Singing a new tune
RONAN KEATING RECKONS SHOWS LIKE THE X FACTOR AND THE VOICE NEED TO BE SHELVED
FORMER The X Factor judge Ronan Keating has done a backflip on reality singing shows.
Keating, host of Seven’s All Together Now, which features wannabe warblers, told Confidential: “I think we need a break from that format of celebrity judges sitting there and speaking down to people.
“Everybody has had enough of … judges sitting in our pedestals and telling people what they should and shouldn’t do. I’m not saying that format is dead, I’m just saying it needs a rest.”
Keating also singled out Nine’s The Voice as an example of Australia’s waning talent pool of reality show singers.
“They keep regurgitating talent here on these shows,” Keating said.
“I saw The Voice last night, and (contestant) Trent (Bell) was in one of my bands on X Factor, and Jacinta Gulisano was in a duo I had as well, so it was like: ‘Jesus Christ … all of these people I’ve seen before’.”
But Keating, a chart-topping solo artist and member of pop group Boyzone, said All Together Now, is “bringing people out of the woodwork who would never go on The X Factor or The Voice.”
He added: “There’s none of this: ‘We’re gonna make you a global superstar, and give you a record deal.’ There is zero backstory, and there is no ‘connected to the song’. We judges, over the years, have murdered that phrase.”
All Together Now puts singers on a stage in front of 100 music industry professionals. The aim is to get as many of that 100 to push their buzzer and stand up. Melbourne is represented in the 100 by performers including theatre star Rhonda Burchmore, Kylie Minogue impersonator Lucy Holmes and singer Andrew De Silva.
The winner of All Together Now will take home $100,000.
“This show isn’t about a record deal and a career,” Keating said.
“It’s Saturday night at the pub singing in a corner with your mates.”
As captain of the 100, Keating has warned the other 99: “Don’t go on about vocals, notes and pitch. We’re only looking for someone who gets us out of our seats and entertains us.”
Burchmore said it’s the first-ever show she’s done without stiletto heels.
“I’m a tall lady who usually puts the six or eight inches on,” Burchmore said. “When they told me I could wear comfy shoes, I went with smart Gucci sneakers.”
She applauded All Together Now’s variety show spirit, adding: “We need to stop judging people, and get back to having fun.”