Giovana Gelhoren
Updated on: October 10, 2024 9:46 pm GMT
Viewers of the 2024 National Television Awards (NTAs) were left divided after singer Olly Murs took the stage for a medley performance that sparked significant reaction online. While some fans celebrated his return to television, others expressed frustration over what they termed “terrible” sound quality during the live broadcast on ITV.
Controversial Performance
During the award ceremony, hosted by Joel Dommett, Olly Murs performed a medley of his iconic hits including “Troublemaker,” “Heart Skips a Beat,” “Dance With Me Tonight,” and “Dear Darlin’.” The singer’s performance came in celebration of the 15th anniversary of his debut on “The X Factor,” where he first gained prominence in the music industry.
Despite noticeable excitement from the audience present at the event, viewers at home quickly took to social media platforms, expressing dissatisfaction with various aspects of his performance. One user tweeted, “PLEASE don’t make me listen to Olly Murs any longer,” while another criticized him as “f***ing dreadful.” Comments like “#ollymurs is painfully boring #NTA” flooded in, reflecting a sharp critique of his stage presence and performance quality.
Support from Fans
In contrast to the negative feedback, a segment of viewers was enthusiastic about Murs’ return to the NTAs. “This is more like it! I Love Olly,” exclaimed one fan, while another remarked, “Olly knows how to put on a performance.” A third comment recalled Murs’ earlier talent, stating, “Olly Murs should have won X Factor in ’09. I still stand by it.” These comments helped highlight the mixed reception of Murs’ performance.
Technical Difficulties
A significant focal point of the criticism centered around the sound quality during the performance. Viewers reported that the audio was lacking clarity and depth, which detracted from Murs’ vocal abilities. One viewer humorously noted the situation, saying, “Producer: Let’s have Olly Murs do a medley of his hits! Fellow Producer: And saddle him with terrible sound? Producer: Naturally. #NTAs.” This statement encapsulated the frustration that many felt regarding the technical execution of the live performance.
Further critiques included comments like, “This Olly Murs Medley is murder to our ears I fear, utterly abysmal, bring in the army #NTAs,” signifying that the audio issues were a common sentiment among those watching online.
Presentation and Reception
Joel Dommett, who welcomed Murs to the stage, expressed his admiration for the performer, stating, “Wow, let’s hear it for Olly Murs! So good. How good was that? It’s nice to see someone who can actually sing and dance, not me.” His comments indicated a supportive atmosphere in the room, even as digital discourse produced contrasting viewpoints.
The event itself was also marked by a lively opening number from Dommett, who integrated musical elements into his introduction, acknowledging various celebrities and television shows up for awards. Additionally, moments featured during the ceremony included a surprise dance performance from Anton Du Beke of “Strictly Come Dancing,” further adding to the night’s entertainment value.
A Night of Awards
The NTAs witnessed several significant moments beyond Olly Murs’ performance. The competition for the Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award was won by “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” while Toby Jones received accolades for his performance in “Mr Bates vs the Post Office.” “The Traitors” was recognized for Best Reality Competition, while Peter Ash took home the award for Serial Drama Performance in “Coronation Street.”
The contrasting perspectives on Olly Murs’ performance illustrate the challenges of live television events, where technical failures can undermine even the most celebrated performances. While some viewers relished his nostalgia-inducing set, many others viewed it as an opportunity to highlight the need for better production quality in live broadcasts.
The NTAs are a yearly celebration of the many different talents on UK television. They also show how much people expect from their favorite stars. Olly Murs is still a big part of the music scene, and while many people love him, he also gets mixed feelings from fans and critics. You can watch the event on ITVX.
