I'm wittchoo on this. Here in Breda there is a very active music scene of all types, R&B, Jazz, fusion and pop (not much rap I'm relieved to say!).
We have a circle of friends who are pros and with few exceptions they struggle to make a living.
The whole Star Search/Pop Idol phenomena thang has been very destructive in my opinion to the music business. The (false) idea than hair gel, straight teeth and dressing like a gangsta or a ho is all that's needed to make the big time leads too many of these kids into early disappointment.