The X Factor

Well it certainly didnt do that, but its not bad.

And a star guest like American Idol

So who do we think will be the acts in the bottom 2 tonight? I think it could be 2 of Louis acts as he seems to have the weakest category. I would love it if he had to choose one of his to send home Hope its not the McDonald Brothers though.

Well, lets start at the beginning with the titles - unoriginal, uninspired and completly unconnected to the show.

The titles desperately needed refreshing but this has been a lazy attempt. An X flying around a bit - not very original!

The old titles clearly had the X as the central theme and also the concept of all the people auditioning. Evolution, not revolution was what was needed here!


On to the set - bigger is not always better! It's just a rip off of American Idol and the general blue colour scheme is just bland. The set may be bigger, but what's the point when it's hardly used!


The format - again they've gone for the American Idol slick look cutting out all of Kate's links and going straight from judge to judge - and then to contestant in what looks like a pre-prepared response rather than an off the cuff response! Also two acts per part dragged a bit!


I do like the new Nokia break stings though!



As for the show itself - well, as I thought there really isn't the talent there - though the judges seemed in a good mood tonight. No one stood out, but (as usual with me probably) it was the acts the judges hated most which too me made the most impact at home.

All the ones they seem to think are brilliant (like Ashley, Leona) are little more than average too me!

Has anybody got a picture of the studio in the "fish eye?" camera?
Im not sure if i like the studio, It looks okay, but there are no X's anymore!

actually, there are 2 X's - one at each side of the set....they double as the supports for the upper part.

I think both look the new graphics and set are fantastic. Vast improvement to last year.

Good job.

So the most interesting act in the competition are out in week 1!


Glad also Ashley was in the "bottom 3" too - even if it's not neccessarily the way the votes were!

Shame the UCs had to go tonight. I liked them.

Thank god there's new opening titles, though I would have preferred a reworked version of the old ones, perhaps with a glossier X and a blue background. Never mind.

The set is a bit big and the American Idol-isation of the show is a bit annoying. All that said, I'm glad TXF live shows have started.

Also the special guest thing really doesn't work - it's pointless!

More seriously though the idea of theming the show each week (ala Pop Idol) just isn't a good one for The X Factor where the strength of the show in the past has been the range of styles the finalists offer.

I would prefer it if the guest actually sat with the judges and offered an unbiased opinion of it all.

There isnt a bottom 3, all of the people who are put through are in no particular order like Kate said. Glad they have got rid of that "we'll find out after the break" bit. That was so tedious and predictable after a few weeks.

Glad the Unconventionals were voted out- they were dreadful. I totally agree with Simon's comments. Glad the MacDonald Brothers made it, although Simon doesnt like them so the minute they are in the bottom 2 they are probably gone.

Ive just seen some of the ITV2 show, and Louis Walsh is trying to defend himself on there "I won last year" - who cares, that is in the past now, its not going to help him win this year is it!