The real talent in Oxford is being overshadowed by those funded on shows like X-Factor and Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) …

At least that’s what some people living in the city think and express in the debate of the undiscovered acts v’s those gaining recognition on television nationwide.  There are many individual’s who are well known to the people in and around Oxford for their talents but they fail to be noticed as quickly as those who secure their place on such televised talent shows.

So do we think it’s fair that those lucky to get a helping hand get mentored by huge star personas like Simon Cowell?  Do we appreciate or think any less of the likes of Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke for kick starting their careers in such a way? 

Star personas within the city are Urdang Academy pupil Portia Harry and radio and club DJ Adrian Prescott.  Portia has been an entertainer for as long as she can remember: with a desire to sing, dance and act stemming from the day she saw her godmother perform on stage.  Now fulfilling her dreams at the London based school of art, the one time audtionee for the X-Factor is extremely happy as she nears the end of her first year.  Meeting dance group Flawless and gaining free entry to parties mingling with the likes of Rihanna, she hasn’t looked back since.  As for Adrian, he has a successful career behind him and is also a member of music and promotions team ‘2Xclusive’, providing mixtapes and unforgettable nights for events in Oxford nightlife.  He and his co-workers have even played at venues in Swindon, Reading and popular holiday destination, Malia.

I asked some individuals with a passion for what they do about their opinions on such publicity and their accomplishments in their chosen field to date without the choice to be televised.

Postgraduate Letisha Jones-Ellis has been dancing since the age of five and has been coaching her University dance squad for the past year.  Although studying as a magazine journalist and feature writer, she plans to keep her passion for dance in her life via her squad, entering competitions and performing in fundraisers in Oxford and Southampton. 

“I wouldn’t ever enter these shows myself but it is one of many good opportunities for un-signed acts to get a deal.  Plus it is great entertainment for those who think they have talent in the early audition stages!” she says smiling, as I’m sure many of you would agree that the laughs a minute provided by those with little talent but a lot more self denial are priceless.

Going on to comment about what she thinks about the acts who have found great success from entering the popular shows, she said: “I appreciate the acts I like but they are not always guided in the right way if they win. People like Alexandra Burke are singing a different genre of music to what was originally considered to be their forte on the show.  But I guess they have to do that first to get their foot in the door”.

Overall, Letisha has a positive view about those who gain their claim to fame through this process of elimination.  Looking at the bigger picture, she said: “Some do not want to go on such shows to be noticed but does that mean they are selling themselves short by going about gaining recognition another way?  Is more credit due to those who independently get themselves to the top?”  You tell us.

Similar to Letisha, Laura Cosgrove is a university graduate passionate about dance and would love the opportunity to fulfil the art as a career.  “I think both shows are good to showcase people’s talent.  Some of the acts to come from both shows have been totally worth watching and voting for and you can see they’ve got real talent and longevity; though I do feel sorry for the people who win and don’t last long in the public eye.

“I was really glad that Diversity won BGT as I’ve felt for a very long time that hip hop dancing is not appreciated as an art form compared to styles such as ballet.  Now people are finally realising that it is and truly beautiful in its own way”.

As for the never ending publicity, Laura said: “I guess it’s fair. I can imagine that bands and artists who have been working for years can feel a bit miffed that they’ve had to work so hard to get to where they are, especially when some of the contestants who get through to live shows are shockingly rubbish and they still seem to get something out of it but sometimes that’s the way the cookie crumbles”.

I suppose it’s each to their own where this debate is concerned.

Daniella Jones-Ellis
daniellaellis@msn.com