Rage Against The Machine aka Rage Against the Method of X Factor

There are two sides to the “rage” about the X Factor competition for the Christmas Number 1 in the UK. Some people are anti-Simon Cowell it seems, but there are other issues too. Not least being the question of musical talent.

Miley Cyrus, singer of The Climb, in Elle magazine

As seen on American Idol and now X Factor, Simon Cowell is in a deep anti-girl phase. So X Factor 2009 has been all about eliminating the girls and favouring the pretty boys. It has not mattered that the girls, especially Lucie Jones, had the best voices. Simon Cowell and his employees (sorry, the other judges) have chosen boys with little or no singing talent to get through the rounds.

The creators of the competitions against the X Factor single are talking more about music than money. Yes Simon Cowell will probably benefit whatever happens – but only in terms of money. X Factor 2009 has far greater ramifications:

• zero musical integrity left for Simon Cowell
• proof that Cheryl Cole is jealous of anyone with a good singing voice
• proof that Dannii Minogue knows little about music

So if your vote is for musical talent, go buy Rage Against The Machine or one of the other suggestions for Christmas No.1. Anything but the limp and weak X Factor version of The Climb. Or you can buy the Miley Cyrus (photo) original of The Climb – a passionate and excellent vocal version of the song.

Allison Iraheta updates

Carly Smithson to front new hard-rock band The Fallen

Irish-born Carly finished in sixth place on the 2008 season of American Idol. She has joined forces with some former members of Evanescence to create the band.

The Fallen will include drummer Rocky Gray, guitarists Ben Moody and John LeCompt, alongside bassist Marty O’Brien.

The Fallen are scheduled to formally introduce themselves at a news conference in Los Angeles on Monday, which will also mark their first live performance. Debut single Bury Me Alive will be available for free download from their website following the event.