It was all about mash-ups, having the beer fear, a contestant that showed Tulisa how to sing her own song, a surprise visit from the cooler than cool Rita Ora and a big festival announcement from Louis on this week’s second instalment of the X-Factor.
Following last week's not-so-impressive rating figures, it looks like X-Factor fanatics have come running back in their droves to catch a glimpse of this year's singing hopefuls. The latest Saturday figure amounted to a 46 percent share of people watching TV at the time and helped make the show the most-watched TV program of Saturday night in the U.K. with more than double the audience of the second-ranked show.
James Arthur was the star of last night’s show. The 24-year-old from Middlesborough overcame a tough childhood, homelessness and foster care to perform on stage in front of the judging panel. Ironically, he impressed Tulisa by singing a mash-up of her Ibiza club track Young which he combined with his own slick lyrics. It wouldn't surprise me if Louis had to remind Tulisa that it was her song that James was singing. I suppose he's probably more in the know about chart music now that he is a regular festival-goer!
James admitted that his difficult upbringing encouraged him to invest his emotions into music – and boy-oh-boy did this chap tug at the heart strings when he sang. There was an immense amount of passion in his voice throughout his performance, but yet a glint of sadness in his eyes. At his audition in Newcastle James’ parents Shirley and his father Neil put their differences aside for their talented son (they hadn't spoken in 22 years!). Following his mesmerising performance his parents looked so proud. I even found myself becoming a bit teary eyed. James is incredibly gifted. I just hope when it comes to the themed weeks that he doesn’t lose his uniqueness and individuality.
James Arthur wowed the judges with his mash-up of Young and his own slick lyrics
Tulisa praised James' audition saying: "When you’re up there I just see you get lost in that world. It’s just you, the microphone, the guitar - best audition of the day."
Louis added: "I think from today on, your life is totally going to change."
New judge and former Pussycat Dolls star, Nicole Scherzinger showered the youngster with compliments saying: "I see why your mum and your dad put their differences aside. I came on this show because I am looking for an artist who inspires me and that’s exactly what you did today.
"You inspired me and that’s because you sat on that stage and you bared your soul to us."
Sophie Stokle may look like a popstar but she definitely didn't sound like one!
Unfortunately, Sophie Stokle from Hartlepool didn’t have such look with the judges. She may have looked like a popstar, but the 16-year-old had some terrible tuning problems and bum notes galore.
It looks like Sophie’s mum was telling her a few porky pies when she said that her daughter was the next big singing sensation (Ah bless). I was truly taken aback when I heard loud thunderous grumbles coming out of this teens mouth instead of what was supposed to be a version of Jennifer Hudson’s iconic track Love You I Do (yikes).
As always Mr. Barlow was brutally honest saying: Gary said: "I want to be encouraging but it was vocally really, really bad." Here here!
Essex boy Rylan Clark divided the judges with his unusual take on Des'ree's Kissing You
Another act that seemed to catch the judges' eyes (for all the wrong reasons) was Essex boy Rylan Clark (Oh shut up!) who explained that Gazzer’s parents had been to see him perform in a Take That tribute band in Ibiza (I kid you not!). While I tried to figure out how he keeps his highlighted blonde locks so shiny, Gary looked extremely puzzled when Rylan chose to sing an unusual version of Des’ree’s Kissing You. The 23-year-old who admitted to spending thousands on his appearance (apparently he is a male model) divided the judging panel. He didn’t leave a lasting impression on my mind, but hopefully he will step his tan, I mean singing, up a gear at bootcamp.
Studmuffin Kye Sones from Middlesex took the judges by surprise (especially Rita Ora) with his quirky mash-up of R.I.P with Swedish House Mafia’s hit track Save the World Tonight. The 30-year-old chimney sweep put his own stamp on the well-known record making him one of the more memorable contestants of the night. I would love to see him being put in a boyband or should I say manband? I have a fear Kye may be a one-trick pony and may not make it past bootcamp! What do you think?
Lucy's beer fear song shot into the iTunes Top 10 over night
I instantly warmed to 20-year-old songwriter Lucy Spraggan from Sheffield and her hilarious self-penned track Last Night. I found it difficult not to be intrigued by her original and witty song chronicling the pitfalls of partying. It seems that the viewers also loved her audition as Lucy’s song has shot into the iTunes Top 10 over night! It is the first time a contestant's original material has registered on the rankings whilst still in the competition (Hoorah).
Lucy is already an established artist and released her album Top Room at the Zoo independently last year. So of course, I felt obliged to check out some of her other songs – and I was not disappointed! Tea and Toast –Ont’ Sofa is another incredible track. Check it out. There is a slight Kate Nash feel to Lucy’s songs, but she seems even cooler. Watch this space! At long last the X-Factor had become exciting again.
Roll on week three!
Laura Delaney
