Top Of The Pops

Whilst they may not be the most highbrow of television entertainment, few would deny the power that talent shows have to attract huge audiences.

Whether it’s squirming in our seats as another talentless hopeful sings out-of-tune to a panel of judges, or cheering on a crowd favourite in front of record-breaking audiences, TV’s talent shows have provided massive entertainment to millions over the years. And as we’re approaching the climax to many shows’ series, we thought it’s time to check out the best TV talent shows.

X Factor

This Simon Cowell produced talent show is one of the most iconic music shows on our screens. With its exhilarating blend of fast editing, withering judges’ comments, and uncanny ability to produce some of the world’s top pop stars, X Factor has become the show to beat.

Apart from launching many musical careers, the show has shown an impressive ability to expand into other territories outside of television. These include the de rigueur X Factor tour, and also sites like http://www.flashbitch.com/ that have allowed viewers to bet on their preferred stars and find out who the current favourites are. Although the show has often been blamed for the decline of traditional touring musicians, it has undoubtedly helped provide new revenues and excitement for the ailing music industry.

So You Think You Can Dance

And it’s not just singing that has the proven power to pull in large audiences, as the phenomenally successful So You Think You Can Dance has illustrated, TV viewers love to watch dancing too.

This show is now in its tenth year, and is already featured in dozens of different countries who all relish the opportunity to watch some dancing stars in the making, as well as those infamous and spectacular failed dance auditions.

Britain’s Got Talent

As it’s another one of Simon Cowell’s creations, Britain’s Got Talent was never going to be a critical hit. However, the talent show which allows its contestant to perform just about any act in order to win the crowd’s favour, has provided a showcase for a bewildering array of surprisingly talented individuals from the general public.

So over the course of its eight-year history we’ve seen the likes of dancing dogs, male belly-dancing, and an endless supply of people willing to ridicule themselves on national television. And with spin-offs in 58 countries across the world, it’s proved just how willing we all are to watch the public making fools of themselves.

The Voice

And finally, the much-respected BBC has got in on the talent show format with The Voice. This show aims to provide a credible alternative to the likes of the X Factor by focusing merely on a competitor’s ability to sing.

Originally created by the man behind Big Brother, The Voice has become as famous for the judges’ comments as much as the singers’ talents. Already we’ve seen the likes of Tom Jones, Will.i.am, Kylie Minogue, and Rita Ora becoming coaches and doing much to keep the show in the headlines. And with recent speculation that ITV could soon be buying The Voice, it looks like talent shows themselves are nearly as competitive as the contestants.