The X Factor - Third Live Show
You know you're hopelessly addicted to The X Factor when you sneak into your friend's garage to watch the results show in the middle of her housewarming party! (Don't frown on me, I wasn't on my own. The 'secret' crowd was about 20 strong by the time Dermot made the final announcement!).
Shock Result
Anyway, judging from the reactions of most people in room/shed at that stage, the bottom two seemed to come as a surprise for most people. Personally, I was gutted to see Miss Frank there. I love their style. I thought that they were really good on the night and, importantly, I thought that they had a lot more to give to the show. I was also surprised, if not particularly upset, to see Danyl in the bottom two. He put in a good performance, as usual, but I just can't warm to his style at all. I'd like him to tone it down a bit. Judging by the voting, maybe a few others would too.
As soon as I heard who the bottom two were I knew it was going to go to deadlock, seeing as the decision would have to come down to either Cheryl and Dannii. And in that case, you got the feeling that either one of them would leave it up to the public vote, seeing as they both seemed shocked at the two acts who were standing in front of them.
Cheater, Cheater…
You probably wouldn't hear me say this often but I agreed with Louis on Saturday night. It wasn't fair for Simon to bend his own rules for one of his acts. Everyone else stepped outside their comfort zones and sang a song that was considered a classic big-band track, while Jamie got to stick with his own style and sing a rock number that didn't really fit with the theme of the week at all. Was Simon just trying to create a bit of drama with the last-minute song change or was he afraid that Jamie would really struggle with the theme? Either way, it wasn't really fair on everyone else and what makes it worse is that fact that Simon would be the first one to criticise one of the other judges if they had done the same thing. Bad form (even though I still love both Simon and Jamie Afro!).
Strength to Strength
This week Joe nailed it again. It seemed that no matter what he is asked to do he gives it his best shot and comes out looking, and sounding, really good. He's definitely one to watch. I also loved Olly's performance. The style really suited him this week and it was a great song choice for him. I hope he stays in for a good while. Lucie also turned in another amazing vocal performance this week, seeming much older than her years when she stood up there on the stage. I think now she needs to show off a bit more of her personality to keep the votes coming in.
Gutted for little Lloyd again this week. He really seemed to struggle. I loved him in boot camp and at the judges' houses but he seems a little bit lost now and his vocals seem to be suffering. I'd worry for him on rock week.
Rachel really pulled it back this week. Great new look, very energetic performance but… I'm with The Xtra Factor celebrity panel - what was she thinking with the interview afterwards? Is she trying to be Stacey or is this now the real Rachel? Either way, I'd tone that down a bit too because afterwards nobody was talking about her great comeback performance and everyone was talking about the giddy rant. Next to Stacey - really like her voice but didn't think that this was a particularly strong week for her. Didn't like the song choice and wasn't mad about that dress either. She looked a little bit uncomfortable.
Too much fuss?
And we can't forget John and Edward (or should I get down with the lingo and start calling them Jedward now?!) - at this stage I have to say fair play to them, in a way. I don't think that they are particularly strong singers but Louis did decide to put them through and now I think that they're really trying every week and they're definitely entertaining if nothing else. Someone is voting for them and keeping them in every week. It might be controversial to say but maybe people should cut them some slack. The outrage in media circles and online communities seems a little excessive. They are just teenagers after all! And I'll rest my case with two words... Same Difference?!
We Heart Bublé!
I have to say I was so impressed with Michael Bublé last weekend. I've always been a fan of his music but it's nice to see that he seems like a genuinely lovely guy into the mix. He was great with the contestants, really encouraged them and tried to find as many positives as he could. Whitney could learn a thing or two from his attitude. And sticking with the performances, good to see Westlife back in action again! It's been too long.
Linda McGee

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