X Factor fans furious as they accuse show of using autotune

CONTROVERSY: Viewers complained about 'absolutely disgusting' tactic




Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell




Monday August 23 2010



The X Factor was embroiled in another production row today after fans accused editors of using technology to make some contestants' voices sound better.


As the seventh series of the ITV ratings smash kicked off with more than 11 million viewers, people took to internet forums to rail against the use of "autotuning" during the programme.



Most of the allegations surrounded teenage contestant Gamu Nhengu, who sang a version of the Katrina and the Waves' hit Walking On Sunshine.



Disguising
After hearing her effort, judge Simon Cowell told the 18-year-old from Clackmannanshire, Scotland, she was "really talented" before she was unanimously voted through to the next round.



But some viewers went online to accuse the producers of using autotune -- used in studios to improve performances by correcting pitch and disguising off-key mistakes.



On the show's website, robhayes wrote: "Absolutely disgusting use of..autotune...does X-Factor really think we are idiots ? I see the idea of making the show more entertaining, but this is taking the mick .. really .."



Smstrat91 added: "Cannot believe they autotuned her, listen to the words 'door' and 'telephone' and its very clear. She's so good as well, but obviously the producers of X Factor didn't think she was good enough."



Similar accusations were made about another contestant, G and S singer Caroline, who also made it through to round two.



A spokesman for The X Factor said post-production work was necessary due to the number of microphones used during filming.



"The judges make their decisions at the auditions stage based on what they hear on the day, live in the arena.



"The footage and sound is then edited and dubbed into a finished programme, to deliver the most entertaining experience possible for viewers."



Saturday's first episode, which also saw Glasgow house husband Stephen Hunter go through after a soulful version of Disco Inferno, was watched by 11.1 million people, a big increase on last year's figure of 9.9 million.



Miming
The audience peaked at 12.6 million, nearly half of the total Saturday night TV audience. Over on BBC1, variety show Tonight's The Night pulled in 3.3 million viewers.



Last year's show was hit by a miming row after judge Cheryl Cole partly mimed her debut solo single.


hnews@herald.ie

Have to say I did notice the sound when both the 2 acts talked about were been performed alright, makes you wonder about this and other shows tbh

Mind you some of the acts still give me a good laugh

We'll just have to wait and see whats yet to come (do know of one entrant and yes she has an excellent voice)

wait and see what the judges think

must say that i dont watch this show, except when the little princess wants to watch it and i am too lazy to go to the kitchen to watch something else. i have always felt that it is a Gimmick/fiddle, how else do you explain Jedward going so far in the last series

and still going far wheelo

the further the better, if you ask me, although anice quiet corner in lucan , would do me as well

Originally Posted by wheelo

the further the better, if you ask me, although anice quiet corner in lucan , would do me as well

I heard they were moving to the Walkinstown, drimnagh direction Wheelo

Sky's Report:





Here's the full audition performance:




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