It's Brittany, Bitch

[dotinthesky]

BRITNEY SPEARS ϟ Lançamento Oficial X-FACTOR ϟ X-Britney ϟ SEXTA 24 AGOSTO, a photo by Mary In Hell on Flickr.

I've been meaning to write more about my short holidays in St-Malo, France, but time has sped by and I can't believe it's already been two weeks! I suppose this sums it up, though I'd add that crossing the channel with Brittany Ferries, off season, felt a bit like crossing the River Styx (because of the age gap between us and the rest of the passengers.) The most impressive part of the holiday was its price: about £120 per person for a return trip on the ferry (including a comfortable cabin during the night) plus two nights in a delightful 4 star hotel by the beach. St-Malo's restaurants specialise in crepes and serve delicious organic cider in ceramic cups. At the centre of the town is a cathedral that is home to Jacques Cartier, the guy who "discovered" Canada... and it's free to visit!

I've been struck with S.A.D. since then thanks to Britain's usual shift from sunshine to grim cold weather this time of the year. I made a promise not to watch the X Factor this year then broke it a few days later. I now watch the UK version and the American one. Let the stage lights burn through the screen and fill me with Vitamin D. Both shows are incredibly contrived and formulaic, just like the brasilian soap operas I grew up on and still crave. But they are also different beasts: the British one has some warmth in Dermot (the guy who stays with the families backstage), normal body shapes and some quirkiness in the inclusion of acts that can play acoustic guitars. The American version has Doritos coated in melted full fat cheese dripping down the screen, ambulances for sick contestants, police arrests and zero humour. But we keep watching because of Britney: the body language that screams discomfort, the distant eyes, the face that escaped Hollywood's Botox needles and scalpels. She looks great though in the episodes where she wears big, thick glasses.

My favourite British contestant is Jade Ellis, who has made it to the judge's house. We find out this weekend if she makes it to the live shows. I'm pessimistic.

My favourite American contestant is Jessica Espinoza. Fairly confident she'll make the live shows. She reminds me of a friend from Uni who had a great voice but struggled to pursue a career in music. She's also the only audition that managed to bring some light and life into Britney's eyes... and that's something!

Comments

[norabird.livejournal.com]

Holidays sound lovely. Am commenting however to say that you have absolutely the best take on reality type talent contests.

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

Thanks. :-)

Do you and J watch any of these reality shows together? I can't somehow picture it!

[norabird.livejournal.com]

No, it's not really our bag! Ha. He has us watching The Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman now.

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

Never heard of it! Just had a look in wikipedia... I guess the show didn't last?