Musical musings

There is no 'bad' way for a musician to be recognised. Whether gigging, battle of the bands, reality shows or mass marketing, some will succeed and some fail. For the following reasons:
TALENT
This could be voice or looks or enthusiasm or any mix of a dozen features. Technique is not the only thing. Passion is also important. And that passion may come from life as well as music.
LOOKS
Again, very important. Take the current X-Factor in the UK. Would much rather look at Hope than Same Difference. Or, worldwide, rather look at Mariah than Alicia. But that is not just physical. Hope and Mariah put far more passion into their performances, but Same Difference and Alicia look like puppets following a routine. The Stones and Tina Turner are far better performers than U2 or Kelly Clarkson, but that does not mean they are better musicians.
OPPORTUNITY
Not just finding opportunities, but taking them when they occur. Look how many contenders fall by the wayside, their personal baggage causing problems or the pressure proving too much. Three cheers for the ones who take the opportunities to learn and grow!
LUCK
Leona Lewis was unlucky that record companies turned her down when she was younger. Some record companies were unlucky when they turned down The Beatles. But both Leona and the Fab Four persevered in their own ways and achieved great success. We don't need ten bands all sounding like Westlife or N-Sync. So it is just bad luck if you happen to be a boy band full of talent, but trying at the same time as Westlife or N-Sync.
GRIT - or the DRIVEN people
Look at Lewis Hamilton or Michael Schumacher. They have talent, just like all the other F1 drivers. But they also have that extra something which makes them winners over the others. So also with Tina Turner and Bruce Springteen and Christina Aguilera and dozens more.
LOVE REALITY SHOWS
Some great talent does surface.
SWITCH OFF REALITY SHOWS
When the people you like/love get voted off.
UK X-FACTOR PROBLEMS
Because they don't tell us the votes, and because they always say "in no particular order" it is clear the result is suspect. Because I don't believe more people voted for Same Difference than for Hope, I won't watch the show any more. Like millions of others, we are turning off the show. NOT because of the music, but because of the suspicions about ITV. It is our money and we should know the true results from an independent arbitrator.