The X Factor

not on a nationwide talent show open for the whole country to view they haven't!

Do you really think the likes of Michelle McManus was selected due to her singing ability?

I agree some of Louis's choices were poor. He has made a huge mistake not putting Alexandra through IMO, she was brilliant, much better than the girl he did put through. I also think Trevor should have gone through instead of Phillip (I wonder if Louis put him through because he is irish ). It does seem that he has put through the best looking contestants because all the girls will vote for them, however this could backfire as it could split the vote.

Im wondering if Louis was reluctant to put the 2 girls through as the girls didnt do well last year. The final 3 acts last year were all male.

Sharon also made a poor decision putting chico through, he isnt a very good singer (fit body though but thats not what this contest is about).

Most of the other decisions I thought were OK and im pleased Shane got through as he is the one ive liked since the start and he will get my vote in the live shows.

Agree with those comments. Alexandra was fantastic and I think what won me over with her was her personality, she was so mature for such a young girl and with an amazing voice. I was also shocked when Trevor didn't get through. Big Mistake! I am also glad that Shane got through. Great voice and a Manchester lad which is a big plus. I'll also be supporting him.

With the groups I think Simon made the best choice out of all three judges and with such a weak category. I agreed with his decision and I'm glad that he put through Addictive Ladies, I'll also be supporting them. Can't wait until the live shows kick off next week.

I think you're right Jez, but not because Louis is Irish but because the show also simulcasts in the Republic - there are two Irish acts this year, the other is one of Simon's groups.

They've got to have something for the Irish Rep viewers to get those phone votes rolling in!

Just wondering whether anybody else see ITV's "NEXT" banner firing off 3 times at the end of last nights first episode. First two times it had the wrong programme information, only getting it right on the last one.

So would they not have put someone from the Republic of Ireland in then, rather than someone from Larne?

Did Sharon or Simon put someone through because they were English? No. That'd be a silly suggestion. So why can you make the same accusation about Louis putting Phillip in the final 4?

That Phillip was put through because of any political decision is ridiculous. He's got a fantastic voice and looks great. His choice of song last night wasn't great, but I think he'll do very well, as will Shane.

Mind you, I said about a guy called Aaron (he was a geordie train driver) in Pop Idol a couple of years ago and he was one of the first ones to leave. I've never understood that.

From the Sunday Mirror

WE WANT X-FACTOR SHAYNE
By Danielle Lawler And Lara Gould
JUDGES are trying to fix X-Factor so heart-throb Shayne Ward scoops the top prize.

The judges and record execs are desperate for the Manchester sales assistant to triumph in December and avoid another flop winner like last year's Steve Brookstein.

Ultimately, the winner will be decided by a public vote - but Louis Walsh, Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne secretly already think Shayne, 20, is one with the next X-Factor.

Last night he took his first steps by charging through to the final 12.

A source close to one of the judges said: "They have made it clear Shayne is their favourite.

"He has everything going for him. He's young, handsome and looks really good on TV - everything Brookstein wasn't."

...and if you believe that, you'll believe anything.

Its no coincidence that Louis picked the three best looking lads, after all the man is gay.

Is he?

Well, duh!