‘The X Factor’ UK auditions have quiet return

The death of the singing show is something that we’ve talked about now for ages. It’s been well over five years since shows like “American Idol” were at their peak, and even across the pond with “The X Factor,” it really hasn’t been the same ever since the season featuring Matt Cardle and One Direction.

What’s the biggest issue here? It seems to be mostly viewer fatigue. It’s hard to be interested in watching shows ever year featuring the same archetypes, including a timid singer with a booming voice, a likable, goofy kid who gets a lot of teenage girl fans, and an older contestant who had to “give up the dream” for a while to support a family or care for a love one. Some of this fatigue is inevitable; however, at the same time these shows could be a little more creative with their presentations. Viewers aren’t dumb, and they want variety.

Also, there are so many other ways to become a star these days. There’s YouTube, Vine, Instagram, or just going out and performing gigs. “The X Factor” even has competition with “The Voice” and “Britain’s Got Talent.” These are all reasons why the multiple reports about Newcastle having a poor turnout for auditions are not even remotely a surprise. Many of the great singers have already auditioned, and those who haven’t may be looking at other venues.

Is it still possible for this show to turn things around? Sure, but one of the things it really needs to have happen is a situation where it lands another big star. So far, Louisa Johnson hasn’t sold anywhere near enough records, and Little Mix is the last winner to really make a big splash.

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