Today we have listened to Leona Lewis' Better in Time. Leona was winner of the third series of the British television series The X Factor. Her career was catapulted by this contest as her record Spirit sold million of copies the moment it was released.
The class activity had been prepared by a Pale student last year. You listen to Leona's song and then fill in the gaps. Click here for the handouts. That's what we did on today.
Then we had a class discussion in groups about the theme, the feelings expressed, the language used and her wonderful voice. One of the issues raised was whether programmes such as The X Factor help young people or, on the contrary, send wrong messages about effortless success.
1. Are these kind of programmes a good idea?
2. Do you know of any singers who have become famous thanks to one of these programmes?
3. What is the price they have to pay? Are they free to sing and compose what they feel or are they ready made products?
9 comments:
In my opinion, if you are a talented but unknown singer, this kind of contests can help you. I suppose there are some record companies watching how you are singing, your style. And, perhaps they'll hire you.
At first, they maybe force you to sing what they want. But afterwards, when you become famous you'll probably decide whatever you like.
1) These programmes are a good opportunity for amateur singers to show their talent. In fact, these programmes have a big audience.
2) Some of them got very famous, like Leona Lewis or David Bisbal. Many others start a singing career, they even get a job in a musical company or in a band.
3)They are sacrificing their private life, because in these shows, the audience is watching them all the time, and that can direct to big risks of humilliations..Few of them composed their own songs, but in general they are a piece of the discographic industry..
By Josefina, Tomás and José Ramón
Last Wednesday we listened a song by Leona Lewis.
In my opinion, its theme was a tipical theme in romantic songs and I soometimes like it. About the feelings, if you listen a song and you feel goos pimples, it is a good and emocional song. And this song has get excited to me, because, also theme, feelings and music, the Liona's voice is powerfull and sweet. She transmites all passion in herself to the audience.
Hi! I'm Bea from L1, I haven't been able to go to classes because I've been travelling. Natalia told me that I have to leave a comment here, which is quiet eassy for me, because I love this song. When I listened to it for the first time I thought it was so relaxing and that's not the kind of music I like listening to ,although now, the more I listen the more I like!!! =)
1. We don't agree with them. These programs make the relationships between people who are taking part in te show public. Sometimes these shows are not funny because people become puppets controlled by economical interests.
2. Bisbal, Leona Lewis or Susan Boyle. For instance, Bisbal was an amateur road racing cyclist who suddenly changed his life forever. Nowadays he is a richman and he lives in Miami.
3. They sell their lifes. Most people who participate don't know anything about the music industry. They only put their voice and image for the big companies. For instance, Susan Boyle had to go to a psychiatric hospital because she couldn't manage all the pressure. The price they have to pay is the loss of freedom.
Sara, Víctor and Roque.
L1_Vicent_The X Factor
First of all I must say that I haven’t seen any program of The X Factor, but I’ve heard that it is an English version of Operación Triunfo. I have seen some of those.
In my opinion programmes like Operacion Triunfo don’t help Spanish young pepople. We are living in a country where the average rate of students who give up their compulsory studies doubles the European average and the latest PISA reports says we are going from bad to worse. So sending messages about effortless success doesn’t help.
These kind of contests only feed young people’s dreams of being a star.
franvifran@gmail.com
L1_Vicent_Leona Lewis_a
Learning English through songs has always been a very helpful way to learn English especially for selflearners.
I didn´t know Leona Lewis but I became very surpriesed for such a sweet and powerful voice. In my opinion it´s a wonderful voice. The sweetnes and power of her voice makes it particulary suitable for the expression of deep feelings.
The song Better in time talks about a love break up and the feelings at this time, sorrow, pain, heartache. Only time lets you get over, "...time will heal it" says the song.
It’s been a funny (fill the gaps) , useful and lovely class of English
franvifran@gmail.com
Leona Lewis is a British singer and songwriter and her voice is famous around the world, she won in 2006 the quiz “The X Factor” and then she published her first album “ Spirit” and nowadays she has a new album called Echo.
In class we have listened to one of her songs,“ Better in time”, from my point of view he song is very sweet and emotional. Leona’s voice is melodic and soft. She sings very well and the song is emotive.
I like romantic songs and, in my opinion, Leona has a beautiful and powerful voice.
Good blog.
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