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The fiX Factor

By Sarah Burns on December 6, 2010

Mary Byrne

Yet further X Factor controversy.  More accusations of vote fixing and rule breaking. As fans of the show, we recall that the finalists are ordinarily decided by the public vote. But the semi-final hosted a sing off between Tesco Mary and Dot Cotton (Cher) with the judging panel deciding on their fate rather than the public. Fans of the show are outraged with forums and certain newspapers claiming that the programme format was changed to ensure that Cher wasn’t booted off. On Saturday night Dermot told viewers that it was their vote alone that would decide the fate of the final and therefore fans now feel cheated. A show’s spokesperson commented, ‘as the show evolves there are always changes to format.’  

We always tell our clients that it’s unacceptable to change the judging criteria or rules of a live competition to affect its outcome, and that amends of this kind will attract criticism and bad publicity. The ongoing saga of The X Factor only proves this. While the column inches dedicated to its alleged vote fixing will fuel public interest, it will also generate further bad feeling amongst its fans.

Does The X Factor break its own rules?

By Sarah Burns on October 12, 2010

Here at Spark & Fuse HQ, we are already loving The X Factor. Our Monday morning debate focuses on who’s the best dressed judge, (Danni, natch) and why Cheryl Cole appears to be oh so very orange this year. And whilst we’re enjoying the general madness of the competition – Wagner to win anyone? –  we are certainly not impressed by the apparent controversy that surrounds certain competitors making it through to the live finals. Sure, Dot Cotton look-alike, Cher Lloyd fluffed it at the final audition, but as far as we know there’s nothing in the rules that says a place cannot be awarded to someone who bawls in front of Cheryl. No, what really troubles us is the alleged bending of official terms and conditions. We won’t mention any names, but allegedly two finalists already have either a recording contract or management deal. It’s one thing for an entrant to cheat, but it’s the promoter’s responsibility to act as the control and prevent these individuals from qualifying. Yet the papers are full of stories accusing X Factor bosses of buying out said existing contracts. We are very careful to impress upon all our clients that they cannot ignore judging criteria or reward entrants that have broken the rules simply to suit their own marketing objectives, but it would seem according to the press that The X Factor has been allowed to get away with this. Perhaps someone can advise us for a change? 

Our favourite X Factor finalist, Aiden Grimshaw. He’s sensational and we really hope he wins: