Editorial: Scary risk of singing shame

Music is an art form and isn't competitive, but there's nothing wrong with introducing competition to help strive for excellence.

That said, as a singer, you now wouldn't get me lined up on the New Zealand's Got Talent or X Factor stages.

As the final episodes of New Zealand's Got Talent wind up, those who watch will be busy picking their favourites and texting their numbers to help them win.

They will also be busy criticising those who they don't think come up to scratch and querying the odd person who has made the finals.

It's for that reason I couldn't compete nowadays.

If a celebrity judge told me on national television: "Kelly, you're just a bit average" I would be crushed. There would probably be tears. How embarrassing.

To me, music is something I do for enjoyment and, with a bit of luck, the enjoyment of those listening.

If someone doesn't like what they hear, they can either stop listening or leave (preferably not throwing anything as they do).

I haven't always felt like this.

As a child I pretty much grew up on competition stages. About once a month, my lovely mother would take me all over New Zealand to compete in singing contests. They were wonderful memories and gave me the perfect grounding for my music.

Nowadays competitions are bigger and better. They have prime time television ratings, the prizes are fabulous and the judges are famous. But the risk of shame is also that much greater.

Some might think we have too many singing competitions on television (with Got Talent, The Voice, X Factor and Idol) but, in my view, the more the better. It makes great television and, for those willing to put their talents on the line, it's a great way of kick-starting their careers.

But I'm still not signing up.

Kelly Makiha sings and plays guitar with her band Count Me In.