X Factor over the last five years has really struggled to maintain its juggernaut ratings and commercial appeal. While yes, it still does have the occasional commercial hit from one of its acts, it’s once hold over the TV ratings has quite frankly dwindled. Something needs to be done in order to transform this show, to at least try and bring it back to its former glory days.
This week saw the announcement that Nicole Scherzinger was to leave the show, with Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh likely to follow her. In my opinion this is now the best time to really strip back X Factor and have an entire revamp, starting with the panel.
We have heard that Cheryl could be back, Kylie Minogue has been mentioned, Mariah Carey, Alesha Dixon etc. These are names who have done talent shows before, and quite frankly, aren’t the fresh insight which X Factor needs. People know what they get from these judges, a new name needs to be brought to the forefront.
Who possibly could take on that judging role?
Top 3 Male Contenders
Craig David
He was mentioned as a potential replacement to Louis Walsh this week. He is a singer, songwriter and record producer who has been part of the British music scene since 1999. He has had a career resurgence in the last couple of years.
Craig certainly has the experience, within various different parts of the industry, while also experiencing the highs and lows which comes with the music world. Craig has been nominated 13 times for Brit Awards, had two Grammy nominations and won three Ivor Novello Awards.
Craig has 20 UK top-40 singles, and seven UK top-40 albums, selling over 15 million records worldwide as a solo artist.
Mika
Mika may be seen as a risk as he hasn’t had a big hit in the U.K for some time. However he is a very experienced talent show judge. He has judged on X Factor Italy, and The Voice of France since 2011. He was also an assistant for Louis Walsh last year at judges houses.
Mika is huge in Europe, specifically France and Italy, where he speaks both languages fluently! He has sold in excess 20 million records and a terrific songwriter, writing songs for the likes of Madonna. He is a Brit Award winner and Grammy nominated artist.
His personality is infectious, and made for TV with a witty persona, he could bring that fun element to the X Factor panel!
James Blunt
James is most famous for the song “You’re Beautiful.” However he also has a reality TV past! He judged on X Factor Australia in 2015. He is famous for being witty on Twitter and brought this to the X Factor panel. However he was also noted for bringing the most tension while on the show. This could make for good television, with someone who could give Simon Cowell a run for his money!
His argumentative side is shown in this YouTube video, from his time on the show. He certainly would make great television going by this.
James doesn’t only bring wit and charm, but a lot of credibility with him. Blunt has sold over 20 million records worldwide. He has received several awards, including two Brit Awards—winning Best British Male in 2006—two MTV Video Music Awards and two Ivor Novello Awards, as well as receiving five Grammy Award nominations. His Back to Bedlam album was the biggest selling album of the 2000s in the United Kingdom. He certainly has the music pedigree to voice his opinions.
Top 3 Female Contenders
So who possibly could fill the shoes of the big personalities of Nicole and Sharon? Personally I believe for X Factor to feel fresh, we two new leading ladies. A mixture of youth and experience. It’s a TV Show first and foremost, therefore people with personality will have to come first.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Maybe not the biggest household name, however she has massive experience in the music industry, and has ventured into a variety of genres.
She was first in an indie rock band called Theaudience before forging a successful solo career–specifically in the mainstream pop, electronic, and dance genres.
Sophie has had 6 UK Top 10 singles and 11 Top 20, while also having three albums inside the top 10. Sophie also has 6 top 40 albums. Her latest album will be focused on a greatest hits collection which will be recorded with an entire orchestra.
Charli XCX
This could be the risk, like when Simon hired Tulisa, Cheryl in the early years, and Demi Lovato on X Factor USA.
She may not have the years of experience that some previous judges have, however she is young, cool and relatable to the young generation of singers.
Charli has 2.5 million Instagram followers, 3 million Twitter followers, and music videos which she features in has millions of views. “Boys” has 77 million views, “Break the Rules” has 113 million views and “Boom Clap” has been viewed over 328 million times.
Charli is an acclaimed songwriter, writing hits for Camilla Cabello, Selena Gomez, will.i.am, Iggy Azalea and James Blunt.
She has also duetted with some world renowned artists such as Rita Ora, Iggy Azalea, Icona POP and David Guetta, therefore highlighting her experience in the industry at a young age.
Toni Braxton
If they are looking for a vocal legend, who would deliver professionally, and on an entertainment level, then Toni Braxton would be that person.
She is accustomed to how reality TV works, has had major global record sales, experienced the highs and lows of the industry, but yet has never judged on a show like this before. In other words, she could be fresh and new. Yes, the U.K. haven’t heard from her in a while, but the most famous in the country aren’t necessarily the best judges.
Braxton has sold over 67 million records throughout her career, has won 5 Billboard Awards, 6 American Music Awards, and 7 Grammy Awards to name just a few of her achievements. She also worked with legends of the industry including Babyface, Tom Jones and Il Divo.
Her outspoken personality, industry knowledge, and longevity would give the X Factor a massive boost. Can they afford her though?
Who would you like to see be a judge on the new season alongside Simon? Any of these judges !
