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For the last couple of weeks, we’ve been so busy being shocked (and, occasionally, horrified) by contestants’ departures, that the people left in have been somewhat overlooked. Thankfully, with no shock exit this week (unless you consider it a shock that the public got it right for once), it allowed me to take stock of who’s still in.
And, straight away, I noticed one worrying thing: they’re, generally, very good. How has this happened? In previous years, I’ve been lucky to like two of them, but they’re definitely a more evenly matched bunch this year, and it does genuinely (oh, Simon would be proud) seem that anyone could win. So let’s see who stood out in this weekend’s ‘love and heartache’ themed episodes.
Of course, there was Janet. Mercifully ditching her Edwina Scissorhands outfit from last week’s results show, she delivered another beautiful, and (this time) understated performance. Let’s face it, though, she didn’t even need to sing this week to get through, as she opened up about never being part of the ‘cool’ gang at school, and explained how her grandfather had died during the week. Of course, I feel extremely sorry for her, but watching X Factor since series 2 has taken its toll, and I found myself moaning: “Well that just added another hundred thousand votes on.”
She was by no means the only girl to stand out, though, with fellow competitors Misha and Sophie (yes, Sophie!) also delivering knock-out blows. Misha’s vocal was just flawless, and I was delighted that she left out the silly rap that so interrupted her otherwise brilliant rendition of Adele last week. As for Sophie, I loved how her performance was just her stood on a box, with no topless, fornicating dancers, or overpowering choir in the background. We were allowed to look at, and listen to, her and her alone, and she certainly showed her mettle.
On the subject of choirs, the one that was forced on Sami didn’t get a look in as they were completely drowned out by her stunning set of lungs. Obvious song choice, maybe, but no one can deny she put it down!
Other successes were, once again, The Risk, who are already X Factor’s best boyband ever (insincere apologies to One Direction fans), just as Rhythmix are, by far, the best girlband. I suppose it’s just novel that all of the group members sound great individually, and still sound great when they come together.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t all good news, as the boys fared less well than they should have done, despite Gary’s protestations that their performances were the best of anyone ever. OK, Craig and Marcus were as likeable as ever, with some great moments in both of their performances, but, overall, they fell short of previous efforts. And poor Marcus did seem to struggle with his ‘serious face’ didn’t he?
Faring considerably worse was Frankie, thoroughly deserving of his place in the bottom 2, who performed like he was battling a severe bout of constipation. Kitty was also underwhelming, with the recreation of the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party just being too distracting, and I couldn’t actually tell you how well she sang, even if you held me at gunpoint. (Well, I suppose I could think of something if you were so inclined to do that…)
Have I missed anybody? Oh, yes. Johnny. Johnny, Johnny, Johnny. After a ridiculous performance, Gary thought he’d got the slam-dunk with his Aladdin quip, only for Johnny, in a masterstroke of comic timing, and quick-fire wit, to reply: “You can rub my lamp any time, Gary.” Move over Robin Williams, there’s a new genie in town. Johnny to win!
Finally, last and most definitely least, we had to say goodbye to Nu Vibe. “With or without you?” they wailed. Without you. Definitely without you.
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