After ‘X Factor Australia’ cancellation, here’s how to salvage decaying franchise
Now is not a great time for “The X Factor” as a brand — or for the entire singing-show genre, for that matter. “The X Factor Australia” was canceled earlier this week, which put another nail in the coffin of a brand that’s been slowly on the decline for several years. The American version died a little while ago, even if it did produce one global success story in Fifth Harmony. Meanwhile, the British version is in the midst of a ratings slump, and many other international versions have shown either declining numbers or relevance.
As of right now, the only singing shows in both America and Australia are “The Voice,” ironic since it is a show that values entertainment more than actually finding talent.
So is there a way to turn this around? We like to think so, which is why we’re humbly here to present a few of our own suggestions as to what can be done in order to turn things around for the brand.
1. More fun – Continue to make the focus of the show about the journey of these people on their way to stardom, but stop it with the stupid sob stories and the manufactured narratives. Let us see people as they are — it’s okay if someone has a history as a professional singer! Give us a journey that is a little more lighthearted and let the serious moments come organically along the way. Allow the judges to be goofy at times, and above all else, change up the way the show is edited so that every second is not the MOST DRAMATIC THING EVER.
2. More artistry – Why not allow the contestants to perform more original songs? The goal here is to let them be artists after the fact, so why not allow that more than just karaoke? The idea here is to give the public something that they have not seen before as opposed to something they’ve seen A MILLION TIMES.
3. Get rid of the Six-Chair Challenge – This applies more to the UK show, but we think what should be done here is something that gives the public more power in the early going. Let them narrow down each category from the top ten to the top six; you can then keep Judges’ Houses the same if you want, but this part of the show is unnecessary and mean. Give more power to the people and empower your contestants.
4. Give Louis Walsh some respect – Once again, this is for the UK show. It’s fine to make him have a sense of humor (it’s preferred!), but Simon Cowell and the other judges treat him like he’s a joke. Therefore, it’s hard for any of his acts to ever win. Highlight more of his accomplishments and make it clear that he’s credible — every act should have the same shot.
What are some things that you would change in order to make “The X Factor” better as a show? Share below, and head over here to get some other news when it comes to the show. (Photo: ITV.)