Wasn’t the unveiling of the X Factor finalists a bit of a damp squib?
Cheryl and Louis are pretty much screwed, Dannii has a strong category but the odds of another girl winning can’t be that great, and Simon’s basically created his own Boys category.
The Boys
Cheryl’s opted for a bit too much of a “cute” category. American Ethan seemed a bit too smug but he would have gone quite far in the competion, as could Duane… instead she’s put three pretty safe boys through who have alot of likeability but not alot of POW. It’ll be interesting to see if she’s basically put three new Eoghan Quiggs through or if she can tailor them to stardom over the next few weeks.
Best Contender: Probably Lloyd Daniels, although Cheryl has to be careful not to style him too “Eoghan”.
Biggest Loss: Ethan’s already got a horrifically massive female fanbase, which would have probably sailed him through to the second half of the live finals.
The Girls
Dannii had some tough choices to make. It was really sad to see the back of former S Club Junior Stacey McClean, though the three girls that have gone through are really quite something. Dannii’s girls could well stay in for a long time, but whether they can win depends on some amazing song choices. Stacey Solomon is one of the most adorable contestants ever, and has a pretty amazing voice as well, Rachel Adedeji has been getting more and more noticeable at every round, and Lucie Jones makes powerhouse singing seem effortless. However if she mentions her small Welsh village ONE MORE TIME…
Best Contender: Stacey Solomon has been one to watch with bookmakers since the very first week… keep an eye on her.
Biggest Loss: Her voice doesn’t seem to have changed since she was a pre-teen singing ‘Automatic High’, but Stacey McClean did at least have a distinctive tone. And credit to her for not bringing up S Club Juniors at every opportunity.
The Over 25′s
In neglecting to bank on Treyc or Nicole, Simon effectively has a better version of Cheryl’s category. Danyl is very love/hate but he’s attracted so much global attention it’d be a shocker if he didn’t go far, or in fact win. Olly’s inclusion in the final few was surprising but he’s a strong performer regardless, and Jamie, if he plays his cards right, could be a contender too. The winner is probably sitting in this category.
Best Bet: Probably Danyl. He’s the bookies’ favourite and his refusal to pay any attention to any form of melody will be just ‘Marmite’ enough to get him through.
Biggest Loss: It would have taken a heart of stone to not feel bad for Nicole, but Treyc had an amazing performance and it’s quite shameful that her personality stopped her going through.
The Groups
Girlband and Bad Lashes put Louis in a vulnerable position last year, and this year could well go a similar way. Kandy Rain have had alot of press attention but minimal airtime, and their vocals have never been overly impressive. Miss Frank are probably the groups’ best chance of going quite far, but John and Edward… not even going to comment. Not. Even. Going. To. Comment.
Best Bet: Miss Frank… but even they aren’t really strong contenders.
Biggest Loss: None of the groups will really be missed, but Harmony Hood perhaps would have been the best replacement for John and Edward.
Next Saturday the fun commences. John and Edward NEED to be out first, but that probably won’t happen given the successes of Daniel Evans and Same Difference in past years. Bet to go first is Kandy Rain. Bet to win is Danyl, but Stacey currently stands as the Trash Lounge contestant of choice.
Underwhelming choice of finalists, but exciting nonetheless. Kind of well done, everyone.
