We’ve reached the fifth X Factor live show, and tonight the remaining eight contestants were performing Number One songs!
Lucy Spraggan announced today that she has decided to leave the competition after falling ill last week and receiving a wildcard into this weekend’s show. But, Lucy missed rehearsals this week, and wasn’t well enough to perform tonight. Rest well Lucy, we’re sure we’ll see you again.
The X Factor began tonight with Dermot doing his usual introductions, but with no sexy dancing – where was it? Bring it back next weekend please!
First up tonight was Rylan Clark. In his VT, we saw him take his mentor Nicole back home to Essex. They went to former TOWIE star Amy Childs’ salon where Rylan was given a makeover. It was a fun VT! Rylan’s song tonight was a mash-up of Madonna’s Hung Up, Like A Prayer and Abba’s Gimmie Gimme Gimme. It was a good production, but Rylan’s voice wasn’t up to scratch though. Louis said: “It’s week 5, and we’re half way through and you’re still here! It was over the top, but it was enjoyable.” Tulisa said: “OMG Rylan, that was totes amazing! I know why you’re still standing here, everyone is seeing what we see backstage!” Gary said: “The vocals at the top weren’t too bad this week. After then, it went very chaotic and I enjoyed everything about it apart from you.” Nicole loved her boy!
Second up to the stage tonight were Union J. They were in the bottom two last week, and were very grateful to the judges for saving them. They said: “We’ve been given another lifeline by the judges, so we’ve got to take everything on board now its our second chance.” Their song was Taylor Swift’s Love Story. They harmonised very well with each other, and they all can sing brilliantly! Tulisa said: “First of all, I would like to congratulate Louis for such a brilliant song choice! It all goes to show, song choice is key. Your fans are a load of screaming songs and they all want to see you do that! Well done!” Gary said: “I could hear your voices at last. George, you fit well in the band, visually, I would like to hear you more.” Nicole said: “I thought that was a solid performance. Kudos to Louis.” Louis said: “Guys, you made the right decision saving the boys last week. You could be the next big boy band!” Well done Union J!
Next up was Kye Sones. In his VT, we saw his elation at receiving a tweet from Robbie Williams. We also saw Kye go back to see his brother at work as a chimney sweeper. His brother is the blond version of him!! His song was the New Radical’s You Get What You Give. As much as we like Kye, we can’t help but think it was a bit karaoke tonight for him. He’s a good performer though and he looked as if he was having fun on stage. Nicole said: “Were you inspired by Robbie’s performance last week? You had so much energy, charisma. You did a really good job!” Louis said: “You came out there and delivered tonight!” Tulisa said: “I think your energy and vocal performance totally turned it around and you made the song your own.” Gary said: “A compliment from Louis? Amazing! You’re showing people out there what a versatile performer you are. Well done.”
The lovely James Arthur was next, and in his VT he said: “I thank the lucky stars that I got through the first auditions ofThe X Factor. It’s changed my life around.” We also saw how much support his family has given him. We also saw him being given a master class by No Doubt, and he performed Don’t Speak to them. Gwen Stefani told him: “Thanks for choosing that song. That was cool. You did a great job.” His song tonight was the brilliant Don’t Speak. It was a good rendition of the classic, and he added a rap in the middle which made the song his own. We liked it! Louis said: “I love the way you take a chance every week, and take a well known song and give it The James Arthur treatment.” Tulisa said: “That performance was stripped back this week, I felt like I was watching James Arthur at his concert. It was wicked!” Gary said: “Another brilliant performance. You seem to pull it out of the bag. It wonderful. I always look forward to you.” Nicole said: “Even though I’m your mentor, I watch you up there and I’m in awe of you. I respect you so much. People don’t realise how hard you work. You blow my mind, man.” Well done James!
Next to the stage was Tulisa’s last remaining girl, Ella Henderson. In her VT she said: “The last two weeks, I’ve kind of lost myself. I’ve let the themes get to me. This week, I want to go back to my routes, and how I was at my last audition.” Ella had a master class with No Doubt and they loved her. Her song was Katy Perry’s Fireworks, stripped down and raw. With only a piano accompanying her, she was truly magical. Ella captured our attention and we even felt emotional whilst listening to her. Well done Ella. Gary said: “Congratulations, simplicity is the key to this competition for you. One slight criticism, the key was slightly too high, but well done.” Nicole said: “For one moment, I forgot I was on The X Factor, I saw fireworks, it was like I was in a movie. I’m really proud of you baby girl.” Louis said: “Tulisa, a brilliant song choice. You are smelling brilliant and you’re looking smoking!” Tulisa was very proud of her protégé.
District 3 were up next, and in their VT we learnt that they met at school and they’ve been friends ever since. They had a master class with No Doubt, and loved it! We saw them rehearse choreography with girls, and they said: “We’re not very good at interaction with girls!” Their song tonight was Taio Cruz’ Dynamite. It wasn’t good, it was very shaky and verging on cheesy. We’re thinking that District 3 could be in the bottom two this weekend. Tulisa said: “Oh guys, I love you but Louis, you got it wrong this week I’m sorry. Over-stepped the cheese mark. You all looked awkward. But you were given too much.” Gary said: “I have to think back to when we first saw you, and you were very technical vocal harmony band. You’ve gone lost.” Nicole said: “Louis, you got it wrong with the song. If we were at the Mickey Mouse club, it would be amazing, but this is X Factor – they’ll eat you alive.” Louis thought it was fantastic.
It was then time for Jahmene Douglas to take to the stage. We saw him take Nicole back to where he used to work in Asda, and Nicole got the chance to try it out. She was excited. His song tonight was Beyonce’s Listen. Now, we like this song, and whenever we hear it we think of Alexandra Burke’s duet with the woman herself in the final back in 2008. Will he make this song his own? Yes he did. He sang his heart out and was a class act! Louis said: “That is how its done. The vocal performance of the night, by a mile.” Tulisa said: “Yeah, I’m speechless. I’ll see you at the finals right? I’ve never heard a women sing that as good as Beyonce, never mind a man. You killed it!” Gary said: “You killed that song tonight! Your talent is amazing. Well done.” Nicole said: “You little slice of heaven, you. I’m so proud of you. You light the torch for so many people.” Good job Jahmene!
Last but not least tonight was Christopher Maloney. He was struggling with the comments the judges gave him about not being current, and after a talk with No Doubt and Gary Barlow, he felt very better. His song tonight was All By Myself by Eric Carmen. Good to see Gary and Chris haven’t been listening to the other judges’ critique. It was a nice performance and he did hit the top notes, but we’re not keen on Christopher. Nicole said: “I’m a sucker for that song. It really pulls at my heartstrings. Enjoy it and embrace it. You did an amazing job.” Louis said: “It was a really big song to pick, and you hit the big notes, but I do feel like we’re in a time machine.” Tulisa said: “For the first time ever, I loved your song choice, your vocals were brilliant, but its taken five weeks to get to this.” Gary said: “You are delivering to your public, and you sing it incredibly well every week.”
Who did you like tonight? We loved Union J, Ella Henderson, James Arthur and Jahmene Douglas. Who will leave tomorrow night? Tune into ITV1 at 8pm for the Live Result Show.
