Down Goes Cowell! Rage Against The Machine! The Little Douche!
A Christmas miracle?
In the overall scheme of things, it was a small victory. But it was a victory nonetheless, especially if you are one who takes issue with the Pop Music machine that spits out our music stars.
It starts with a British show called The X Factor. Think American Idol. Reality show, voting, judges, winner gets a contract, becomes a pop phenomenon. Nothing new here. The Record company that signs the winners is owned by none other that Simon Cowell, notable for being the annoyingly mean judge on American Idol.
Apparently, over there, having the #1 single on the pop charts is a big deal, and X Factor winner has occupied the slot for the last several years with the annual release of their respective debut single.
But then a fellow by the name of John Morter decided to launch one of those silly little face book campaigns to take down The Man. Morter proposed that The 90’s Rage Against the Machine song Killing In The Name of reach the spot instead.
But unlike most of the silly little plans launched in this manner, John Morter’s worked. First, the support came. Dave Grohl, Sir Paul McCartney, and Rage’s own Tom Morello pledged support, and Rage Against the Machine posted on their website that a free victory concert would be played if this actually worked as planned.
And when the tallies came in, Rage Against the Machines old single broke 500,000 copies, while X Factor winner Joe McElderry sold 450,000. Rage donated the money to a homeless charity, the fans get a free show, we all get to grin a bit at the machine taking a little love tap,,,, everyone’s happy.
Except, that is, Joe McElderry, who it turns out is a whiny little 17 year old douche. He told British newspaper The Sun that he hated the Rage Against the Machine song, saying: “They can’t be serious! I had no idea what it sounded like. It’s dreadful and I hate it. How could anyone enjoy this? Can you imagine the grandmas hearing this over Christmas lunch? I wouldn’t buy it. It’s a nought out of 10 from me. Simon Cowell wouldn’t like it. They wouldn’t get through to Boot Camp on The X Factor–they’re just shouting.”
Of course, he recanted later and made pretty, but he’s still a douche. In the end, this was a great thing. It shows that if a collective truly puts its mind to a task, amazing things can still be done. Now if only we could use this knowledge to tackle a real adversary… instead of a little douche.
Liked it
Ha! Glad to see RATM is still stirring things up. Now if the guys would just put out another album!
Nice that you shared
I did cheer when I heard the result… A little insight from this side of the pond:
It’s a long time since the singles chart was that important to people inthe UK, however the Christmas number 1 still has some marketing appeal. “Top of the Pops” was the chart countsown show that was part of the traditional Christmas Day TV viewing. So being top that day was a big showcase, and often attracted novelty Christmas songs…
Simon Cowell created Popstars and then Pop Idol in the UK. He then syndicated it to America and started American Idol. Pop Idol was then re-launched in the UK as X-Factor.
I’m not sure I’d call Joe a whiny little douche… He’s a young kid who’s led a pretty sheltered life I think. He insists he’s straight but is a virgin and is more of a showtunes guy than an anti-establishment rocker for sure!
I dont expect him to be a big star of the future. The X Factor winners have been hit and miss. Leona Lewis won 2 years ago and has done amazingly well… but others have disappeared without a trace.
I think the tthe outcome was well needed as Simon Cowell has dominated the UK Christmas Number 1 for approx 4 years now, however I believe that the winners of X Factor, apart from Leon Jackson have all been very talented contenders. Who else has to ‘audition’ in front of millions live on tv every week. Takes some doing. Only the strongest survive, hence why Leona Lewis is still huge. I believe that Joe Mcelderry is also going to be a big star as he has a great voice and the likabilty factor aswell. As far as I am aware he wished Rage good luck and was not phased that he only reached number 2. The song choice for his winning single however was pathetic- yes the show should come up with something unique – its the least they could do and I am sure they have access to some of the great songwriters of today.
Lets hope next years number 1 single is a little more christmassy though!
Good one Mnof- good article to debate over.
Thankyou very much, beautiful share!