The X Factor - Then There Were Three...

So 'The X Factor' is almost over (boo for that!) but there's still the final hurdle left to jump for JLS, Eoghan and Alexandra and it's a very hard one to call. I was sure that JLS would be leaving this week but the vote pushed Diana off stage and out of the final and now there's no predicting a winner. We can try… but we'll probably be wrong.

Diana's Goodbye
Love her or hate her, quirky Diana has left 'The X Factor' stage on semi-final night. I really liked her and I was sorry to see her go, although I think I would have been really sorry to see any of the final four leaving this week. I like all the remaining acts, which I don't usually. Ironically, I think this was Diana's best week. She showed a real versatility when she took on Avril Lavigne's 'Girlfriend', really rocking it out and proving that that she can do uptempo too. And her version of Dido's 'White Flag' was also impressive. The song just really seemed to suit her (probably because she had picked it herself and obviously liked the track).

Eoghan's Waterfall
Who would have predicted that little Eoghan would react as strongly as he did to the news that his friend Diana was leaving the show? I knew they were close but Eoghan doesn't generally get as emotional as the others do (he's no Austin, let's put it that way). Therefore, his outburst on Saturday night was just so unexpected and it seemed really heartfelt too, bless him. He was just so inconsolable. Although I have to say he did only look about 12 when he was standing up there screaming crying.

JLS March On
I know a lot of people have doubts about JLS but I absolutely love them and I think they could be a really cool group if they stopped singing the whiney songs that Louis picks for them. They were so much edgier and sounded so much better when they were at the bootcamp and judges' houses stages. I think that if they work to their strengths and pick the right songs they could really pull something big out of the bag next weekend. They do rely on Aston a bit in terms of vocals and on Marvin a bit to be mature and hold it all together but all groups do that. I won't name names but you can pick the leaders out of Take That, Westlife, Boyzone… all the big acts. That shouldn't be a point for people to criticise them about. 'Umbrella' this week was their comfort zone – stick with that vibe lads.

The Final Three
Top notch performances from all the finalists this week, no disasters to report at all, which is great at this stage of the competition. There were a few odd song choices though (what was Eoghan thinking with that Abba number?!), a few odd wardrobe choices (again what was Eoghan – or rather his stylist – thinking with that tight check shirt?! – sorry Eoghan) but all else went well. It's such a tough one to call, the final next weekend.

I know who I want to win, who I think should win because they are the most talented and who I think will win – the problem is they’re all different acts. But I've no problem stating my allegiances for the record. I think Eoghan may win - the kids love him and he's a good performer with pop star appeal. On the plus side for him, if he doesn't win he'll still do really well out of the show and he's only 16, he's bound to get plenty more chances to explore this career. If it's about the best singer then Alexandra should win. She's amazing, so vocally talented, stunning presence on stage and quite nice into the mix. But my heart says JLS, what a lovely bunch of lads. When they pick the right song they sound great, when they steer clear of the boyband styling then they look great too and they're just so charming and likeable. It shouldn't count if this is strictly a talent contest but we all know it's not (that should be the next reality show… Strictly Just A Talent Contest, what do you reckon Simon?!).

Linda McGee