The X factor is not the ultimate means to success. Being successful in the world of music can mean working as a regional singer or it can mean achieving a recording contract. A true life recording contract is never anything like a million pounds as that figure is closer to between 4 and 8 persons contracts at 125 – 250 thousand each. All payable in what’s known as record company advances, which is still not yours until you’ve actually earned it by sales.

The real dream is people who achieve performing in front of audiences for a long career span.

I have heard many artists who are better than those televised on our screens in theatres, civic venues and city halls. All of them are regional singers, indeed some sing in churches and cathedrals others equally talented in pubs and clubs. For anyone involved in a real music network there are indeed far more than a few hundred to a thousand talented singers and songwriters underground, who work like mad, trying to keep their heads above water, who are the great unsigned.

The music profession is similar to that of the acting world riddled with gifted people who get left behind, but those who are wise will work regionally and class that as having been successful. After all one of the meanings of professional is earning a living at what you do.

The X Factor for anyone truly talented is a farce, however that carrot is attractive and there will be no end to the numbers auditioning trying out their chances at the X factor lottery. The X factor provides for those who are average to good, a vehicle by which the artist can be marketed and promoted on a national scale, and that is the only advantage it has over what local regional artists can do for themselves. As they can’t afford it.

The reason why Laura is so very different from the Normal X factor contestant is because she is truly talented and irrespective of reports into her personal life this should never infringe upon a singer or songwriters road to success. This bickering must end. Laura is deserving of any success she can get.Far more deserving than those taking the fast route without any leaning or background in music whatseover, especially more deserving than those who feel that stardom is created by the touching of a few buttons and levers in a studio to create voices that are not worthy in the beginning.

In defense of the X factor the only good thing the programme achieves is for those that are talented who go through the audition doors, is that they will get marketing and promotion whether it be good or bad press. The likes of such being something a regional based singer or songwriter could never afford. In a way when the press is bad it still promotes you even in a negative light. No media promotion is therefore to bad.

Vote rigging is a common complaint every year. It can not be true that contestants have any control of that, they are not responsible for the deals signed by the telephone companies.

With respect to affairs of the heart its none of our business.