"That's nothing compared to the reaction of some of the posters here who seem to feel that any singer who chooses a genre other than folk music is beneath consideration"

As ever, this is in part a thread about individual musical taste, perfectly exemplified by the post the above quote is from. Some people like light entertainment MOR type singers, some wouldn't touch it with a barge pole. Statements like "anyone who likes singing MUST like this" are meaningless. No-one has to like anything. I'm not trying to piss on anyone's chips, but these public compulsions, like the beatification of Diana and the vilification and later beatification of Jade Goody are simply weird. And if you dissent you're not simply stating an opinion - you're actually BAD. Social psychologists will have a field day.

Personally I don't watch these talent shows, because "they say nothing to me about my life" (to quote the once sainted now moribund Morrissey). Having said that, I listen to plenty of stuff most Mudcatters wouldn't pee on if it was on fire, stuff which gives me far more pleasure than I get from Shirley Bassey or Elaine Paige and their soundalikes, for example, which frankly, makes me want to leave the room. 'Orses for courses, guv. Nothing more and nothing less.