Oh no not another Australian Idol...
Posted by: Razorfish
15th Sep 2008 11:58am
Another Australian Idol. Here we go again. Just like Big Brother Channel 10 produce another round of Australian Idol. Does anyone watch this? Does anyone really care? For me the lines are blurring between Big Brother and Australian Idol with not a sniff of talent in sight. Just a bunch of people wanting their 15 minutes of fame. Don't get me wrong I am not entirely blaming the contestants - its the TV station's fault for running this kind of stuff over and over and over - after all they make plenty of $$$ from advertising, voting and sponsorship.
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Comments 117
Bren40
Just another talent show following the same basic format as the others
Mevanwy
I hate all the reality shows. TV stations are not producing quality shows anymore, just trashy shit to earn money and sell the merchandise.
Michael30240387
I may watch occasionally snipits of a show but never watched a full show
banana2
no ones gets to far after oz idol
Shambles
We just turn them off, never watch.
BIGTED 1954
BORING
bearman
I like the show as they do have some people who can sing who go onto bigger things; Guy Sebastian, Shannon Noll. What I don't need is to hear their bleeding heart stories of woe. Can they sing- good, has their brother died of cancer and the dog got run over saving a family in a burning house- don't care!!!!!!
Skylark
With you all the way. These shows just chew youngsters up & spit them out.
Its not just "Idol", commerical TV no longer broadcasts, it vomits. If not for SBS & the ABC, I'd disconnect the antenna. As it is we watch more on youtube than all the commerical networks combined. The internet and services like Netflix will kill commerical TV. And no great loss.
jules 1
I'm just so fed up with what the TV companies are putting on the TV now, all the channels trying to 'out-do' each other, … what a joke.! So many repeats of programmes that were on the night before. So many reality shows, it really is so 'over the top'' now. All needs a good wake-up call.!
Quite happy to listen to the radio of late.
steelbacchus
This comment has been removed by a moderator as it violates terms & conditions of the Cafestudy forums.
kazbug
I wholeheartedly agree with everything you say. My partner and I are both OVER
all the rubbish that's on at present as we are not into Renovation; Cooking and "bloody talent shows". Bring back some good fun movies that start at 8.30pm not 9pm! Movies that can be watched by all. While I'm on the subject we don't like having ads, we counted 15 one night in one hit! Let's get the stations attention regarding this.
Karen & Les
Goulah
I must admit that I am not a fan of "reality" shows. The general consensus (which I agree with) is that it is all for the dollars involved and sponsorships. One show I watched - in the mistaken thought that it was a talent show - was American Idol, in which they had large red drinking cups with the Coke logo on it either sitting on the front of the desk or in the judges hands.
Most shows rarely are "content", they are "theatre". The overly long pause to announce a winner, the embarrassment or ridicule of contestants and numerous other belittling is not something I willingly watch. It is hard to ignore at times as many people keep the television on when you visit and it is not polite to say "turn off this tripe".
todski
Big Brother. Kill me now.
hakor0
yeh its hard to tell the boys from the girls and lyrics arent a strong point but isnt it great for anyone with real entertainment abilities in comparison to the glut of wannabes to shine if they can just get off their fat flash arses and show us what cool really is
ninna
I like the fact that it gives them the chance to show their talent to the world & have opportunities offered that might never be found any other way. We had Young Talent Time when I was growing up & so many wonderful musicians came out of that so I think it is a great show to have. Of all the reality shows this is the only one I would ever watch.
Without that show we would not have been able to experience musicians like Johnny Young & people like to watch it so of course TV producers are going to fill that need, of all the reality shows around talent shows are pretty harmless.
Bigfoot
You are so right razor, but not only are these reality programmes overloading the viewing public, when it comes to the singing talent shows it appears to be who can scream the longest and loudest. I gave these types of shows away so that my ears can have a rest. I'm even starting to enjoy SBS and ABC.
jm1175
I used to love watching this show! mainly for the funny people that come in at the start of the seasons lol.
mata u mad dog
I agree with Razor, now we have "The Voice", "X Factor" and "Idol" the talent is spread across all three and therefore the best singers would not be visibile on one platform, to see who are actually skilled musicians you have to watch all three shows and compare from there. The quality has gone down or maybe it is just the "talents" have tapped into the obvious style which is needed to win. It's pretty easy to appeal to a judge when you have learnt his or her preferences over the past 5 years of the show. A big voice is not a good voice. Find talent, not ratings.
Anonymous
i sometimes watch the voice and stuff like that. if i was to go on this show, ( which i plan to next year) i do like these shows cause it shows us how many people have a hidden talent and it takes so much courage to go on these shows and preform in front of so many people.
Anonymous
i agree i dont like these shows at all
Instnx
I agree its a worthwhile opportunity for people of all ages to take the chance and believe in themselves to shine as well as entertain Australia! Finally its taken a long time for our country to engage in the entertainment industry amongst USA & England. Well done Australia :)
Anonymous
I personally think that it is all extremely repetitive. It gets really boring really quickly and it's just the same stuff every season with a few extra "twists," that don't even have an exciting effect on the show. It does give young people a good chance to get known, but for the audience, it's just not worth it. Seriously, just come up with a new show that's original.
myrmale
My BIGGEST gripe with this show and similar shows, is that the winner isn't always the most talented but the most popular. It's a talent quest for crying out loud. The phone voting for the contestants is the BIG attraction for the TV channel as they get a fair whack of the profit from the call received.
Anonymous
I thoroughly enjoy shows such as this. It gives us insight into the local town and the nation. The money about voting annoys me at times even though i realise that they have to do this. It would be nice to see what the judges think for a change.
annezane
There are too many shows like this however in saying this its great talented people get their 5 minutes of fame and maybe just one or two get a deal. However the downside is some of it is so false and cheese and edited sometimes I find some of these shows very staged and the advertising is just way too much, sometimes more advertising than half the show in the time allocation- is it not a show about the people on it?
Pamila123
I totally agree, first ever season I watched it religiously. But now completely over it. I think the younger generations are the ones hooked on it now. I mean I understand it might be a great opportunity for young aspiring singers but end of the day producers don't really care, it's all about the money. If they find someone with an amazing voice and someone with a good voice but has the potential to make news worldwide they will go for the most money making which is the news worldwide.
Anonymous
i watch australian idol and although some of the contestants can't sing they have a lot of guts to go in front of the judges and they are braver then us all so stop judging. i would like to see you get up there on live tv and sing with out freezing or vomiting or forgetting lines.
jan01
honestly this type of tv is not what I watch at all
super88
I have to generalize because I never watch talent shows or the like.
People prepared to be humiliated, struggling to be recognized and show some presumed talent, being judged by others comprising ,has beens, Also rans, and Coulda beens, Is painfully for me to watch and just not what I consider entertainment.
super88
I have to generalize because I never watch talent shows or the like.
People prepared to be humiliated, struggling to be recognized and show some presumed talent, being judged by others comprising ,has beens, Also rans, and Coulda beens, Is painfully for me to watch and just not what I consider entertainment.
alison48
PLEASE no more reality shows - they are the same monotonous rubbish. lots of very clever people out there but slow down a bit as just turning TV off.
shaper
I can only agree with Razor, it really is getting too much reality TV, I dont even
bother watching TV half the time now I just either get a good book and read or watch a DVD. When the stations get a good show they spoil it with far too many ads..
lulu-144
I liked Australian Idol, it was really good.
Emories
There should be talent shows just not ones that don't bring anything new into the mix. We see singing and dancing all the time but what about everyone else who has talents just not that? It shouldn't be so exclusive!
Anna13
It's great that they get a chance to pursue their dreams, but it's so so overrated, Jessica Mouboy and Guy Sebastian are pretty much the only two who have continued their career in music. What happened to the rest of them? To me it seems like a waste of time.
lesley
Hi Razor i do agree with you every time you turn on the TV it is some sort of bull with dancing,singing or big brother show's and right now on my TV it is telling me about the new Australia Dace show come on people no wonder i watch as much American TV as i can get and when there is any thing one that was made in Australia it is not worth watching so good one for me to answer thanks for giving me a voice
tterrypu
IF these people REALLY WANT TO MAKE IT let them do the rounds. The most successful people in the music industry did gigs in pubs, shows or whatever to get the experience necessary. These TV shows just put on a person and a vast majority simply sing the songs others have written not knowing the emotion behind the song - they simply sing the words. Then at the end the Record Companies offer them a contract - that is why there is so much rubbish music available today.
Anonymous
These shows like Australian Idol, The Voice etc. Are a disgrace to Musicians, Potential Musicians and The Music Industry. People should go out & busk like the old days, practice in their garages, organize their own events, make demos, promote their music. People get moved by music & they will be discovered and if they don't at least they tried to the TRUE ROCK N' ROLL WAY
Sexy101
I would have to disagree with you.Look on the positive side the young and raw talent are getting a chance to show Australia and the world what they got.Its a good thing though It helps our young people move one step close to their dreams.
Chapo
I totally agree I get enough from the promos without having to watch the program's so I flick straight past those stations when their on
Anonymous
Australian Idol Is great, for young people to have a chance of getting out there dreams, by recieving real opinions from the judges on their performances.
careful
Where else do the young or old ones get the training and help and maybe the chance to record their voice, have not interest in Big Brother but like to see the young ones having a go. Let Australian Idol and similar keep running
Anonymous
I do not like Big Brother at all I find it very boring and cannot watch it. But my Mum loves it, she says the psychology behind it is what she finds interesting. Australian Idol I do not mind this show but I watched it more in the earlier days but I get very bored with it now. Yes I agree it is a good platform for young people to be able to have this exposure and a help into the business.
gwenn
I have to agree with you, its like they are getting desperate..the tv stations I mean and are pulling anything out of the hat, its getting pathetic.
Anonymous
idol is alright atleast you get to see some original local talent from your own town that you never thought you'll see ever.
frilly
I admit I am inclined to agree with you. My husband says they seem to be so short of programmes they make their own in the same way they seem to be always making their own adverts..
Have you noticed how they tend to keep advertising these programmes too? Over & over. Maybe this does not irritate you in the same way but we have become quite critical of this also. We seem to spend as much time watching parts of the programmes they will be running at some other time that when the program actually comes on you have seen almost of it..
In this way although I have never seen these programs I seem to know the "Stars" to be.
Anonymous
Even if someone get in the show he/she must lose their personality and serve the expectations of showbiz.
Anonymous
I DONT CET OUT DUE TO DISABILITY, IT IS NICE TO SEE A GROUP OF PEOPLE IN REALITY TV, AMUSING AND SOMETIMES FUNNY. bUT I DONT THINK I HAVE EVER SEEN A PERSON WHEELCHAIRED OR DISABILITY.
Wimpy
Quite frankly, i dont mind shows like whos got talent/x factor. it tends to give a good look of the wasnnabes of this world. at least they are doing something positive with their life, and acting positively on their aspirations.. adjudicators like red foo seem to have no ability to critisise or praise other than i am with you man or you really moved me or i hear what you day/didnt say. he seems incapable of stitching an intellegant sentence together, let alone giving constructive criticism. technically speaking, a good editor would make a decent 30 min show out of an existing 1 hour prog, by deleting the audience screaming and un-nescessary rehashing of the same contestant facts over and over again
Anonymous
These shows are beginning to get quite tedious. I mean, sure, some people acquire huge success and fame from talent shows such as Australian Idol, etc. But 'some people' means one every 5 years. I believe these shows are just ways that television networks, such as Channel 10, good publicity and money. No-one really watches those shows anymore.
Anonymous
I feel that these shows are feeding the illusion that being famous is everything and that coming on TV is a career choice, but when it comes down to it people ARE watching. Aren't they to blame?
Anonymous
It australian
Anonymous
I don't like Australian Idol, X-Factor, or any of those other singing shows...
However, I do enjoy Australia's Got Talent, So You Think You Can Dance, and Big Brother :)
Anonymous
I don't usually watch the shows but it gives a chance for the average person that is gifted to get some recognition I guess for example in Australian Idol.
Anonymous
True.
Anonymous
True.
Historian
Yes, I agree. These programmes are tiring over acted with too much hype. It is time we had some decent entertainment and got away from all this U S A influenced juvenile stuff and pointless violence.
Cleh86
I am a little tired of seeing these shows over and over again and really all it is giving its contestants is false hope to realise their dreams. how many of these people actually go on to make something of themselfs? its great that people have an outlet to show their talents but these shows only break dreams, not make them.
Anonymous
media is a way to get the chance to show of your skills, and many people would never have gotten that chance, not everyone have all the contacts or money to live their dream
Anonymous
I think it is great that people who are having trouble being noticed for there talents are noticed. For example Jessica Mauboy! What an amazing talent found on Australian Idol and Guy Sebastion who i believe was also on Australian idol. As a singer myself i can see the good and bad in these shows however i think it's more positive and exciting as some other shows like "keeping up with the Kardashian's" or however you spell it! what a waste of TV time.
Bec
No I do not watch this dribble, honestly reality shows are because writers have no ideas how to write anymore we all prefer a great soapy or movie of even a documentary but for some reason reality shows seem to be taking over. Personally I do not watch much on TV anymore as there is nothihng decent on.
Anonymous
over all reality tv shows including idol big brother all the house renos and also all the cooking shows - the longer they last the more staged they all become
Anonymous
no one watches it anymore its a waste of time and money
ozziedigger
I bow down to your rigidity of opinion.
ozziedigger
I`m in my 60`s too and i love The Voice ,i think it`s nearly the best tv show on .I forget what "the Idol " entails .I do hate the way the producers promote the crying episodes (as in MKR ),but now the "artists " play up to it for sympathy votes.It`s all
pr and audiences love it i suppose>but basically ,i do like the show and the budding artists trying their best ,can`t be anything wrong with that .Hey razor, don`t be so intolerant .
PGS
It's not intolerant to state fact.
The 'Reality' shows are a con. Suffering the ads for them is more than enough.
Anonymous
I think that Australian idol can be a little draining but it give young and talented people a chance to do what they love. Many popular singer have emerged from this TV show such as Guy Sebastian. With out Australian idol he would have never had the chance to take his singing to the next level.(even though he had the skills).
Anonymous
its not all bad I mean some of them are really good if I had the courage they have I might go on it but what im trying to say is that some of them actually become really good and famous. Guy Sabastion, Shannon Knoll and Jessica Mauboy are my favourite winners!
Anonymous
i agree with u to a certain degree. i feel that they should put something more educational for our kids. can you REALLY see a big, fat and ugly person winning these music shows. I THINK NOT
juneebabe
Yes Razor - i agree another Australian Idol - so sick of them really. I do LOVE that people get to show their talent & be exposed to such a wide audience - but show after show after show. I can't tell you how much i keep turning off the tv lately as there is nothing on but these realily shows. I now forget what it's like to have a weekend movie in prime time - reading a lot more now.
Jennie
Something I forgot to mention these reality shows seems to teach people to be too competitive and treat their fellow contestants badly and with no respect. What kind of message does this send to our younger generation??
Jennie
I am so sick of reality TV it just goes on and on and obviously a lot of it is scripted and fake. Yes it is nice for people to get a go but really isn't there anything else offered on TV these days? 7 was give the chance o air an amazing show last year, yes American but so will done. Full of wonderful stars and performers. They put iron so late at night during the week no one could watch it. Yes it is Smash and so well done with amazing music. I was luck enough to have payTV when it was first on and fell in love with the show and Characters. Sadly I can't afford pay TV anymore so was not able to see the second season that has just finished. Sadly it didn't do as well as the first series as I believe new writers made a lot of changes. It would be nice if we could have something like this at a reasonable time slot instead of all these horrid reality shows.
Jennie
I am so sick of reality TV it just goes on and on and obviously a lot of it is scripted and fake. Yes it is nice for people to get a go but really isn't there anything else offered on TV these days? 7 was give the chance o air an amazing show last year, yes American but so will done. Full of wonderful stars and performers. They put iron so late at night during the week no one could watch it. Yes it is Smash and so well done with amazing music. I was luck enough to have payTV when it was first on and fell in love with the show and Characters. Sadly I can't afford pay TV anymore so was not able to see the second season that has just finished. Sadly it didn't do as well as the first series as I believe new writers made a lot of changes. It would be nice if we could have something like this at a reasonable time slot instead of all these horrid reality shows.
EricY
Agreed.
Anonymous
its is a good thing that books or dvd's were invented so hat we can turn the t.v off. there is never anything worth while watching anymore as its all trash! i completely agree with everything you have said
lozz88
anything that promotes art and gives artist the opportunity to Strutt their stuff is good in my books
Nefertari
I think talent shows like this are good in some ways and not so good in others.
A lot of genuinely talented teenagers are found through shows like this but then again some of the contestants are so mediocre that it is just painful to watch.
I am of the opinion that some of the judges on these shows sometimes give a contestant false hope that they are really good and sure to make it in the music business.
Unfortunately in a lot of cases the opposite is true...so rejection in the end can really damage a contestant's confidence.
Anonymous
I still watch the show. I must admit what disappoints me the most is that the winners usually disappear shortly after their win however without a show like this Guy Sebastian may never have got a contract. I think he is one of the best things to come out of Australia and he's awesome live. I do still believe that it gives musicians a chance to be seen and there is still a lot of talent that gets shown.
dylbec94
I think the shows like Australian Idol are a great way for young people to be heard. But there is a time when a show gets old and it should either end or they make it different and entertaining.
Jasmin
I don't like karaoke at the pub either
lourine
yeah me neither
liz
razor have forgotten that australian idol gave us talent such as damian leith shannon knoll and not forgetting guy sebastian if not for shows like these that showcase artists like them we wouldnt know about them i say good on australian idol cant wait
maryrose1940
I have nothing against talent quests with high class judges, but why do they have to be inflicted on us? I guess the judges would not be interested in giving their opinion in secret, they have to be "out there" (and paid!) but I think they could run the talent quests, combine all the winners, then present them on TV. The point remains, whoever the judges are, it is still a matter of personal taste who they give their vote to. I would not give a vote to a jazz band, but would applaud a good tenor, for example.
Overall I loathe all reality shows.
Anonymous
They have to at least attempt to keep up with the evergrowing media industry in America, so this would be their best shot, as our versions of the voice and masterchef are lame in comparison. Saying that Australia should venture out and try and find unique ways of capturing the attention of its population, i.e like My Kitchen Rules
dianridge
I agree with yopu. Its not just idol but all the tlent shows. Really how many that have won really become famous or produces hits after hits since any of these programs started.
Anonymous
Yes the whole format is a bit cheesy though it provides an excellent platform to an industry that in pre idol years was inaccessible to many people. Lisa Mitchell, Matt Corby, Ricki Lee Coulter, Jessica Mauboy and Axel Whitehead are some sucess stories.
smallish
gay
maz1976
i do not mind watching aust idol as it gives young people a chance to become a superstar and fulfilling their dreams
sure network makes big $$ from sponsorship, voting etc, but its a business!!
Anonymous
The judges might not have it as good as people think. The newest judge to the series (in Aus - who replaced Kyle) recently killed himself...within the last week.
Shauni
Seriously ??? What was his name I don't get channel 10
AuroraMoonbeam
who killed themself?
Kayaker
Just more programming sponsored by record companies, forcing some rubbish pop drivel down the throats of commercial radio listeners. Trouble is they are gullible enough to accept it, suckers to buy the staff and give an income to everyone except the artist themselves. Thank god for one or two who escaped before they were heavily controlled and get to guide their own careers for longevity. What is most upsetting is that there are so many talented, unheralded performers out there begging to be heard, doing live performances, yet ignored by commercial radio until TripleJ and community radio give some of them a break
Kayaker
Hi to you too
Anonymous
hi
poisonedperfect
while genuine talent does go through it really all comes down these programs being biased in a way that you'd be surprised to learn not many people realize: it's biased as it is a popularity contest based on the audience/public voting for their 'favorite'. this means that the people who get to stay every week aren't necessarily the most deserving or the most talented (as is the case of idol and even SYTYCD)
personally this is how i see it. idol allows singers to receive great amounts of exposure but it's still a glamorized karaoke competition.
also in regards to it all being about money. of course it is. the channels that run these shows need the money... in order to pay for the syndication and distribution rights and running costs of imported shows from the U.S and U.K etc ^___^
Anonymous
they need to market it better and take a leaf out of the american idol book. American idol is very easy to watch and still one of the most watched shows there. personally i think its good entertainment regardless
chrissyGirl
its never the contestants, they just dream of going big, the producers of the show just make it so cheesey sometimes its unbearable to watch!! i'm sure a can be a better judge than them to
Snookums
I believe there is a place for a show which promotes new talent but Idol is not new or innovative. ry something new to get another type of audience to watch!
Lord Belligerent
Oh, Jesus, a whole lotta people who believe they are "different" and deserve to win, NOW!!
Typical of the instant gratifiaction generation who haven't heard of hard work, persistence or being told "you have no talent, try something else". Need constant reassurance that they can be what they want to be. I'm not sure a hug and some positive reinforcement will help them survive in the real world. It should be interesting in the next 30 years and their parents depart, how will they survive?
But on a positive note, the kids born now , who don't know exponential growth, a booming economy and the unreality of "realisng your dreams" will be better placed to sing, dance and outperform their older siblings.
Greetings from the real world
Lord Belligerent
Laurie
I suppose people do have a point about it being an opportunity for young people to show their talent. My grandkids love it! I would rather eat dog poo than watch it! Still, it's probably better than these so called reality shows like Big Brother (YUK YUK YUK), Biggest Loser etc.
OOPS. Just looked at the date of the last reply and I see that that it was over 4 months ago.
Panic man
positive side is that youngster get a chance in life.... something a lot of us oldies never had. I luv it but glad they have shortened the format
Skylark
The voice is all about the judges.
jules 1
Totally agree, it's all the same each year, Australian Idol, X-Factor, Voice, etc etc, and it's time for a change I say. Every year is far too much, and the length of time these programmes go on for when they start.. crazy!
Big Brother .. insult to our intelligence.!
Eugine
At least these musical shows are better than a lot of other rubbish on TV.
CMS
The question is, would you really want you child mixed up in the world of music/showbusiness? From what I've seen it isn't a very nice place to be. Obviously fame and fortune aren't all they are cracked up to be juding by the lifestyles of many of them.
socker
When I was young entertainers worked the pubs and developed their talent and presentation over time this produced an entainer that was unique and they owned their art.
Now most artist are manufactured by suits who have little idea of talent only the bottom line. These producers then own the artits and work them until they have a breakdown when the drop them and move on to a new venture.
Simon Cowell British television producer, entrepreneur is an example even though the sucessful artist might make some money it is drawfed in comparison to what he makes out of their talent..
Anonymous
I agree, it is a good chance for younger people to get these opportunities, however, these shows just get really repetitive and I personally think that they should come up with some new material.
Anonymous
I don't think big brother is as bad as people say it is, I think it's interesting to see the ways of different people and how they interact.
Shauni
I love the voice as the auditions are blind I do however beleive to really make it in the music industry u have bust ur ass and work really hard not sitting in a line for someone who couldn't continue to make it so now they are judging other talents
finny
I dont necessarily like aus idol but i like the idea of the voice where looks play no part but its just the voice of the artist
Anonymous
yeh so true, i very much agree
CAT17
I agree the show gives young talent an opportunity to exposure they would only get on a show like Idol. I usually watch and wish all the contestants all the best.
Anonymous
I think australian idol is great,, because there is alot of unseen talent all over australia and its very cool watching different people show off their amazing talents,, so to me I think its awsome.....
denene
i realy love the talents shows and so do all my family but have to agree big brother isnt worth watching its realy to stupid and boring bring on the talent i say its great to give the kids a chance to be someone or follow their dreams and also to realise that they realy have no talent poor buggas but most of them are amazing
frilly
Actually if you listen to the local clubs Up & Coming Talent used to come through.
This has meant that many clubs are faltering now or even gone bankrupt. If you go back through to the earlier Rock Bands & Singers that is how they started.
Now everything seems to be throughTV and it has just dawned on me the "Boy meets Girl" also. They met at te local club.
Even the younger than 18 year olds had their clubs with bands of every kind. If you talk to the "Old" Performers who have lasted the long haul, this is how they made their way and most say it is because they are still here despite the hard times they have had.
lpullman
Heh, heh, be glad there wasn't anything like this when you were young, you might have got involved with it. This is a commercial enterprise and the promoters effectively own the contestants. Ever notice that the winner get's the proverbial promoted out of them, but it's the runner up who actually goes anywhere? And where are all the rest of the contestants afterward? As a tool to boost your career it's a total failure.
I can see as good at my local every 3rd Sunday in the month at open mic night, without all the screaching and hype. Actually, I can see better.
The sooner this follows Big Brother into the can the better.
gloria44
I enjoy watching Australian Idol and think it is great that young people get the chance to perform in front of an audience and get feedback from the judges, although at times they can be very harsh. I would have liked that opportunity when I was young and doing some casual singing. Who knows what opportunities I could have had if there had been something like this available to me (I am now in my sixties).