The Make-believe of Simon Cowell

Wow! Simon Cowell made a mistake … really. Well, I don't believe it. Although these shows try very hard to convey it, live Reality TV, like Fox's X Factor, is not about spontaneity. As with any live production, there are no chances taken that allow for risks associated with impulsive behavior or unplanned events, or, at least, the possibility of those contingencies occurring are minimized.

Nevertheless, X Factor's Cowell said he made a mistake when he eliminated Melanie Amaro from those vying for the show's first season five million dollar record deal with him and Sony Music. He said, "I think I've made a massive mistake, I do. An hour ago, I felt fine, in hindsight, I can feel it in my gut… I made a big mistake." But, how could he have made such a mistake; how could a man supposedly with a real eye for talent of even consider rejecting Amaro, probably the most talented and marketable of all the show's contestants.

With cameras rolling, admitting to his poor judgment, Cowell takes a flight to Amaro's home in Sunrise, Fla. Supposedly surprising her, he says, "I had to come here and tell you something, I wanted to personally come here and apologize to your family for the mistake I made, this comes from me and the other three judges - we're going to ask you to come back into the competition. We want you back on the live shows."

Supposedly, Amaro had no idea that Cowell was coming. But, someone did, the guy who opened the door did not seem the least bit surprised to see Cowell. A telephone call would have been just as suitable, but certainly not as affective. This sort of antic pulls at the heartstrings of X Factor's audience and therefore increases the show's ratings. That's what the program is all about; not true talent, but what is deemed marketable, and can be exploited to create profit and wealth. This is accomplished through the creation of high drama on screen and off screen, tears of contestants and judges alike, highly emotional backstories, performances in the judges' homes, and drummed up controversies, and through all of those Melanie Amaros who can be manipulated. Unfortunately, the fact is that Reality TV's schadenfreude and voyeurism are the drivers of ratings.

On week five of the live shows, the contestants were asked to choose and perform songs dedicated to someone in their lives for whom they are thankful. Amaro's mentor, Cowell, chose R. Kelly's composition "The World's Greatest," dedicating it to God. For a singer of the gospel genre it was a slam dunk. The arrangement, which included a gospel choir, was very well written. Her performance brought the house down and a standing ovation from all, including Cowell and the other three judges. Besides, who can be critical of a performance dedicated to one's love and devotion to God?

Amaro thanked the judges and her audience for their accolades, and of course, the tears came along with a highly emotional confession that she had been hiding her Caribbean accent. This was playing off Paula Abdul's advice to Amaro to "Just let loose and be yourself." Although Cowell and X Factor did an outstanding job at orchestrating this charade of spontaneity, it was as phony as a three-dollar bill.


Sources:

Tim Nudd, Melanie Amaro Reveals Her 'True Self' on X Factor, People

Jethro Nededog, 'X Factor' Redux: Melanie Amaro Finds Her Spirit and Her Accent (Video), The Hollywood Reporter

YouTube Video: Melanie Amaro - Top 9 - The X Factor USA 2011