There may have only been a mere eight minutes of singing in the X-Factor this weekend instead of the usual packed rounds of auditions, but it was just enough time to discover Joseph Whelan (swoon).
The 26-year-old from Wolverhampton was by far the most memorable contestant of the night. He already looks like a popstar with his bulging biceps, sleeve tattoo, boyband looking outfit (camel-coloured pants and a white t-shirt) and a perfectly chiselled face. Based on his attire, I was half expecting the tool salesman to something along the line of The Wanted or JT, but I was pleasantly surprised when he belted out a version of Led Zeppelin’s Whole Lotta Love.
I was impressed with his sexy rock sounding voice along with his confidence and ability to work the stage. I thought things couldn’t get cuter, until Joseph’s adorable four-year-old made an appearance on stage. Speaking about what encouraged him to face the judging panel and audition, he said: "Well the reason that I’m here today is because I really want to try and give my son the best life possible, I’d feel complete in life if i could do that." Ah bless!
Not surprisingly, Joseph (who started to look more and more like Colin Farrell by the end of his audition) scored a golden ticket to bootcamp from all of the judges. Louis was quick to praise the contestant saying: "You've got an amazing talent, you've got an authentic rock voice"
Gary Barlow agreed, describing him as "absolutely awesome," while Melanie Brown equally seemed impressed by his audition saying: "You smashed it. You're really hot, you've got great tattoos, and you smash things up with tools, and then you sing...done." Here here!
Joseph Whelan impressed the judging panel (and the ladies') with his performance
Just when I thought the eye-candy quota had been filled for the night, out popped another hunky singer. Lifeguard Jake Quickenden (23) delivered a sensational version of Kings of Leon’s Use Somebody. I have a feeling that Gary will be pushing to put this youngster in a boyband. Mr. Barlow was full of compliments saying: "I love your voice, I love your image, I thought it was a great song choice for your audition today, you were fantastic well done."Jake explained that his performance was inspired by his late dad, who died from cancer. It was a heartfelt and stunning audition. I can’t wait to hear more from this guy at bootcamp!
Jake Quickenden auditioned in Manchester with a sensational version of Use Somebody
It wasn’t just the male contestants who wowed the judges up north. Full-time mum, Melanie Masson initially came across as being shy and timid and unable to follow her dream to be an international singer due to her lack of confidence. The 44-year-old music teacher and part-time fairy (I kid you not), set the bar high for the overs with her passionate rendition of Cry Baby by Janis Joplin. It was the peformance of the night!
Melanie led the judges to believe that this was her first attempt at trying to have a music career saying: 'Music is the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do but I feel it’s kind of make or break now. I’m going to sing today like it’s the last time I’m ever going to sing." However, this morning reports have surfaced suggesting that Melanie released a single back in 2007 and was signed to industry giants EMI (yikes). Do you think contestants should be allowed enter the show if they have previously been signed?
Melanie is said to have released a single back in 2007 and was signed to record label EMI
Nicola-Marie Bloor literally drove the judges gaga with her Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga tribute act, but I took a shining to the Derby lass. She blamed her nerves for her constant chatter which made Louis compare her to TV presenter Davina Mc Call. The 35-year-old had the panel on the fence with her rendition of Taylor Dayne’s 1988 hit Tell It To My Heart. Gary was not impressed at all with her performance saying: "I didn't really enjoy the audition, I found it dated and ultimately I'd find you really annoying if you were in my category."
I agreed with Spice Girl Mel C when she said: "I properly loved it, it was full on. Yeah, it is a little bit dated, so what, but you grabbed my attention." It was an energetic and lively performance that made the show a bit more entertaining.
Nicola-Marie Bloor received mixed reviews from the judging panel
It looks like X-Factor viewers and fans may be over hearing the personal stories and would rather tune in to hear some music. Usually by episode three I have a long list of contestants to watch out for at bootcamp, but this year I count all of the contestants on one hand.
With Saturday’s show pulled in 8.1million viewers compared with the 11.1million who tuned in for the third one of the 2011 series, I for one can't wait for the lives already!
Laura Delaney
