Hello everyone!  I had a good week at work mostly doing letters, as the secretary was on holiday or at least looking after her grandson all week!  I enjoyed relaxing at home with my beloved each evening this week.  On Wednesday evening Julie from Pieroth came to give us a wine tasting session, so we were able to order our favourites.  Last night we shared a bottle of champagne from Waitrose, which was lovely. 

This evening we are watching the X Factor, as we record it for Cathy. Jamie gave a great performance of Radio Ga Ga by Queen to open the show, we enjoyed it despite Danni’s less than enthusiastic comments, Louis’s downbeat comments about him being only an OK singer, and Cheryl endorsing his act with a proviso concerning his hair, only Simon gave him a proper comment and the audience just loved his performance; the audience’s reaction was the most important for him. 

Lloyd as usual did not do justice to his song, ‘A crazy little thing called love’, Danni thought it was his best performance, Louis thought it was better than last week, Simon thought it was too big for him but commented that Lloyd seemed to be enjoying his performance more this week, and Cheryl thought he had come into his own; I suppose it was better than last week’s performance but still weak in our view.  Ollie gave a good performance of ‘Don’t stop me now’ but his voice was swallowed up in the music, so my beloved thought, but he always does put everything into his performance, despite his broken finger! 

My beloved thought Joe would be good in musical theatre but, he's not really a pop artist; he did well but not as well as last week in Simon’s opinion, but he did a quite good performance, but not fulfilling his potential.  The twins rapped and tried to sing ‘Under Pressure’ by Queen, incorporating a Vanilla Ice rap, but it was terrible as usual as far as I am concerned; Simon’s comment was that to comment on John and Edward, he has to enter into the ‘Jedward’ world and judge them within it!!  Simon does respect them for not whining about the attitudes of people. 

Stacey has a lovely natural personality and tonight she showed that she has, possibly, the best voice in the competition; it was certainly her best vocal.  I did not really like the song, ‘Who wants to live forever?’, but it did show off her vocal talent better.  I thought Danyl’s performance was very good, although we have heard better performances; my beloved wondered where Danyl the performer had gone, the show seeming to celebrate blandness in those who are not totally hopeless performers; he is just so afraid of being seen as too cocky, so does not perform as well as he initially did.  I have to watch it to edit and record it for Cathy, so she keeps up with it! 

This is the day that the Lord has made and, X-Factor notwithstanding, I rejoice and am glad in it.

Hello everyone!  Last night we watched the X Factor, as we were recording for my daughter, even though my beloved finds it annoying.  The first performer Stacey sang a favourite of mine, the Son of the Preacher man, sung so well by Dusty Springfield; she sang it quite well but without much emotion and she did not seem sexy even in her sexy outfit.  Ollie gave a good performance and sang  his song competently.  Lloyd, as usual, did not perform well ; he was completely out of his depth.  Jamie’s performance received great praise from the judges, although we did not enjoy it as much as some of his other performances.  Our favourite performance was definitely Danyl’s, he is so obviously the most talented performer with the strongest voice; it was excellent and I am sure he will have a career even if he does not win.  Lucy sang well and seemed to enjoy herself but, she seemed to have an American twang to her voice, and does not have star quality.  ‘Jedward’, the annoying twins, could not kill ‘Ghostbusters’ as they did not need to be able to sing, so it was their most genuine performance, but I still wish they were not in the competition.  They don’t seem to realise that they are being laughed at by the Media or, they are very thick skinned.  Joe’s performance was better than last week, always able to sing, but more in a musical like the Lion King, which the song choice proved.  I am sure the wrong one will be leaving the show, not Lloyd or Jedward! 

Hello everyone! I am now going to share my thoughts on the X Factor Show last night. I made the notes last night, but I am only just posting them today. The first group of girls called, 'Kandy Rain' gave a good performance, although I did not think the outfits were suitable. I did not mean that they drew attention to their past as strippers, but that they did not need to dress in that way to make themselves sexy. I was shocked by the attitude of Cheryl towards them; there was no need for her to be so personal!

Rachel gave an excellent performance, although her lovely voice was not shown off to its best advantage; she is certainly very talented.

Oli gave a good performance and made the song his own. I was struck by the fact Robbie felt he had found a friend in Oli; it confirmed that he was as nice as he seemed to be.

Rikki had the wrong song to sing and the outfit did nothing for him at all. He looked uncomfortable most of the time.

We both love Stacey. She is such a lovely person and such a talented singer. She always makes us feel happy so we have to smile in response. In fact I just smile when I think of her. Her comments when she met Robbie Williams were just so natural and enthusiastic. She would be a pleasure to know.

The group 'Miss Frank' gave a very good performance; it was really impressive. The other two singers sang as well as the one who is always a good performer.

Jamie gave a star performance as we expected. We love him too. I was annoyed that Louis was attacking his performance unfairly. There was no need unless he felt that he posed a threat to his acts.

Lloyd Daniel gave an awful performance, not even being in tune at the start, but I expect he will stay in the competition as he is a good looking young man.

I thought that Lucie Jones sang well but it would have been wiser not to try a Leona Lewis song, as she will always be compared with her. Simon's comments were pertinent in all cases I felt. I really respect his opinions as he is usually very fair.

John and Edward do not appeal at all to us and thought their performance was terrible as expected, though the best I had ever seen them do; they have no charisma or talent at singing. I just cannot understand how they got this far.

Joe is another one we love. He too has a gorgeous smile and a great stage presence; he is a real pop star!

Danyl was brilliant and gave a superb performance; Simon said that he gave an outstanding performance. What saddened me was the nasty comment that Danni Minogue made about him being bisexual! She made no comment about his great performance; I felt it was totally uncalled for.

The talent this year apart from John and Edward is greater than last year, but the judges' comments are spoiling it this year! Making constructive comments such as Robbie Williams did and Simon does is what the competition needs.

Hello everyone!  I have to admit that I don’t understand Kylie’s appeal, especially after her performance. 

Great! Rhydian is through to the final sing-off, thank goodness, but so is Leon!  I just hope that the country make the right choice and choose the only one left with the X Factor.  

Leon would need a miracle for me to believe in him, especially as he keeps missing the notes, and it grates with me, as he makes an effort, but falls far short in my opinion.  I feel that Same Difference would have done it better, or they couldn’t have done it worse.

If Leon wins, it would be a travesty, as Rhydian has so much more talent.  I know Rhydian has a future, whatever the result.

Well done Rhydian!  As Louis said that was a polished performance, and made the song so special.  Yes he definitely has the X Factor, and he will always be my star.  He has such special gifts and he is such a lovely person, who seems amazed by the comments.  He deserves to win! 

What a travesty!  Leon does not deserve to win.  Rhydian is still the winner as far as I am concerned.  He can sing, whereas Leon cannot!  Rhydian still has the X Factor.

Hello everyone!  Now the X Factor final is beginning, so we shall see what happens.  Same Difference came on first with an extravaganza of sparkle and fun, singing ‘All I want for Christmas is you’; it was a good opening act.  They can entertain and are obviously very popular with the young ones.  They are professional, even though they do not do my favourite music; they are a pure pop act, which is not what I look for in music.  However they always make me feel happy, as they have such a positive approach.

Leon has been classed by them as the Crooner, which I think is too high an accolade for him.  He was singing a classic, ‘I’m dreaming of a white Christmas’, which I think he did not do justice to!  He still seemed frightened and lacking in confidence; I just do not agree with any judge except Simon, that he did not compare to the first act.

Rhydian! Rhydian! Brilliant once again!  His performance was moving and beautifully sung.  He definitely has the X Factor.  The description of him as ‘the Voice’ is so accurate.  As my beloved said, ‘He is the consummate musician and performer!  I look forward to each song he sings, and I hang on every word and each minute of his amazing performance.

Same Difference with Jason Donovan went very well; an enjoyable performance, but they are not in the same league as Rhydian.

Wow, Rhydian and Catherine Jenkins, what a combination!  I am so glad he chose that song, as he sings it perfectly.  There is no contest in my view, as he has a special talent, and as Catherine Jenkins rightly said, ‘he has such charisma!’

Leon did not come on very confidently and I did not like what he was performing with Kylie. 

Same Difference’s last performance was not as enjoyable for me, as the other two; I don’t know the song.  Louis was so mean, even though they are not the best in my opinion, they do not deserve such remarks.  Sharon has gone up in my opinion in her defence of them against Louis. 

Leon was doing his last performance, thank goodness, though it was his best performance of the evening.  He is definitely not good enough to win in my opinion.

What a finale!  Nothing can top Rhydian’s performance!  I long to hear him again!  I just love the way he sings ‘Somewhere’ so passionately and wonderfully.  He has won, as far as I am concerned, whatever the result!

Hello everyone!  Nicki’s opening song was rather dreary, as Simon said, and I agree.  Her quieter singing is better than when she sings loudly as it comes over as rather harsh.  It was not her best performance.

Danni introduced Leon as ‘Brave Heart’!   I don’t think so, even if he is a Scot.   Leon seemed to be out of tune.  I found it excruciating!  I agree with Simon, that it was his weakest performance. Even his mentor agreed that he was out of tune!  Leon appreciates all the comments, including Simon’s, which is to his credit.

Rhydian gave such a moving performance of a song I love, ‘Bridge over Troubled Water’; it was excellent and I had to concentrate on every moment.  Louis even said that it was the best performance of the night and I certainly agree.  Sharon also thought he was very good.  Simon was spot on with his comment that it was fantastic, in a different league; absolutely correct!!  It was his best performance of the competition!  He was so humble as he acknowledged his mentor’s choice of song; for me he continues to be amazing!

Same Difference a lively good performance.  They enjoy themselves and deserve to have got this far.  They should be in the final.  They accept everything thrown at them in criticism, especially Louis’s cutting remarks.

Nicki’s second performance was better at first until she raised her voice and then it became grating for me.  The more gentle singing still suits her voice better, I feel.  Simon said it was a better performance apart from the shouting in the middle.

Leon is the Scottish sweetheart in Danni’s opinion but not mine!  He chose a great song, but I did not enjoy his performance.  He seems to try too hard and still does come over as lacking in confidence; in my opinion he is still a frightened boy rather than a man!  It was better than the first performance, but not good enough.

Rhydian, as I expected, (he has never disappointed me!) gave an amazing second performance.  It is a song I love, which he sang with great feeling and expression.  As Simon said, he is an excellent singer, whose performance is always professional.  He can see him as an international star.  I can’t wait to buy his album!

Same Difference, the legacy of bullying does continue!  My elder daughter was bullied and has always had more difficulty with relationships than her younger sister, so I can really understand Sarah’s pain.  They sang the last song in a heart felt way; it was an emotional performance and it was enough I hope to keep them in. 

The best final for me would be Rhydian, Same Difference and Nicki.  Of course Rhydian is my favourite and deserves to win if enough people vote.

Hello everyone!  Rhydian’s opening performance was excellent!  He made Freddy Mercury’s song his own; a wonderful exciting performance!  He owned the song and the stage. Rhydian does not realise how good he is.  There is no arrogance at all now, not since the auditions; he is a lovely modest charismatic performer; I love him!  His second performance was excellent too; he actually made me like a song, which I usually do not like!  He felt his performances were below par!!! Rhydian, not for me!!  My husband’s words were, ‘below par with Rhydian is head and shoulders above the rest!’  His sheer professionalism and versatility are, for me, second to none.  My beloved and I do not share Sharon’s view that Leon sings with more heart than Rhydian.  To say that is in our opinion a travesty, as Rhydian always sings from his heart, and his eyes communicate with me!

Hope’s first performance had some good harmonies, but their solo performances let them down badly.  I really admire Simon, as he is the only judge who is prepared to criticise his own acts.  I much preferred their second performance, as they were full of energy and singing better, although they are not in Rhydian’s league. 

Nicky’s first performance did not impress us as much as it did the judges.  She does have a good voice, but not in my opinion the X Factor.  Her second performance was preferable to the first.  I must admit Louis has really annoyed me tonight with his personal vindictive remarks to the others. I am not surprised that Simon has retaliated a bit, albeit in a less vindictive way.

Leon put on his best performance so far with his first performance, although unlike Sharon, I do not see his heart in his performance, as I do whenever Rhydian performs.  Leon’s second performance was certainly not very good, in our opinion.

Same Difference was the same cheesy, schmaltzy, but downright professional performance, as my beloved said!  We did not find the second performance as good, but it was lovely to see their professionalism and obvious enjoyment.

Hello everyone!  I have just been watching the X Factor show with my beloved.  Once again Rhydian stood out with his excellent performance tonight.  He was absolutely brilliant!  I just couldn’t take my eyes off him as he sang.  He made the song so special!  Andrew Lloyd Webber’s loss is most definitely our gain! (as Sharon pointed out tonight, he was not successful in the auditions for ‘Any dream will do’ on BBC 1.) He is so versatile and I love to see his talent each week.  He is as my beloved said, sensational! 

What about the other acts?  Beverley was not special as I love that song.  Same Difference gave a good performance of pop music, and makes us feel happy, but they are just not in the same league as Rhydian.  Hope was disappointing for me.  Although Leon was giving his best performance so far, it is just not good enough to stay in the competition, as far as I am concerned.

No for me, only Rhydian has the X Factor!

Hello everyone!  We have just been watching the X Factor and have seen three performances so far.  The first one was Leon and he did his best performance so far, but he is still not good enough, in my opinion. 

Nicky’s singing was quite good, but I agreed with Simon that the performance was not very good at all.

 Rhydian’s performance was not his best but I still loved watching him and seeing his enjoyment as he performed.  It did seem camp, but his singing was still excellent, but I don’t think it showed him at his best.  I really find him such a charismatic guy, and I do hope he does alright tonight.  Whether he wins or not he definitely has the X factor, as far as I am concerned.

Hope, the girl group can sing and put on a good performance, which they did and they do gel well together.  I still do not see them as the best, but I do like them.

Beverley gave a reasonable performance, but not her best I fear.  She has a great singing voice but I was not sure that song showed it off to the best.

Alisha obviously enjoyed the song, which I love, but her voice is not so strong, and I did think she was flat.  However she looked really at home on the stage, and I did not notice the dancers round her, as I was focussed on her performance, which was better.

Same Difference’s performance was certainly not the best and it could mean they are in the bottom two.  I really like them as people, but the song did no favours.  Tonight’s show was the least enjoyable for me.  At least there was Rhydian and Hope, whose performances were the best tonight.  I always love to see Rhydian, as he is so professional.  I hope the next week’s theme is better than disco.  I was not so keen on the music chosen tonight.  Rhydian is the only performer we can rely on.  I would love to see him perform, but he will probably be too good to come to our town.  It was great when we saw ‘Journey South’ when they came here and I know that Rhydian is so special that I would love to see him live!  I really don’t know how the vote is going to go!