The X Factor became the axe factor this weekend as each of the four mentors sent home one of their acts.
Based on their performances from Saturday night, the judges had to deliberate carefully about who they felt wouldn’t be capable of surviving in the competition until the end. There were few surprises, with army man Jonjo Kerr, perma-tanned James Michael, and Essex girls 2 Shoes sent home.
However, there was one unexpected elimination with rock chick Amelia Lily given the boot. Judge Kelly Rowland had to deliver the news to the heartbroken 16-year-old. Kelly clearly found the decision difficult stating aloud: “I'm mad you waited until now to do this, we've been getting to know these kids, getting excited about their careers.” It looks like she wasn’t the only person who found the elimination ordeal upsetting, as fans took to their Twitter pages to proclaim their anger.
While a twitition was being formed online to bring Amelia back to the competition, other X Factor viewers predicted that the four acts sent home would be put into a fifth category, which would be mentored by the one and only Cheryl Cole (I wouldn’t go holding my breath on that theory!).
While Amelia’s pink hair failed to impress me, I found her to be more charismatic and entertaining than Sophie Habibis. There is something bland and boring about Sophie, and her vocals always appear to be mediocre. Her song choice of Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream was spot on, but I have a feeling her future track selection may be her downfall.
As Cee Lo Green broke the tension with a slick medley, before performing his catchy hit record Forgot You, Matt Cardle’s contribution to the show was a bit lacklustre. I reckon a Rihanna or even a Beyoncé cover (minus the guitar), would have made this viewing less painful to watch.
Kitty Brucknell was the biggest surprise of the weekend for me. Firstly, because she outshone all of the other contestants with her performance of Queen’s Who Wants To Live Forever.
There is no denying that the 26-year-old has a fine set of lungs. Katie Waissell hasn’t got a patch on Kitty (the obvious reason being that she can actually sing). I look forward to the dramatic antics that Miss Brucknell will bring to the show in the coming weeks. Let the diva strops begin!
What on earth was Louis thinking giving Johnny Robinson the most cliché song in the karaoke book? His version of Believe reminded me of a cheap cruise ship act that I was forced to watch as a kid. It was hard not to laugh at his silver mac and diamond encrusted sunglasses. Gary may not be a fan of Johnny, but like Tulisa I too find him to be my guilty pleasure!
The two standout acts in the show for me are heartthrob Frankie Cocozza, followed by Misha B. I loved how Misha made a well-known and over-played Adele song edgy. She really did put her own stamp and personality into the song (just please enough of the Cher Lloyd rapping already).
Frankie’s bad boy image and cheekiness add a bit of mystery to his character. This ladies’ man is sure to cause a bit of trouble on the show, and I reckon each week he will keep on pushing the musical boundaries. Let’s just hope he doesn’t get Kitty’s name tattooed on his rear end.
Next weekend the public are back in the hot seat, as the first public vote-off of the series is taking place.
Laura Delaney
