PUBLIC OPINION > 'The X Factor' Should Increase Its Age Limit
SodaHead TV
2011/12/12 17:00:00
Everything seemed to be going just fine when Rachel Crow and Marcus Canty stood on the "X Factor" stage waiting for a vote. Crow, 13, had been singing her little heart out for weeks, and looked as emotionally straight as Simon Cowell. But as soon as those words slipped out, crushing Crow's hopes of reaching the top, it all came crumbling down -- literally. Crow was on the floor, Nicole Scherzinger looked like she had peered into the Ark of the Covenant, and Cowell's heart almost started beating.
The scene had us thinking: Should kids really be allowed to perform in these kinds of things? "American Idol" requires contestants to be 15, probably to avoid just that. So we asked SodaHeads what they thought.
The scene had us thinking: Should kids really be allowed to perform in these kinds of things? "American Idol" requires contestants to be 15, probably to avoid just that. So we asked SodaHeads what they thought.
Young 'X Factor' Contestant Breaks Down: Should They Up the Age Limit?
53% Say Up the Age
Surprisingly, this was a controversial topic. The decision was almost split, and there were excellent arguments on both sides. Those who favored a higher age limit were generally concerned about the kids' well-being, warning, "They hype up these emotionally fragile children just for ratings." But respondents who were okay with the current age limit (12 years old) thought kids could handle it, and that the parents should be able to determine if the kid isn't ready. One compared the contest to running for school office, pointing out that it might be painful but it's not the end of the world.
Women Don't Want an Age Change
Scherzinger looked horrified when she saw Crow break down, but Scherzinger's reaction was not a representation of the female vote here. Most women think the age limits in place are fine. The top comment, from a female voter, read, "It's the parents' decision to let their child on the show."
The Kids Want In
Teens want their voices heard, too. The older a voter is, the more likely they are to support a higher age limit. Teens, the ones who might actually be affected by the change, were only 32% in favor of it. Voters over 55 were 71% in favor.
Say No If You're Sober
While drinkers voted along with the overall vote, nondrinkers came in well below the average, with just 38% in favor of an age change. Maybe drinkers aren't sure how the younger contestants can be expected to calm their nerves before the vote.
If you'd like to vote on this question, dig deeper into the demographics, or engage in existing discussion about the topic, visit our original poll about "The X Factor." We'd love to hear from you!
Top Opinion
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BeingArtsy 2011/12/13 02:43:56
+5Sometimes you lose at 13...sometimes you lose at 43. If it's a competition, you just might lose... Didn't anybody prepare the kids that they just might not be the winner? AND # 5 out of the whole country is pretty daggone good!! It kinda made me mad with all the sobbing last week and the week before. I'm sure it's an emotional competition but it IS a competition. I don't think children are ready for such a heavy competition.
Melanie she can sing but her performances are BORING She should up her game.
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I hope Josh wins he's an x factor he's a true musician. GO JOSH
Just saw the video...what a drama queen.
This is just my guess and opinion! I'm not saying I'm right!
I remember when I got the news that my first choice college accepted me but didn't give me any financial aid. I was 18, and yes, I was rolling around on the floor wailing like a little bitch...something about being really close and then just missing it is spectacularly painful, regardless of how old you are. I was in my room at home when it happened and no one was around to see, but still...it hurts. If you've been in that position, then you know.
The problem with the X-Factor is that the judges aren't judging objectively. They have a vested interested in seeing their contestant go through - voting for them even when they clearly didn't make the grade. Last week was horrible to witness. You had a judge (Nicole), who didn't want to judge! WTF is she doing there if she can't take the heat? Nicole should have been kicked off the show, and Rachel put in her place (LOL).
Rachel was amazing last week. And while she did have a meltdown, I saw her being interviewed afterwards and it did seem she pulled herself together.
I predict Canty will go home this week.
you need to let them know that, even though they are eleminated THIS year, there's still many, many years to go till you're too old.
That's how you know you're too young to be performing on live national television.
It came to a shock to see her go. I would've reacted aswell her hopes were crushed.
As for age do you think honestly that has anything to do with a reaction?
So every time a reaction happens people say we should increase the age a bit "HELL NO!! "
I had a reaction when Pia Toscano from American idol was voted off.
This goes to show people running their mouths without even watching the show should just buzz off.