On the box

These days reality programs make up the majority of the prime-time slot and it’s no secret that ever since Popstars screened in the early 2000s, that Australian audiences are captivated by the reality-singing-competition-vehicle.

X Factor is one such program, however until recently I had largely ignored it. For me, X Factor was always put into the same basket as the horrid Australia’s Got Talent – a cheap-looking time-filler featuring physically bizarre people who attempt to sing, dance or sometimes make music with vegetables.

It’s also worth noting that X Factor Australia is now in its fourth season and is very different from the Idol clone that launched in 2005 on Ten. While sticking largely to the same format, the show is still relevant to audiences, with this year’s crop of would-be lounge singers and JB Hi Fi bargain-bin-fillers as beige as ever.

X Factor ticks all the boxes from a format perspective – passionate mentors, a forgettable host and a bunch of starry-eyed young hopefuls duking it out to be declared the winner. Each mentor has a category of contestants to guide and shape, and this also further cements the mentors’ investment in the outcome of the competition – which unfortunately still comes down to public vote in most cases.

The appeal for this program isn’t its format, which is a tried and true system that hasn’t really changed all that much since 7’s Popstars back in 2000. X Factor’s biggest drawcard isn’t even the acts (some are so terrible that threats of physical violence have at times been made unless the channel is changed), in fact the best part about X Factor is the judges.

Featuring a bunch of professionals who have been at the top, the contestants are guided by: ex-boy-band member turned producer Ronan Keating, Australian Idol debutant winner Guy Sebastian, Neighbours and Happy Days Arena Spectacular star Natalie Bassingthwaite and most excitingly ex-Spice Girl Mel B.

The judges dominate the program and their talent and technical skill is showcased in their criticism. X Factor brings back the barbs, with judges at times rather nasty towards contestants (and at times each other) which definitely sets itself apart from the inclusive, “everyone is your best friend” approach seen on The Voice.

The judges can all sing themselves, and have had good experience in the music industry. Mostly.

That said, the most interesting part of the formula from a viewing perspective lies in how the other judges criticise and critique each other – this opens up the entire show to a whole new level of judgement and occasionally the mentors themselves are the subject of ridicule from their own peers (this is easily the most entertaining part of the program).

X Factor does suffer from the classic case of having far too many celebrated “final” programs, but with the ratings still in 7’s favour and a new season green light for 2013, it appears that this program is still maintaining the traction it needs to stay on the air.