life isn't like on the telly".
THis should be no surprise to anyone with more than one brain cell.
THis story boils down to "Real life isn't like on the telly".
THis should be no surprise to anyone with more than one brain cell.
Posted by: Helen, didcot on 2:59pm Thu 22 May 08
I also went to the Birmingham auditions with my daughter who is 14, I most say I went with a very naive attitude,we also waited in the queue for 5 hours we were one of the 1st 1000 in but somehow seem to be one of the last to be seen, she had her audition like you did and got through to the next round a huge raw from the crowed and was told she had a very good voice for her age(i do belive my daughter can sing well but what parent doesnt also if i thought she was bad i would not have taken her)so she got her gold ticket. We were then sent to another room were we were told to come back the next day for 3 more auditions,being told to wear the same cloths and the same people to come with her, i guessed this was for filming purpose, when we arrived we went into a room and she had her 2nd audition that she passed then her 3rd then it was on to the main producers, well this was a fast, we sat and watched as people went in and out not getting through but before we had heard them sing and sounded very good, then a few odd people such as weird dressers or made hair, went in and got through, my daughter then had her turn and being under 16 we had to go in with her she was asked a few questions why she was there she answered because i like to sing, then she was asked and what has happerend to you in you life time, she answered nothing really i live with my mum and my sisters, my parents are divourced but that is normal for now days, so you have no sob story she was then asked she said no just like to sing, she was then told not this year.
My daughter then said i am here because i like singing not to make a fool out of myself and my family i wont be coming again, i am very proud of her for that.
I then realised that all the people that had gone through that looked how should i say a bit odd or couldnt sing or had a good sob story actuly belived that they had got through because they are good, how sad to put people through this so we see them on tv being ridiculed by simon cowel and so on. This is not a talent show it is a tv rating show I wish this was made clear on the audition letter before we went I would never have put my daughter through it, but you learn dont you, so when you see all thoughs people on the show next time singing they have been put on there because of the producers chose them not for there singing but to make a fool of them please dont be to harsh on them they do belive they have been picked for a talent.
I also went to the Birmingham auditions with my daughter who is 14, I most say I went with a very naive attitude,we also waited in the queue for 5 hours we were one of the 1st 1000 in but somehow seem to be one of the last to be seen, she had her audition like you did and got through to the next round a huge raw from the crowed and was told she had a very good voice for her age(i do belive my daughter can sing well but what parent doesnt also if i thought she was bad i would not have taken her)so she got her gold ticket. We were then sent to another room were we were told to come back the next day for 3 more auditions,being told to wear the same cloths and the same people to come with her, i guessed this was for filming purpose, when we arrived we went into a room and she had her 2nd audition that she passed then her 3rd then it was on to the main producers, well this was a fast, we sat and watched as people went in and out not getting through but before we had heard them sing and sounded very good, then a few odd people such as weird dressers or made hair, went in and got through, my daughter then had her turn and being under 16 we had to go in with her she was asked a few questions why she was there she answered because i like to sing, then she was asked and what has happerend to you in you life time, she answered nothing really i live with my mum and my sisters, my parents are divourced but that is normal for now days, so you have no sob story she was then asked she said no just like to sing, she was then told not this year.
My daughter then said i am here because i like singing not to make a fool out of myself and my family i wont be coming again, i am very proud of her for that.
I then realised that all the people that had gone through that looked how should i say a bit odd or couldnt sing or had a good sob story actuly belived that they had got through because they are good, how sad to put people through this so we see them on tv being ridiculed by simon cowel and so on. This is not a talent show it is a tv rating show I wish this was made clear on the audition letter before we went I would never have put my daughter through it, but you learn dont you, so when you see all thoughs people on the show next time singing they have been put on there because of the producers chose them not for there singing but to make a fool of them please dont be to harsh on them they do belive they have been picked for a talent.
Posted by: Chris, Witney on 3:28am Fri 23 May 08
However they organise the auditions, I wish on the TV they'd run two separate shows, a s**t one and a good one. Some of us actually enjoy seeing the good acts and if they must deliberately let the dross through because they believe it makes "good TV", can't they put them in a separate show?
We see a collection of 10 second (if that) clips of excellent acts in between scores of ones that are crap/criminally insane, and a full-length audition of a good act is rarely shown!
However they organise the auditions, I wish on the TV they'd run two separate shows, a s**t one and a good one. Some of us actually enjoy seeing the good acts and if they must deliberately let the dross through because they believe it makes "good TV", can't they put them in a separate show?
We see a collection of 10 second (if that) clips of excellent acts in between scores of ones that are crap/criminally insane, and a full-length audition of a good act is rarely shown!
Posted by: L, Oxford on 8:01pm Sun 25 May 08
No ****?! 12500 people in the queue hoping to see Simon. Say each contestant gets 5 min with the judges. 12500*5/60/24 = just over 43 days non stop work for them.
Get real, this is not news! I even watched an X-factor program where they openly explained this procedure.
No ****?! 12500 people in the queue hoping to see Simon. Say each contestant gets 5 min with the judges. 12500*5/60/24 = just over 43 days non stop work for them.
Get real, this is not news! I even watched an X-factor program where they openly explained this procedure.
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