Could X Factor be harmful for your career?
on October 10th, 2010 at 7:43 amThousands of hopefuls audition for X Factor every year, but what does it mean for those who manage to carve a career from their X Factor journey?
For every Leona Lewis or Alexandra Burke who has a successful career after X Factor, there are dozens of flops who try desperately hold onto their 15 minutes of fame. There is no doubting the impact which X Factor has on their lives, but is there a downside to appearing on the UK’s biggest talent show?
Since The X Factor first aired in the UK, there have been several acts who
Has X Factor been harmful to Steve Brookstein's career?
have claimed that the media attention which they received after appearing on the show has ruined their life. A bit extreme, perhaps, but Alexandra Burke spoke out to the media claiming that fame had a negative impact on her private life, and more recently 2010 reject Chloe Mafia had paparazzi following her, with the tabloids printing stories about her life as an escort, and telling of her taking drugs.
Once contestants have appearing in the live shows as part of the final 12 acts, many find it difficult to walk away from the 15 minutes of fame, and tabloids have run several stories around acts who have given up comfortably-paid jobs to chase an entertainment “career”, which usually involves low-paid gigs at Universities and Nightclubs. Even acts who have progressed far in the live shows have ended up desperately trying to forge a career, including X Factor winner Steve Brookstein.
There’s no doubt that X Factor can provide a massive opportunity to the lucky – and talented – few who are successful in the market. But what about those who are shot to fame in the name of entertainment, and then dropped almost instantly?
