It might not be better in reality but surely you must see that it is seen as being more prestigious? The tag of performing on Broadway holds some serious weight compared to the West End, that is how I think the general public see it anyway.

I think its a bit like making it in Hollywood, its seen as being the peak of the acting profession for TV/Film and same goes for stage actors and Broadway, whereas really at the end of the day a good actor is a good actor and a good show is a good show no matter where it is.

Congratulations to Leona - it's a great opportunity for her! Starring in a West End or Broadway show is pretty prestigious. If Leona sings Memory well, as I'm sure she will, she'll be loved by audiences, and if she acts it well too even better. As Cats is such an iconic show ticket sales won't be dependent on her so she won't have that pressure, and even though Grizabella isn't on stage for that long it's Memory that most people are waiting for and remember afterwards. Seems like a good move for her to me.

The idea that Broadway is more prestigious than the West End is very outdated. They are both viewed with equal status in the theatre world. Many shows on Broadway originate in the West End and vice versa. Good luck to Leona. I don't think she has a future in musical theatre because she can't act and this is the only high profile role where all she has to do is go on stage for a few minutes and sing one song. If Leonas fans want to argue that this is much more prestigious than Alex landing two starring roles in the West End then that's up to them. Fact is that Alex has a much harder gig acting, dancing and singing night after night.

It is not a case of who has the harder gig, and I am delighted that Alex has such prominent roles in 2 musicals. As a Leona fan I am also delighted for Leona that she is appearing in Cats, another string to her bow, and she can still carry on recording her album. As for Leona not being able to act, I would not make that presumption. As I have said previously, I love that many XF acts are still performing and having a career after so many years.

I agree with the acting bit - I was genuinely concerned that Matt Cardle would struggle with the acting and dancing, when he went into Memphis. Matt can appear to be very shy and reticent at times, but he was the complete opposite of that on stage, and gained amazing five star reviews from top theatre critics. Leona has the opportunity to prove that she has more than just singing in her repertoire, I hope she can pull it off.

I like Matt and he has done so well on the stage. I remember him supporting Leona too by appearing at the animal sanctuary. It is good to see others doing well for themselves. We all have our own particular favourites, and sucess is good wherever it comes from. I think Leona will enjoy the experience and play her part well.

You have just said it yourself, 'in the theatre world'. In reality they may both share the same status but for whatever reason it is seen as more prestigious to be on Broadway by the general public and that is the point I was making.

I'm a part of the general public, and I have always viewed them as equals......

I'm not a big fan of Leona but have always loved Alex. Isn't it great though that after all these years it's still these two that people are arguing and debating over? They really are the best two winners. I'm happy they're both doing well.

Interestingly because we are talking about Alexandra I had a quick look back in her appreciation thread and its full of comments from people hoping her West End stint on The Bodyguard would take her to Broadway and why would that be? Oh because it is seen by many as the next step.

As I have said I am not taking anything away from West End stars, their equally as talented but their is that perception that Broadway has more prestige. I don't get why people are acting naive to that.

Thinking about it some more maybe Broadway is seen by many as next level as because its in America, and making it in America is always made into a big deal in the acting and singing profession by the UK media.

Exactly! That is the bottom line.

There's a certain number of deluded fans on both ATs tbh. And this discussion is all about oneupmanship from Leona's fans. The is equal prestige for appearing on Broadway and the West End - and Leona has an uphill climb to come anywhere near the standard of Beverley Knight in her recent West End stint as Grizabella.

I don't think it is deluded to say Broadway is seen as a bigger deal than the West End - most people would think that. The media buzz Leona has received from the Cats news pretty much proves that. It is also nothing to do with "oneupmanship" from Leona fans. This thread has rather predictably fallen into another Leona vs Alex thread since one poster couldn't resist mentioning Alexandra and The Bodyguard and how some Leona fans apparently mocked her career trajectory.

My comments on this thread about Broadway being bigger than the West End has nothing to do with bias. Alexandra is still one of my all-time favourite XF contestants and it is great how she's managed to carve out a career away from music. But that doesn't change my opinion regarding Broadway and the West End.

Oops

Broadway in general gets more attention award wise and recognition... The actors also get paid double the amount than West end actors.

Either way, don't know why that AB started arguing once again but the fact is that Leona doesn't need to make a career switch into theaters but it's more as an incredible, iconic off thing like she did that movie 2 years ago. Also, quite an honour that musical legend Andrew thought of her while there are thousands of others Once she's done, she's back to releasing her 6th album. And even if that doesn't turn out right, she'll still get asked to sing on private gigs and get that 100k cash.

Alexandra on the other hand just didn't have any future in the music business, although she does have the potential, so the only possibility for her was to star in musicals. Which is no shame

Either you are blindly ignoring my points or you don't have the comprehension to follow it. Take away the whole Alex/Leona angle for a second and take away your personal opinion about how you see the West End/Broadway and think of the overall perception.

You can't seriously tell me you do not see how it is always made into a big deal when someone breaks into the US market be it through acting or singing?

For whatever reason America has become seen as the peak of the entertainment industry in which Broadway resides, its just the way it is.

Anyway I am done with this now. Alex and Leona are my two favourite contestants and they are both incredibly talented and I am pleased to see they are still able to showcase those talents.

Beverley Knight is very talented, there's no doubt. Also, I would imagine Leona would bring a different feeling to the role. Her voice has the capacity to convey pain and emotion in a more delicate style. We will see.

The West End is far more prestigious than Broadway will ever be. How could it not, it has 500 years of History.

Most actors (British or US) would say that performing on the West End is a dream come true.

Anyway at the end of the day "Cats" is a ensemble piece, so she does sing Memory but that's about it.

Also hope the Critics like her, because more so than the Wes tend, the critics on Broadway can still make or break a career and show