Monday 3 October 2011

Let's deliberate on this year's X-Factor! What do you think?


Someone sound the controversy alarm. The judges' verdicts are in and there have been some big shocks this year. To quote Simon Cowell, this competition has just got interesting.
Before we get to the 16 acts who've made it through to the live finals, let's pause for a moment and remember some of those who were sent packing after one final hug from Dermot.
In the Boys' category it was second time unlucky for John, who had no doubt been hoping he'd 'do an Alexandra' and get through on his second attempt and go on to win the show. No such luck for John and we couldn't help but feel it was a bit cruel to take him to that stage again only to turn him down. Luke has been a favourite since his powerful first auditon but the cocky teenager's flat performance this weekend was shocking and we're pleased Gary was honest and didn't put him through. We'll be very surprised if he isn't back next year. Joe was another viewers' favourite and, considering the amount of air time he's had on the show, it was surprising to see him exit. Perhaps the world isn't quite ready for another Olly Murs?
No big shocks in the groups other than how average most of them were, with the category once again being propped up by acts put together in Boot Camp. Can we appeal to any budding groups reading this to start practicing now for next year's auditions. There is never a lot of competition in this area so the odds are stacked in your favour.
The Overs or Novelty Acts, as we like to call them, saw Louis once again sending home the best singers in favour of er, novelty acts. However, we're genuinely gutted about Goldie's shock decision to pull out (can we just say how much we loved it when she put that veil on Sinitta?). Apparently Goldie was worried that the producers were going to portray her as a joke, along the lines of Wagner last year. At this point we'd like to refer you to the previous Sinitta incident.
Finally, the Girls. Kelly Rowland has been an incredible hit on the show so far but could her shock decision to send Jade home lead to a backlash? The decision to ditch Jade, in the final moments of the show, came totally out of the blue for us. Jade had reduced Kelly to tears at her initial audition and we think she's one of the best singers to ever feature on the show so what went wrong there then? Jade Gate doesn't have quite the same ring to it as Gamu Gate but we're expecting a lot of anger about this decision over the coming days.
So that's who didn't get through. But what about the final 16?
The Boys - Frankie, James, Craig and MarcusWe have to admit that we just don't get Frankie, but there is clearly a lot of love for him from both fans of the show and his mentor Gary, who has already labelled him his 'pop star'. Gary freely admitted that Frankie doesn't have the best voice and it's going to be interesting to hear him singing different styles of music that will stretch him over the coming weeks. This boy has already generated a LOT of publicity and he will have to do something massively wrong not to reach the final stages. Elsewhere in this group, Craig - Gary's 'secret weapon' - has clearly got the singing ability and shouldn't be underestimated. James and Marcus have floated under our radar so far and are going to have to do something special to avoid going out in the early stages.
The Girls - Janet, Amelia, Sophie and MishaProbably the strongest category. We LOVE Misha. She walked on stage at her first audition looking like a pop star and amazingly she has the voice to match. Hot favourite Janet is going to split viewers - she's a lovely girl and can sing but it's one of those voices you're either going to love or hate. I'm afraid we're in the latter camp but with the mighty Irish vote behind her, she is a cert to go a long way in the competition. Elsewhere, Sophie and Amelia (anyone else keep getting her mixed up with the blonde one from Two Shoes?) haven't shone for us so far but we're looking forward to seeing the direction that their mentor Kelly will take them in.
The Groups - Two Shoes, Nu Vibe, Rhythmix and The RiskSo, only one non-manufactured act has made it through this year. We really like Two Shoes but agree with Tulisa that their personality doesn't always come across in the performances. Again, we're really looking forward to seeing the direction they go in with their song choices which will make or break them. What are the odds that Louis will tell them they have the 'fun factor which is what this competition is all about'? We thought Nu Vibe's 'comedy' routine was a bit cringeworthy but the stunt paid off for the lads as it certainly made them stand out. Rhythmix also stand out from the crowd but it's more about image rather than the actual music for us so far. Girl bands do notoriously badly in the early stages of the show and they are going to have to do something great to avoid the chop next week. Finally to Tulisa's 'supergroup' The Risk, a group manufactured at the Judges' Houses stage. Will they put together a group during the actual live shows next year? We haven't actually seen this lot sing together so will have to wait until next week to hear how they sound. Can't help but feel sorry for the other members of The Keys though.
The Overs - Johnny, Jonjo, Samantha and KittyIt's all about Kitty in this category. You might not like her but you know she's the act you'll want to see each week as she comes across as a complete loose cannon (jumping in the pool anyone?). In an 'X Factor' first, will Kitty actually be booed by the audience before she sings a note on the first live show and is anyone going to pick up the phone to vote for her? As for the remaining acts, Johnny's a sweet guy but he isn't pop star material. Is he? We're looking forward to seeing Jonjo and Samantha next week, largely to get a better look at their makeovers. Did you clock those at the end of the show? What's going on there then?
Do you think the right acts went through? Let us know...

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