The X Factor
Image Courtesy: ITV / The X Factor UK
I was rewatching the X Factor auditions of One Direction, and what caught my attention, besides their very unique performances, was the judges saying to each of the boys things along the lines of being likable or something was "there". It got me thinking about the combination of qualities that gives someone the 'it' or 'X' factor. The combination that has people lean forward when you speak or want to be around you. It consists of charisma, humility, and fascination that people can exhibit differently.
Charisma can take different forms, such as humor, intellect, how a person speaks, or how they look. Let's take Serena van der Woodsen from Gossip Girl as an example. She embodies the 'blonds have more fun' trope that plays heavily into her charm. Compared to her uptight brunette bestie, Blair Waldorf, she's bubbly, warm, and effortlessly beautiful. Take it back to the scene where Serena is showing Blair different modeling poses, and instead of the photographers taking Blair's photos as assigned, they take Serena's photos, and eventually give Blair's spot to Serena.
In Harry Styles' X Factor audition, Harry captures the audience before he even performs when he talks about his weekend job at a bakery. He and Simon Cowell have a conversation in which he talks about the most popular sweets sold, like Viennese cake and millionaire shortbread, which not only makes the crowd laugh but also charms them with his humility. Having humility draws people because it makes them feel warm and safe. It makes people want to lower their guard, since they don't feel they have to be robotic around you.
Anyone with a name can build a brand for themselves. For some people, that brand is formed by fascination. Fascination can come from talent, a mysterious aura, the stories you can curate, or whatever makes them intriguing or alluring. A part of Zayn's image isn't just his beautiful vocals (best singer in the group, fight me please), but his 'bad boy' introversion also plays a role in why people are fascinated by him. We see this archetype of men being praised on social media and on Wattpad, the quiet boy who's to himself.
How far can these qualities take someone? Let's ask Jennifer Lopez. We all know she can't sing, nor is she the best dancer. I'll give her credit for some of her movies, but the fact that she can keep herself relevant for this long is a talent in itself. Mi gento Latino! In the workspace, there's almost always a personality hire. They're the type of coworker who can get away with not doing the job as well because they bring some entertainment to the establishment. Shout-out to them for making the space a little bit fun, but they're a pain for introverts when they're expected to bring some of that energy, too. Is the X factor something that can be developed over time, or is it something you're born with? I think both can be true.
Strike Out,
Johann Jonassaint
Boca Raton
Johann Jonassaint is a content writer for Strike Magazine Boca. A true Venusian who can never get enough of being wrapped in cozy sheets, listening to video essays or daydreaming. When she finally leaves her sheets, you can catch her writing at the library, the only place she can actually get work done. Feel free to contact her at jjonassaint2023@gmail.com or @jojoeva_ on Instagram.
