Because the judges decide who stayed and went is what makes Xfactor a bit of a mockery IMHO. The public votes count for nothing. Every year Cowell and co will put through 'acts' like Wagner who cant really sing, but are there for the novelty value, plus it also gets us talking about it on forums like this. If an act like Wagner goes down to the bottom two, you can bet he will be kept in no matter who he is against (well, apart from possibly the one act Cowell wants to win), for at least a couple more weeks. This makes for a good watercooler talking moment the next day, great controvery, keeps him in the headlines etc.
Cowell has the formula just right for a great reality entertainment show. As much as I hate him, and as much as I know how much of a fix this is, I have started Sky+'ing the show each week, just to fast forward to the Wagner song
Basically, you can vote for your 'favourites' as much as you want. The judges will keep in the one which keeps us all talking the next day. As good as it once was, American Idol missed that trick.
As an entertainment show, XFactor is fine, as long as you dont believe the hype and start thinking its a talent contest
Have to say though, I really like Simon Fuller's shows such as SYTYCD . Has the feel of a proper talent show.
