15-05-2023, 02:01 PM
Opportunity Knocks was less demanding of contestants than BGT since, for the former, acts only had to perform once and that was it. The winner came back the following week but they could do the same routine if they wanted to. New Faces was different in that there was a tournament structure but unlike BGT the semi finals and final weren't done and dusted within a week. It could be months before you saw the same person again so contestants had time to hone their act, and yes, not be over-publicised. Both shows ran for 30+ episodes at points so it was easier to stay out of the limelight then than it is now.
New Faces ran for just five years before ending in 1978 - the same year as Opportunity Knocks funnily enough. I've read that OK was axed not because of ratings but complaints about Hughie Green using the show as a soapbox for his own political agenda. Can't find anything about why New Faces was axed - anyone know?
What is certain is that neither show was about cash prizes or product, which BGT can't not be associated with. It was expected, particularly in the early years (possibly still is?), that albums by contestants would be released once a series was over and much like The X Factor would consist of the same generic tracks and be promoted the exact same way. You don't see this now, partly because the money isn't there, but the key thing is that the public gave up before this was the case. I do think that today's contestants are stifled by what has happened before.
No, people aren't guaranteed anything by BGT but those who go on the show seem to be the types who want to have careers in showbiz, many of them already professionals. Maybe it's the lack of progress under their own steam what convinces them to apply? On the counterpoint, you have to wonder, how many people audition for the show nowadays? Probably not that many given that the brand isn't as strong as it used to be.
New Faces ran for just five years before ending in 1978 - the same year as Opportunity Knocks funnily enough. I've read that OK was axed not because of ratings but complaints about Hughie Green using the show as a soapbox for his own political agenda. Can't find anything about why New Faces was axed - anyone know?
What is certain is that neither show was about cash prizes or product, which BGT can't not be associated with. It was expected, particularly in the early years (possibly still is?), that albums by contestants would be released once a series was over and much like The X Factor would consist of the same generic tracks and be promoted the exact same way. You don't see this now, partly because the money isn't there, but the key thing is that the public gave up before this was the case. I do think that today's contestants are stifled by what has happened before.
No, people aren't guaranteed anything by BGT but those who go on the show seem to be the types who want to have careers in showbiz, many of them already professionals. Maybe it's the lack of progress under their own steam what convinces them to apply? On the counterpoint, you have to wonder, how many people audition for the show nowadays? Probably not that many given that the brand isn't as strong as it used to be.