It was all about a Frankie Cocozza wannabe, a scantily clad limelight-hogging Britney impersonator, a heckling third wheel that was only short of doing the famous Inbetweeners holiday dance on stage, and a singing diva who managed not to butcher a well-known Adele track, on this week’s X-Factor double extravaganza.
He may not have the name of seven female conquests on his rear end, but cheeky chappie Eddy String (real name Ed Wilkinson) definitely fancied himself as the next Frankie Cocozza with a pinch of Russell Brand thrown in for good measure. Sure, he may have the rock n’ roll messy yet somehow perfectly styled hair down-to-a- tee and super skinny jeans that would cut the blood circulation out of his poor legs – but I have a feeling that this may just bring a bit of pizzazz to the competition.
If Eddy took his hyper and over-animated persona down a notch, and Louis decided to put him in a group, I reckon he could be the next Harry Styles. This guy is like marmite, you will either love his attempt to stand ‘out-of-the box’ or he will grate under your skin and have you running for the hills. Eddy seemed more interested in making the audience crack up with his witty responses and jibes at Mr. Barlow, but his version of Last Night proved to be the real joke of the night.
He successfully shouted his way through the song, while shaking his thang on the judges table (cringetastic). I can’t help but feel that his performance was a little staged. Either way, I was taken in by Eddy’s charming ways and inability to get embarrassed despite Gazzer’s sharp words. I hope he can step his game up and at least make it past bootcamp!
Frankie Cocozza/ Russell Brand wannabe Eddy String
My favourite performance of the night came from GMD3 who delivered a soulful rendition of Boys II Men’s I’ll Make Love to You. The adorable band made up of 17-year-olds Mickey and Greg and 19-year-old Dan met at school and have been involved as a band for the past 18 months. However, it seemed likes these lads were together for years. The harmonies were beautiful and pitch perfect. They glided through the song with ease and looked at home on the stage.
I have a great feeling about this group and believe that they have potential to be the ‘next big thing.’ Ahem, move over JLS, The Wanted and One Direction. I just hope that Louis and the gang don’t throw an extra member or two into the group.
Gary also loved their performance, saying: “I’ve got a feeling you’re going to need to get used to this. That really was a terrific audition.
“Individually your voices are excellent but when you blend together it’s like listening to one sound. It is absolutely gorgeous, it’s so exciting to see this. It's a massive yes from me.” Here here!
Meanwhile, Louis was quick to compare the delighted group to JLS, while guest judge Nicole Scherzinger told them: “You all rehearsed yourselves, prepared yourselves, you guys were ready and all you needed was an opportunity and this is your opportunity.”
Tulisa was also full of praise for the boys and added: “Not only are you a good looking band your vocals are so on point it’s like you’re ready to go.”
GMD3 set the bar high for the groups
The real cringe factor of the night came when Britney Spears impersonator, Lorna Bliss, decided to make yet another appearance on a reality show. The clearly fame hungry 33-year-old (who is rumoured to be a stripper in several media sources) certainly didn’t change the world with her barely there outfit and bum notes. Taking to the stage in a fish-net body stocking (I kid you not) and a lime-green bikini, Lorna gave Gary a workout as he quite literally ran away from the racy contestant. The judges saw right through her limelight-hogging audition and sent her packing before she got the chance to say ‘Oops I did it again’ (Oh dear).
Oops she did it again - Britney impersonator Lorna Bliss made a holy show of herself
It may sound like the name of a clothes shop or some sort of math formula, but MK1 are in fact a band, who aspire to be the next N-Dubz.
While at least two members of the band hit more notes than Tulisa did on her entire debut album, the third band member proved to be nothing than a hype man. He claimed to be the band’s producer and songwriter but Will (27) who ironically reminded me of Will from the Inbetweeners proved to be substantially weaker than the other two members. The group sang Read All About It mixed with Written in the Stars by Professor Green, Emilie Sande and Tinie Tempah, but Will managed to take away from Charlie’s angelic voice with his random shouting.
Although it seemed like the noble thing to do walking away from the band, I am a bit sceptical about his good deed. I mean he did demand 33 per cent of the bands profits after all!
MK minus the one - Will walked away from the band demanding 33 per cent of their earnings
Essex girl Amy Mottram was eagerly awaiting her sixteenth birthday so she could apply for the X-Factor – and boy-oh-boy was this girl worth the wait! Amy wowed the judges with her rendition of Adele’s One and Only and sailed through to bootcamp. I was amazed at the confidence and soul in her voice. A star in the making. Watch this space!
Essex singing sensation Amy Mottram is a star in the making
At long last the competition has finally warmed up. It looks like I may have a strong list of 'Ones to Watch' in bootcamp after all.
Who will you be rooting for?
Laura Delaney
