The X Factor

So Simon makes his decision based on what he thinks the public wants - and then robs the public of their decision by not sending it to "deadlock".


Right choice though - and Andy knew as soon as he was in the bottom two he was a goner and basically gave up.



Re: Dermot - I've questioned his appointment earlier in the season but I think he has finally settled into the role and began to prove himself tonight, I think he's finally thinking of it as his show, not hosting someone elses show.


Regarding Louis though - he's worse than ever this year and proving beyond doubt that they were wrong to bring him back. I think next year they might go back to three judges, keeping Danni and bringing in someone to replace Sharon and Louis.

Ive agreed with Louis more this year than previous years - he thinks that Same Difference are awful for a start.

They really should have been bottom 2 tonight - their performance was embarrassing to watch.

I disagree - I really, really like them - they're good fun and not as bland as some of the other contestants. Leon should have been in the bottom two - but I think he's going to be this years McDonald Brothers and will stick around for a long time.

I think if anyone is this years McDonald Brothers its Same Difference (In my opinion of course)

I also weirdly like Same Difference, i know I shouldn't, and I know it's wrong, but I do. I think it was a travesty that Simon gave them Reach for Big Band week, it was such a lazy choice, but I think this weeks song suited them well, and they performed it much better than the others.

I would like to see them do something different though, mainly to see if they could, though saying that, most people on the programme just sing ballards and never attempt anything light hearted.

I think tonight that the majority should have been in the bottom 2, if only that were possible.

Probably to give Fearne some time to prepare her lines and remember what she's got to say instead of reading the autocue which seems to be a few foot above the actual camera.

Louis is just not liked is he? "off off off off!"

Still, glad that Beverly is still in the competition. They still seem obsessed in getting votes by showing VT of how they've had a hard life etc.. well I don't doubt that and the situations are sad but really..

I think that absolutely the right act went tonight, Andy seems a lovely guy but he just doesn't cut it.

Same Difference were fantastic as usual! I've also finally been won over by Rhydian after being very unsure about him at first - I don't think he's nearly as good as is being made out, but he still does stand out. His vocals aren't always to my liking, the whole opera sound doesn't work and I think it makes his voice sound a bit off at times - but he's getting better and better. He can hit the notes, but I don't think the power is there behind it. Not yet, anyway.

I was thinking as I watched it - I wonder how different it would have been if it'd still been Brian as a judge instead of them bringing back Louis. It's understandable why they made the decision at the audition stage, but I think once it got to the live shows, it would have been really interesting to see what Brian did. He is arguably a lot more in touch with the current music scene than the rest of the judges.

As for next week, I think several of the acts are living on borrowed time. I reckon Hope, Alisha and Leon are the weakest.

Obviously a dead mother who abandons you at six weeks old isn't enough to win the support of the British public!

I agree - hating the sob stories this year.



Two thoughts that popped into my head tonight. Firstly, mainly due to Nikki and the Kelly Clarkson song - haven't we got to the stage where it's basically the same songs each series just sung by different people?


And secondly, I wonder if the change in the bootcamp stage is the reason for the frankly blander line up of acts this year.

This year the four judges had to agree on the final six in each category - and with compromise required you're bound to end up with the safer choices, while when it was one judge basically deciding from the boot camp stage perhaps they were willing to take more risks and trust their own judgement if they see something a bit different.

I definately think they should go back to the old bootcamp style next series.

Looks like it is a jib she's reading to - and by the size of the broom cupboard they are in it probably has to shoot VERY wide - which means you can't use an in-front-of-the-lens autocue hood and have to have an above- or below-the-lens screen instead.

Is it just me or is the competition REALLY poor this year?

You have the Butlins kids: Same Difference.
You have the guy who would sound so much better singing what he should be - West End hits - on state: Rhydian.
You have the cheap copy of Girls Aloud: Hope.
You have the black girl who they give all the big songs to: Beverley.
You have the younger black girl who they give the more fashionable songs to: Alisha.
You have the non-entities: Andy and Leon.
You have the girl who can sing but needs a kick up the arse: Niki.

The other four I can't even remember they were that sh it.

And this is supposed to be the biggest talent competition in the UK? I'm not impressed one bit.