It was all about cheesy backdrops, spandex-clad dancers, quirky mash-ups and big ballads, a shaky wildcard revelation, a few wiggles from Dermot, and a controversial elimination - all in the name of ratings on this week’s X Factor first live show.
It was also all about paying tribute to the Olympic and Paralympic athletes and volunteers over the weekend, as 13 anxious contestants were tasked with singing a hero-related song.
The youngest contestant in the competition, 16-year-old Ella Henderson, wowed the judges with her stunning performance of Take That’s Rule the World, prompting Gary to admit that she sang the song 10 times better than his band. There is no denying that the Grimsby-born singer has a beautiful voice, but I find her to be a little bland. Hopefully, she will blossom throughout the course of the series and start to show some more personality and sparkle.
Ella Henderson wowed the panel with her version of Take That's Rule the World
Although I was rooting for Amy Mottram to receive the wildcard, I couldn’t help feel just as satisfied when it was revealed that Christopher Maloney had obtained the most public votes. First and foremost this is a singing competition, but Christopher has a likability factor that will see him go far in the competition. Chris managed to recover his composure just on time to deliver a mediocre performance of Mariah Carey’s hit record Hero.
This Liverpudlian has buckets of potential, but the cheesy cruise ship-sounding song failed to showcase his vocal ability. However, considering the circumstances he did extremely well. I was very impressed that he didn’t crack under the pressure. With the right song, Chris could quickly become the dark horse of the competition. I just know he has so much to give!
Chris Maloney won the wildcard vote, making him contestant number 13
Following Sharon Osbourne’s advice that their former name GMD3 sounded "like a virus", this year’s One Direction made up of Dan Ferrari Lane, Greg West and Nicky Parsons decided to change their name to District 3 (someone was clearly inspired by The Hunger Games). The boys are all incredibly adorable and sweet, but I just wasn’t feeling their R&B version of Tina Turner’s classic, The Best. The trio seemed to look rigid on stage, like they weren’t sure what they were supposed to be doing. I’m sure in the coming weeks the amount of attention they are about to receive will settle their nerves and have them owning the stage in no time. Watch this space!
See ya later GMD3! Hello District 3!
Union J sang their little hearts out, but unfortunately their version of Queen’s classic Don’t Stop Me Now was one big snorefest. It was boring, dated and unmemorable. At this stage I am more intrigued to find out if the new addition to the band George Shelley (a young Harry Styles) is dating Ella. Do you think the rumours are true? I have a feeling that these boys won't be sticking around for long. Why-oh-why didn't Louis put George in District 3 instead?
Union J performed a boring rendition of Queen's classic Don't Stop Me Now
Mum-of-two Melanie Masson got a little help from the Beatles this week, while proving that she is strong competition for the Overs. The mum-of-two channelled Woodstock in red flares and a hippy-chic poncho. I adored her interesting twist to the classic track. Glasgow-born Melanie received top praise from the judges, with Nicole claiming that she “took us to the stratosphere; that was crazy”. I am looking forward to Mel’s performance for Rock Week already.
Melanie Masson got a little help from The Beatles
Kye Sones gave Man in the Mirror an edgy twist, but I still prefer Diana Vickers' version on the 2008 show. He is officially back on the market after recently breaking up with his American beauty editor girlfriend to concentrate on his career. Will being single ensure that the ladies keep him in the competition? Kye doesn’t stand out to me. I am intrigued to see how far he will go.
Kye Sones doesn't stand out to me in the competition
Jahmene Douglas’s version of Imagine was simply beautiful. He sang every single word like he meant it. I was captivated by his performance and his incredible vocal range. Nicole brought down the tone by claiming that Jahmene “finally got some balls” to which he nervously giggled off (yikes). I'm delighted that his confidence is starting to grow. Go Jahmene!
Jahmene sang a mesmerising rendition of John Lennon's Imagine
I had high hopes for Jade Ellis, but her version of Enrique Iglesias’s Hero just didn’t cut the mustard. I admired her attempt to put a different spin on the song to make it sound less karaoke-like, but I think she could have delved a bit deeper for her song choice. I have no doubt that she will stay in the competition to the end, but she just needs to think more outside-the-box with her song choices.
I was disappointed by Jade's song choice of Hero by Enrique
He seems to be the show favourite, but James Arthur crumbled under the pressure this week. I appreciated his unexpected song choice of Kelly Clarkson’s Stronger. However, it was one of his weakest performances to date. The rap part saved the day, reminding me that James has something raw and unique. And better yet he has the backing of One Direction! A star in the making!
James Arthur is a star in the making!
I’m delighted that Lucy Spraggan got to sing her own song. That girl knows how to capture a story. I really look forward to seeing her perform each week. Lucy was born to perform. Her self-penned track Mountain was sensational. There was the occasional glitch and not-so-pitch-perfect note, but on the whole it was a brilliant performance.
Lucy Spraggan sang yet another heartfelt self-penned track called Mountain
I can totally see where people are coming from, claiming that Rylan Clark doesn’t deserve to be in the competition and that he is a joke act. I was outraged when he was saved instead of Carolynne Poole, but I can’t help but be slightly intrigued by flamboyant Rylan. He loves the limelight and all eyes on him. His spontaneity makes him an interesting character. I can’t help but be at the edge of my seat, wondering what stunt he is going to pull next. He may not be a great singer, but he certainly has the fun-factor!
Rylan Clark has the fun-factor!
There were definitely a few bum notes and pitching problems with MK1’s performance, but they still delivered a worthwhile performance. The duo are funky, fresh and current and have a huge appeal to today’s chart-music lovers. I was extremely impressed by their confidence, chemistry and the stage production. If only Tulisa could stop saying “urban” all the time!
MK1 have such great chemistry
I don’t know what Carolynne Poole's song choice Starships had to do with the hero theme. It was a pleasant performance and definitely stronger than Rylan’s. I think, like myself, viewers just found it difficult to see where she would fit into the current market. I wish her all the best in the future!
We waved goodbye to Carolynne Poole
The competition is really starting to heat up.
Who will you be voting for next week?
Laura Delaney
