Is it morally wrong to vote for the untalented in a talent competition?
 

Something that bugs me. I think that talent competitions should live up to their name and give a genuinely talented person a shot at making a career.

I think it is wrong to vote for people for reasons like - they are likeable, fanciable, fun, entertaining, make me laugh - shouldn't it be about talent?

Views please!

Yeah it is about talent,but they should have a personality as well. Bland popstars will get nowhere. As long as someone talented wins,it's all good!

I really don't know what to say here because I can honestly see both sides to the argument here. The only thing I will say is that these shows are meant to be entertainment and should be treated as such, and to ever expect a Stevie Wonder or whoever to emerge from them is just silly, especially since the truly truly talented individuals of the world would and should be able to make it on their own.

Having said that, it seems that it's becoming increasingly difficult for any budding star to find their audience now because of the power certain people wield in the media world and so hopefully these shows can give creative and bright people the exposure they deserve.

Miss Leona Lewis?

Did you not read the rest of my comment?

I think the 'plight' of Danyl is a good case in point - a talented guy - but people simply not voting for him because they don't like him as they think he is too sure of himself - then at the other end of the spectrum there is J&E getting all the teenage girls and the sympathy vote.

The competition is hard enough as there are a lot of good singers out there - but then to have to compete with people who are clearly not in the same league - but are getting votes for all the wrong reasons - must be soul destroying.

There are shows like Big Brother for the attention seekers - I think that talent shows should be stictly for the talented. Although it is tempting to vote for those we like - they are there to get a recording contract and sell records. In the end - don't we buy records because we like the music - not because we like their personality.

What the **** is this?

I'd agree with you only for the fact that X Factor is all about producing plastic pop, which is illustrated by the acts they usually have on every Sunday advertising their latest album and by the kind of winners we usually get. And with this music personality is a huge factor because that usually sells records, for awhile at least. Cowell is exploiting these singers to earn a fast buck, that's the reality of it, and we're all complicit in this money making machine.

Whatcha got to remember is that this isn't much of a talent show, it's a TV show. You'll get your occasionally successful winners but it ain't the show's primary job to find the next popstar it's to attract a big audience and make money.

Isn't a good feeling is it?

Yes - it is an entertainment show - but they package it as a talent show. I think they mislead the contendants - many of whom are young and gullible.

Just think it is a shame - personally would like to see a genuine talent show for singers.

No it's not really but we're involved with it. We paid for the ride.

if there was a scientifically measurable agreement about what talent is then yes but as there is not and it is up to the individual then it is a moot point.