While taking a break from the humdrum of banking 12,000 words for my dissertation, I've decided to weigh in on the upcoming events regarding the world of reality TV singing competitions. Yes I know, I've been dwelling on this kind of guilty pleasure a bit too much, but give me a break. When sitting facing the prospect of analysing Horace and Lucan, Xtina is just about the best thing in the world to look forward to. Not to mention the fact that this may just be the biggest thing on reality television since Snooki got pregnant. Yes, like the title suggests.... it's Britney versus Christina, ROUND TWO!
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Though not fully confirmed just yet, Britney Spears is like this close to signing a $15 million contract with Simon Cowell's singing competition The X Factor. This can only mean one thing of course- a rejuvenated rivalry with fellow Mouseketeer alumna, and current queen of NBC's rival show The Voice, Christina Aguilera. However, they won't be battling over record hits and Grammy's, or who can raise up their midrif tops higher. It'll be all about the ratings, and with The Voice currently leading the numbers with it's sudden impact with the viewers, it'll be interesting to see which pop icon can serve up veritably superior numbers. Also, having Britney on board would add another Mouseketeer on the reality TV circles, with the likes of Tony Lucca competing on NBC, and former N*SYNC member JC Chasez judging on Randy Jackson's America's Best Dance Crew. What a whole lot of Disney on primetime TV! Soon enough, we may just see Genie in a Bottle and Baby One More Time back on the charts.
So how do we divide our time between the two pop princesses? For starters, unless NBC decides to take Simon head-to-head and issue a third season for the fall, then the ratings will obviously be divided into two different times in the year. Not really interesting especially since the fans are both gunning for a revival of the whole Team Britters vs Team Xtina matches. To have that weekly would potentially be a gold mine both for the US audiences and their respective networks, which begs the perennial question for ages- who will you support?
I've decided to then list a few pros and cons for each pop diva to help you decide. I will now say that I am Team Xtina through and through. However, I do like Britney Spears as well because these two can't live without each other (also because I think these two should collaborate and destroy that pop-blackhole that is Lady Gaga). Much like the Mao Asadas and Kim Yunas of the world. They have kept each other on their toes and they set the bars for today's music. On that note, they are also truly individual and this just makes the debates more fun...and also, stale. So let's begin shall we?
THE VOICE: CHRISTINA AGUILERA (a.k.a Xtina, Madame X, Tits McGee)
PROS:
-The girl can sing. I'm talking four octaves, have sung with many a great singers including her idol Etta James. Five Grammy's to prove it, and is currently the youngest singer to have made Rolling Stone's Greatest Voices of all Time. If you've not heard her epitaph 'the voice of the generation' millions of times like a broken record, then you my friend are hopeless. This fact alone also gives her credibility and the right to judge aspiring singers because on a vocal level, she has the most valuable advice to give. She knows her shit.
-She's the honest judge. Albeit, a little cold-hearted towards people not from her team and sometimes a little obtuse when executing her critique, but at the end of the day she gets the job done. She deals the singers the critique that almost everybody begrudgingly hates to agree with, and she's not afraid to be hated for it. Case in point, Jesse Campbell.
-She's controversial, and this is enough to draw ratings for NBC. She's now usurped Jennifer Aniston's title as queen of the network for serving up the best ratings since 2006.
-Singers actually want to hear her and see her for advice. I know if I can sing and were to audition, I would want to hear her opinions however potentially evil they may be. If I wanted to win a free trophy for just being present I would go to American Idol. Also, she gets emotionally invested in them. Look up, Lindsey Pavao.
CONS:
-She's too honest. Apparently for some people she just comes off as a bitch. Really what is up with people being over sensitive these days? They act like they've not heard worse things being said at their nearest bus stop. Personally I find it refreshing to hear her say it like it is, but in terms of ratings...it can be a potential turn off for viewers. Or as I call these people, pansies.
-Her outfits can give serious glare damage. Obviously she's been looking great recently for the live shows but a certain Sonia Rykiel UFO-disc headband from a few weeks back have established the fact that Xtina is still rather disjointed with her fashion choices. Why can't she just be glam and chic like JLo? With the progress as of late, I'd like to say she's back on track but unless I see consistency, I say, Xtina...just dress like you're on your way to the Grammy Awards.
-She's still a little off sync with the three male coaches. Sometimes she looks like the annoying little sister who likes to crash Big Brother Adam Levine's stag night to see how much fun it is, and maybe she can bum and grind a little too. It's a little awkward to watch on TV, but at times it is also very endearing to see her be protected by the boys against the media.
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X FACTOR: BRITNEY SPEARS (a.k.a Baby Madonna, Brit Brit, Baldie)
PROS:
-She's Britney-Hit-Me-Baby-One-More-Time-Spears. Enough said.
-Britters has got one HELL of a backstory to draw people in. After years of ups and downs, the public loves nothing more than a great and inspirational success story. She's been through it all and she still has a strong career and relativity. She's the nation's darling pop princess and that alone is a reason to watch...while secretly hoping she would once again flare up. Admit it. You know you wanna see her be naughty too(^^)
- She is the epitome of manufactured pop. From tailored vocals to production boot camp and a whole lotta other hoopla, she has valuable info on the industry and how it works. As a result she's become one of the greatest female entertainers of our time.
-Like Christina, she's also got a decades' worth of controversy tailing her. That's enough nostalgia for people to refer back to while watching her judge aspiring popstars who may end up down the same path. After the fame of course. That would be one of the best ratings pull ploys for Cowell.
CONS:
-Unlike Xtina, Britters is known to be limited in the vocal department. What decent, self-respecting singer would want to take advice from somebody who has made a living from meticulous miming skills?
-Apparently she signed a no-bullying clause in her contract, which means we will still have to rely on Cowell to tell it like it is. NOT FUN! We want Britney to be naughty and cut throat too! For those seeking reality TV truth, they may just have to switch channels and watch Xtina tear Tony Lucca a new one again.
-Will she be able to perform under all the stress? Remember she's still trying to straighten her life out. There's no saying how the stress on being in the public view on a weekly basis will affect her relatively fragile psyche. Xtina has had a couple of seasons under her belt that has helped her settle into this new field. Will Britney be able to live up to public expectation? Also can somebody remind the stage hands to remove any razors or umbrellas from her vicinity.
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Well there you have it. Based on these pros and cons, which pop star will you be watching? I'll probably watch both because I can. Who knows? Maybe Britney will be great. I'm still uncertain on how I feel about the upcoming revival of their rivalry but then with a new, younger generation watching, maybe it'll be refreshing to hear new thoughts. Let me know what you think!
Love,
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