X-Factor: Week One

This is the first live studio week, as the twelve acts go head to head to see who the public votes for. It also beat Strictly in the ratings, but considering how poor the acts are this week, I don't suppose it always will.

First act up were London teenagers Addictiv Ladies who covered Jamelia's Superstar incredibly badly. There were so many missed notes it was embarrassing. The judges' comments were surprisingly average, where only Louis criticised them for not being ready for the big time. They were followed by Shayne from Louis' group who sang Right Here Waiting, although he sang it well it was rather a bland song for a man tipped to win the series. Chico sang for Sharon's Over 25s with a full on version of Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?, his vocals maybe weak (but not as bad as Addictiv Ladies), his dancing was good and the all round entertainment factor was good. Simon hated it of course and there has been a lot of criticism of Chico's inclusion in the competition, and he is as risk of being made a joke. However, he was more entertaining than a lot of the bland ballads we had.

Simon's next group were the two brothers that made up Journey South who did a very good version of Something About the Way You Look Tonight to show that they were Simon's best chance of winning the series. Next was Philip, young, Irish and dull, dull, dull. He sang Amazed complete with laugh inducing shoulder movements. He was described as "Unexciting" by the judges, a sentiment that I thoroughly agree with. He'll get through on the Irish vote though.
Brenda was next, with a glam new look she belted out Son of a Preacher Man and was brilliant.

The Conway Sisters sang Abba's S.O.S, and inspite of some good harmonies they were not that good, and Louis in particular, was very negative (surprising as they were Irish as he was). Simon apologised that he gave them a bad song. Nicholas was up next, for Louis' group. He sang On the Wings of Love and, while he was praised, a lot of comments were made about how old the song was for him. Newlywed Maria took to the stage and sang Emotions excellently and was praised by all judges.

4Tune were the last band. Their rendition of I Want it That Way was OK. Chennai sand last for Louis with Closest Thing To Crazy and I have to join the other judges in their puzzlement at the bland ballads that Louis selected for his group. The show closed with Andy singing The Greatest love of All, which is a song that I don't like, but if I had to listen to anyone's version it may as well have been Andy's as he made it his own and deserved his standing ovation.

Much had been made of Louis having the best category, but for me, Sharon has the best one as even Chico had something more to offer than the boring artists that Louis selected over little James, Alexandra and Trevor.

Come the sing off it was Addictiv Ladies and Chico in the bottom two. No surprise with the former, but perhaps more people than I realise agree with Simon about Chico. At this point the judges decide who goes home. Sharon voted to send the girls home and keep her act, Simon voted to keep his act and send home Chico giving Louis the casting vote. Rightly he sent home Addictiv Ladies.