Searching for the X-Factor

Many modern musicians, singers and musical groups take risks when performing, whether it is vocally or instrumentally.

Look at the following video clips and identify the risks that these musicians took:


Cher Lloyd performing Hard Knock Life as part of The X Factor Live 2010.

  • This week she doesn’t want to stop being noticed, so she’s taking a big risk.
  • Is her risk going to pay off or is it going to be the end of her X Factor

American Idol Top 10, 2008 – David Cook sings Billie Jean.

  • David Cook took a major risk by changing many elements of this famous song, which was originally performed by Michael Jackson, including changing the tempo, instrumentation and melody.

Shine, a film based on the life of David Helfgott, the Australian concert pianist.

  • In this clip the young Helfgott plays the Rach 3 (Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor by Sergei Rachmaninoff) which was considered too difficult to play at Helfgott’s age.

Make a Risk Analysis Table in See Saw

Watch video clips again and record the following information in the table below, using the headings provided as guidance.

  • What risks did these performers take? Were or weren’t they effective?

Make a table in See Saw: Identify

      1. Who is the Performer
      2. What Risk did they take
      3. Was the risk effective?

X-Factor Classroom: Karaoke Sing Along

  • Brainstorm your favourite songs!!
  • Make a top 10 class list
  • Ask your teacher to project the Lyric Videos on the big screen and Sing Along!!
  • You may sing in a small group or with the whole class
  • Take turns trying out the Microphone
  • Organise a Karaoke Competition for the End of Semester
  • Plan some Rehearsal Sessions with your teacher throughout the Unit.