X Factor Live Shows Begin!
The nights are drawing in, the weather’s getting colder and Christmas gifts are creeping into the shops. And, with the return of autumn comes the return of the annual farce that is the X Factor.
This weekend kicked off the first live shows and the 12 contestants plus one wildcard sang for the first time. The wildcard concept, both pointless and far from being a surprise as it is used every year, meant that Christopher was given another chance – which he used to demonstrate his talent by singing a cheesy Mariah Carey cover.
It’s good to know that some things remain the same every year. Louis Walsh is still beaming away and telling every act that they remind him of a young (insert name of ageing pop star here). Dermot is still doing his ridiculous dance at the start of every episode (although at least he has the decency to look embarrassed about it). And of course, there is the token novelty act that everyone loves to hate but will end up going far enough in the competition until the public finally thinks “enough is enough” and votes them out. For me, all was forgiven for Rylan after the hilarious reaction he had to getting through to the live shows at the judges house – funniest TV I’ve seen in a while.
The producers are obviously trying to make the show more relevant – everything is shinier, the contestants songs are more modern with different arrangements, mash-ups and they are also given the chance to perform songs they’ve written themselves. However, despite there being some great singers in the contest, the judges and their banter still provide the most entertainment. For me, the most fun thing is seeing what they are wearing to the live shows every week – and you have to feel for Tulisa, who has now found herself in competition with the effortlessly stylish and model-like Nicole. The battle of the dresses has already commenced, with Nicole choosing a sheer black number for the first episode, while Tulisa went for a prom-style navy dress, teamed with a statement necklace.
As usual, there was the arguing between the judges as Gary Barlow continued trying to be the new Simon Cowell – grumpy yet honest. He declared Union J’s song choice as “the worst song choice on X Factor” and admitted he was embarrassed to be there after Rylan’s camp performance. “At least I don’t play it safe,” Louis defended himself when attacked. “Neither do i. I let contestants sing their own songs that they’ve written!” Tulisa shot back. Not really a steady defence as we’ve already seen that Lucy Spraggan can’t sing any other songs apart from her own.
The first results are now in, and after a half hour re-cap of the night before, with Leona Lewis being wheeled out and Ne-yo performing (wearing a hat with his own name on it) we have finally discovered that Carolynne will not be returning next week. The first show, of course is already surrounded in controversy as a talented singer lost out to a comedy act because Louis, the only original member of the judging panel, failed to make a decision.
The drama, the fashion, the banter is well worth watching – can’t wait for next Saturday!
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