It seems like an eternity since Little Mix were crowned the reigning 2011 X-Factor winners, and now the judges are back looking for the next big sensation. This can only mean one thing (A) We get to hear Louis saying the word ‘diva’ over and over again and (B) Christmas is just around the corner!
I must admit, I am slightly relieved that Kelly Rowland and her not-so-awesome sayings aren’t being ‘put down’ this season, as the lovely Nicole Scherzinger has stepped in to bring everyone back to reality. I enjoyed watching Mel B making an appearance as a guest judge at the Manchester auditions, but boy-oh-boy did Scary Spice live up to her name.
With a peak audience of 9.9million viewers, an average of 8.7million viewers, tuning in to last night's series premiere, it looks like I wasn't the only one who stayed in last night. So what did everyone make of the first episode?
Ella Henderson (16) wowed the judges with her heartfelt tribute to her grandfather. The teenager admitted prior to her audition that she was nervous about performing her self-penned track. I wasn’t surprised at the amazing feedback she received from the panel, along with the standing ovation from the audience. Ella is going to be a huge star!
This girl has an abundance of potential and incredible writing skills, and is an extremely likable character. Like Adele, she knows how to capture and identify with people’s emotions. Her grandad would have been very proud. Watch this space!
Following the audition, Mel B told Ella: "Whoever, or whatever you wrote that song about those words, I’m sure, hit a chord with everyone. Your song writing is so clever. It made me go into my own little world, and go, 'Oh my God – I felt like that at one point'".
"And that’s hard to do as a song writer. But when you sang it, you just made me believe every single word, I was right there with you. What we just witnessed was incredible, absolutely incredible."
Ella Henderson wowed the crowd and judging panel with her heartfelt tribute
Louis added: "It’s hard to believe that you’re only 16, that was a brilliant audition, absolutely brilliant, you’re a class act."
Meanwhile, Louis pitched in: "That performance was absolutely out of this world, it really was. That was really something special, thank you very much for that."
A teary eyes Tulisa issued the final yes saying: "There’s so many good things I could sit here and say about you, I could go on and on - the list is endless, but the one thing is that you are the one person that I personally go "I really want to mentor, I really do.
"I see something so special in you, there’s just a spark, you’re just a star."
Supermarket worker Jahmene Douglas also blew the judges away with his powerful rendition of Etta James’ At Last. Just like last year’s X-Factor contestant Johnny Roninson made a name for himself as the dark horse of the competition, Jahmene also proved to be tough competition with this well-known track. The 21-year-old Asda worker showcased an impressive vocal range and even Louis couldn’t help but compliment the talented singer.
Jahmene Douglas delivered an incredible rendition of Etta James' At Last
Following his stellar performance, Louis told Jahmene: "You know what, you are a revelation, you’ve got The X Factor, this is what we’re looking for. I think a star is born."
Tulisa added: "You have not just The X Factor, not just raw talent but you have the shock factor. When you stepped on the stage you were like a timid little soul and you couldn’t express yourself, but you started expressing yourself the minute you started singing and it was freaking amazing!"
Nicole further stated: "You are an amazing vocalist, we need more singers like you, real singers. I just want to take you and just eat you up honey."
Gary concluded the comment by telling Jahmene: "Mate, I got to tell you I’ve never seen a vocal performance like that before, that was off the scale.
'"You completely nailed it today. That is how to do an audition."
Anyone else think that Jahmene could be the fifth member of JLS?
I adored self-confessed nerd Curtis Golden. His quirky personality and interesting tale about buying a Spice Girls cardboard cutout made him an interesting character. His acoustic version of Christina Aguilera’s Candy Man was sensational. I instantly warmed to Curtis. Based on his slick name alone, I can guarantee that it won’t be long until we see this youngster’s name in lights. Or at least see him on the small screen promoting video games. Move over Ed Sheeran! This kid was destined to be famous.
I instantly fell in love with the adorable Curtis Golden!
I hope they let him keep his guitar in the Live rounds. Following the audition, Louis told Curtis: "I didn’t know what to expect, you’re quirky and you’re different, but you remind me a bit of Peter Kay – in a good way, I think you’ve definitely got something." While Gary congratulated Curtis on a "great audition'", Tulisa added: "I think we’ve got a nerd that is very talented."
"I found it all a little bit irritating, the overdoing the comedic personality thing, I found that irritating."
Pink impersonator Zoe Alexander took the rejection to heart
The highlight of the show had to be Pink lookalike Zoe Alexander. So, the whole breakdown ordeal may have been staged but this girl proved to be quite the character. The disappointment of rejection got the better of the impersonator who took the judges’ comments a little too personally.
Apparently, the foul-mouthed Welsh singer got arrested for her abusive rant and violence showed towards the camera man. After performing Pink’s hit So What, Tulisa slammed the wannabe performer for not being original or unique.
Tulisa said: "Okay see the problem is, you came out saying that you wanted to find your own identity, it’s very confusing for me because I did feel like I was watching a Pink tribute act."
I found it interesting when Zoe claimed that she had been told to sing a Pink track by the four judges. Did she really mean to say producers? Despite being given a second chance to sing Emeli Sande's Next To Me, Zoe still failed to impress the judging panel. As she stormed off stage, Zoe was seen taking her anger out on the poor camera man (Oh dear), before her father who is a Tom Jones impersonator dragged his daughter back on stage to plead with the judges (I kid you not!).
While Zoe claims to have been stitched up, I can’t help but think it was the audience at home that were taken for a ride. Do you think it was case of Fix Factor?
Another entertaining for all the wrong reason moment came in the form of another lookalike – this time the spotlight was on Tulisa. Ashley Whitelaw (19), who works as a professional doppelganger for the N-Dubz star auditioned with Tulisa’s new track Young (no surprises there then). Once again the act claimed to have been told to sing the song by producers. At least Tulisa gave her a yes vote, but unfortunately Ashley's journey ended there as none of the other judges gave her the golden nod.
Taking to her Facebook page, Ashley allegedly wrote: “I’m raging they made me sing that song. They made it look like I was just there for her. I have a decent voice but they were only interested because I looked like Tulisa. They wanted a reaction.”
She added: “At least I got to sing in front of 6,000 people and the judges. It was a brilliant experience meeting them.”
Gemini
What did you make of the first show? Will you be tuning in next week?
I for one will be counting down the days to the second show. Come on the groups!
Laura Delaney
Here's another viewpoint on The X Factor: http://www.rte.ie/ten/2012/0815/blog_music_xfactor.html
