Add CategoryTHE public is sick of elimination-style reality TV singing competitions and the genre needs a complete rethink, according to former X-Factor judge Ronan Keating.
“I think we need a rest from shows like The X-Factor and so on,” the former Boyzone singer said.
“We need to refresh everything a bit and have a rethink about what we are looking for and how we do it.
“We are all exhausted with reality TV shows and singing shows and judges sitting up there and speaking down to artists and performers.
“We are exhausted by backstories and the emotional attachment stuff. I am not saying to stop it — I just think a rest is a good idea.”
Keating is part of something different, signing up as ‘Captain’ on Channel 7’s newest reality TV project, All Together Now.
The show is a local version of a popular BBC One series, which sees both solo and group singers perform before a panel nicknamed “The 100”.
The panel will stand up and join in the singing if they like what they hear. The more of them who start singing, the more successful the performer.
The panel is made up of musicians from a broad mix of ages, music backgrounds, interests and opinions from across every genre including indie, soul, country, jazz, gypsy, folk and dance hall.
Keating believes All Together Now is different from The X-Factor — which was axed in 2017 — and The Voice, and will fill a gap in the market.
“It is a breath of fresh air,” he said.
“We are not promising the world to these people. We are not trying to make them global superstars or give them record deals. It is just about getting up, having a bit of fun and we will give you $100,000 if you are good enough.”
Keating will reunite with RocKwiz and Eurovision favourite Julia Zemiro, nine years after the pair worked together on Channel 10’s The 7pm Project.
“I have had so much fun with Julia,” the Irish singer said.
“She is a breath of fresh air. We are getting along really well. We are having a blast.”
Keating, his wife Storm and one-year-old Cooper packed their bags and moved from the London suburb of Barnes to Sydney for the new gig.
“It’s good to be back with the Channel 7 team and see all the familiar faces,” he said.
“I have a lot of friends over here, it is lovely to be back.”