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The other day I was at a Karaoke and heard someone say that they were going to apply for one of the music reality shows, that we see too much of on TV. I don't intend to mention the show, but instead make some truthful observations on the realities of making it big as a singer.

The comment above is one I have heard often in various places from numerous people, but the truth is most of them just do not have the talent, and those that do rarely make it to the big time. So you sing on Karaoke and at home, your mates think you are great so do your family, so you must have something, right? .. Wrong! Just because your friends and family say you are great does not mean that you are. Too often they do not tell you the truth. I have heard countless bad singers who think they are great because someone told them so, normally a friend or family member, when the reality is they sound like a moose gargling broken glass. Sometimes it pays to listen to your enemies.

I run an entertainment agency based in the UK and often people will ask my opinion on how they sound, and I am honest with them. I try to be diplomatic, but if they are bad then I tell them the nicest way I can. I have to admit that being honest hasn't always gone down well with people, but if you ask a question don't be surprised by the results. I know it seems harsh to shatter someone's elusion but sometimes it's for the best. If they were told the truth many would not apply for these reality shows and have to suffer the humiliation of being told how bad they are with it broadcast to millions (although it would make the auditions very boring).

I have been to show calls, these are events where agents showcase acts they represent, where some of the acts have received the following comment from me Karaoke. What do I mean by this? The truth is that they would be great Karaoke singers but certainly not good enough to entertain an audience for an evening, this remark tells me not to book them. At the end of the day it is my reputation on the line. Now it could be that they just had an off day, but would I want to risk it, the answer is no. I also get to hear lots of quality acts that I would book so it is not all bad. Many of these quality acts will never make the jump to stardom, but they can make a good living as entertainers. Some of these people are very gifted individuals who deserve the big break, but the reality is that it will never come. It is those outside the industry that think it is easy.

So what would I suggest to those reading who do have some ability? The answer is find a good agent, and if they are interested in hearing you go for an audition, and wait to see what happens. Management companies are also a good way to go as they are often looking for new talent, and if they are interested in you they will help develop you. Perhaps one day you will be the next big thing to hit music, but in the meantime you can make money doing something you are good at. The breaks may come or like many pass you by, but you will be entertaining people, they will be watching you, and there is a lot to be said for the buzz a performer feels from the audience.

As an aside to what I have already written and to make my point, I would like to share the following with you. A young lady of my acquaintance recently had an audition for one of the aforementioned reality music shows; she has a trained singing voice, and has sung with a choir at The Royal Albert Hall. She is young (21) and pretty and most importantly has talent, yet they turned her down. With some nurturing she has the ability to be a great entertainer. Stardom used to be something that was earned, nowadays it is something that is fickle and managed, it is manufactured for the mass market, and has little regard for anything except the next pay check. Cynical perhaps, but when you look at the wealth of talent out there, sometimes it makes you wonder. They are not so much like the talent shows of yesteryear that launched many careers; they are more like cattle markets herding the masses to the slaughter in the name of ratings.

Paul Sims 2008