Why oh why did Cowell etc think it would be a good idea to put through obviously substandard acts to the semi-finals?

These poor people have had their hope built right up with the fact that they are "good" enough to perform live on National television. They will have rehearsed their butts off and their family/friends get excited. Then they get faced with an over the top baying mob of brain dead idiots.

Then, think of the others who auditioned and might actually have some talent only to be overlooked for a "bad" performer who will increase ratings/get publicity/get people talking/get laughed at. It's hardly fair on them either.

I can only assume that the need for ratings have overtaken the respect for other people. Also, the more rubbish that gets through, the easier it is to massage the voting towards the chosen acts.

This is stage managed cruelty and is beyond a joke.

Just out of curiosity which act/acts do you think were put through but were substandard?

I presume the OP means the Star Wars guy. He wasn't very good, but he didn't deserve that last night. He shouldn't have been put through, because it was obvious he wouldn't get a good audience reception in the live shows.

Didn't they do the same last year with a more mature lady who was scantily dressed and lowered from the ceiling in some sort of glitter ball thing?



It was total humiliation

... or was I recalling a really bad dream I had?

The polite way to put it would be eccentrics

The rest of them are probably in to stage it so its easier for certain acts to progress

I totally agree that some "less talented" acts have been put through to give the favourites a better chance ..

... and of course for that old thing called "making good TV"

Its a tv show!!! That gets ratings! If some people are so against some aspects of it - dont watch it!