英语听力精选进阶版 6246（在线收听）

Is the X Factor Good for the Music Industry? 《英国偶像》选秀比赛对音乐产业有好处吗？

Britain's newest singing star is a 27-year-old former painter-decorator called Matt Cardle.

The winner of this year's X Factor has already released his first single, which is widely expected to become this year's Christmas number one.

But not everyone is celebrating with him. Many musicians object to what they see as the X Factor's excessive influence on the British music industry.

They are particularly critical of the show's creator, Simon Cowell, who both produces the TV show and signs the winners to his own record label, making millions in the process.

"The thing I find incredible is that Simon Cowell gets paid an enormous amount of money to promote his own acts," says Mat Osman of Britpop band Suede.

Osman believes that Cowell should be "paying a fortune" to put his acts on primetime TV.

"It just seems to be the greatest con of all time. But well done to him," he continues. "It's a genius scam."

Bernard Sumner of New Order sees the problem slightly differently: "What they're singing on X Factor is just other people's music. It's not creative."

Yet rock legend Alice Cooper defended the show, saying: "The advantage the X Factor has is that it's not exclusive.

"The X Factor's more refreshing. They're wide open: if you're really unique at something, bring it in and, if it's really professional, [they] will go with it."

Love it or hate it, the X Factor's success is undeniable. Underground rap artist Dan Le Sac's view on the show is one of a resigned realist: "It simply doesn't matter. It's fun, it's entertainment."

"It may be a horrific thing but if people enjoy it, they should be allowed to. You should be allowed to love the trash as well as the meaningful stuff."

Glossary 词汇表

painter-decorator 油漆工 

single 单曲 

Christmas number one 圣诞期间排行榜第一 

excessive influence 过度的影响 

creator 创造者 

record label 唱片公司 

acts 艺人或表演乐队 

paying a fortune 出高价 

primetime TV 黄金时段电视 

con 骗局，欺骗 

genius scam 天衣无缝的骗局 

rock legend 摇滚乐传奇人物 

exclusive 独家的 

refreshing 耳目一新的 

undeniable 不可否认的 

underground rap artist 地下饶舌艺人 

resigned realist 顺其自然的现实主义者 

horrific 恐怖的 

trash 垃圾 

meaningful stuff 意味深长的东西