Yawn....!!

[Ravenfire]

<span style='color:red'>A member of former boy band, One True Voice, is said to have been fast-tracked through to the finals of The X Factor - the new Pop Idol-style programme. The Sun says it's been told that Matt Johnson has been given a place in the final 40 of the show even before it hits the nation's television screens. Johnson was one of the winners of Popstars: The Rivals in 2002. He was chosen to be in boy band One True Voice who went head-to-head with Girls Aloud.

A source told The Sun: "Matt is definitely through to the finals but it's supposed to be a big secret. He turned up at one audition in the Midlands - even though he's from the North West. Presumably he had to be seen to audition with everyone else. "And surprise, surprise, he's made it through to the next stage. Eventually he will face the public vote. But he's certainly been given preferential treatment."

In the new show wannabe stars will audition to find three winners: A solo act under the age of 26, a solo act over 26 and a band of any age. Judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne will each manage one of the winners.</span>

Whilst I really enjoy BB to me some of these other reality shows are getting a bit boring. Lets face it the people on pop idol this year have disappeared and only Will Young seems to be going strong from the previous one. I personally didnt rate One True Voice at all and wasnt at all surprised that they didnt make it, and although I felt sorry for them as they must have thought they had hit the big time, I dont think for a minute that Matt Johnson has a hope of a singing career! Is anyone else bored by Pop Idol and the like now? Funniest bits the auditions! (Oh yes forgot Cheeky Girls are one of the biggest stars and we know how far they got !!!)

[kimbos]

I know what you mean about them becoming a bit naff really !!!!!

I tend to think oh I won't watch that but then I do and get caught up in them once you get to know the people. I don't agree at all with this fast tracking rubbish, the guy had his chance and do we really want to see him all over again - how boring !!!

I prefer to see new people that we don't know have a chance

[Girlzmum]

Thats the show my sister auditioned for and, when she thought about it afterwards, she was very suspicious. She was called to Dublin for the Irish Auditions and got talking to quite a few people while there, she said that there were people there with an awful lot of talent who should have gotten through and others with very little talent who did get through. The thing that got her was that nearly everyone who got through had been told to come by Louis Walsh (who's one of the judges) - it didn't seem to matter how talented they were. Even when she got through to the second stage (last 150) the producers didn't even seem to listen to her.
One of the bands were the winners of the Irish Pop Idols (managed by Louis Walsh, funnily enough), but they hadn't been doing very well recently so he dropped them from his books (they couldn't audition if they were still under his management) and told them to audition for this show so they could raise their profile over in England!
I know that I sound bitter about my sister not getting through but this wasn't meant for her and she'll get her chance so I'm not at all. I just think that this show has been fixed for the judges and new talent doesn't stand a chance. I won't be watching.

[Netty]

I know of someone whi went to the audition held in Leeds - she was told bluntly she didn't have the "x factor" even though she has a great voice and has done studio work before ....

[Ravenfire]

I reckon most the time its image that counts as well, which is why I was so surprised when Michelle McManus won. At the end of the day looks are irrelevant its the talent thats important. I guess having the right attitude to do something like this counts as well, no good if you are a shrinking violet or too in your face. I personally couldnt do something like this, but then I cant sing for toffee, but I know when Kym Marsh won her place in Heresay everyone around here knew for ages that she had won before the show was aired!

[Girlzmum]

I have to say that my sister has it in spades!! Fantastic voice, knows her music (about to do grade 8 viola and is studying music technology in uni - all about recording studios and the like) and looks amazing! Very like one of the Corrs (so people keep telling her!)
It's hard to see her trying to get a singing career when there's so much stacked against her, but we all hope she'll get there in the end.
BTW, not just saying that about her! I know my music as well (not as well as her, have been voice trained) and if she couldn't sing I'd tell her!