On tonight’s X Factor, the remaining 70 all dragged themselves to the second round of bootcamp where one song could change their lives.
With the audience in place and judges at the ready the first contender on stage was Lucy Spraggan singing her original ‘Tea and Toast’. She gave a brilliant performance – but is she too original and talented for the contest? EFwould buy her album tomorrow. Gary Barlow called her performance unbelievable and the song beautiful.
Next to the slaughter – sorry, stage is 23 year old Rylan. The diva has landed with spikes and glitter. Singing The Pussycat Doll’s Dontcha. He managed to spike Dermot in the eye backstage.
Up next, diva number 2 Gathan followed by the acrobatic Nathan and Rough Copy.
Jahmene was up next, with everyone willing him to make amends for yesterday’s poor effort. However the occasion was too much for him and the medics tended to his anxiety. MK1 stepped into the bridge and gave a decent performance with a few bum notes. Jahmene finally got on stage and sang Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?. Based on that melodic performance – yes we will Jahmene! Gary told him that after all the stresses of bootcamp: “The good news is – you can sing!”
Triple J took to the stage and harmonised beautifully to Sweet Child Of Mine.
Rock Chick Melanie Masson blasted her way into the judges’ hearts as did Chris Maloney, flying the flag for the over 28’s. Carolyn Poole followed to emphasise the strength of talent in the Overs category. Further emphasised by Kye Sones who gave a pitch perfect performance. According to Louis he’s now the one to watch.
The groups took to the stage with From Above next up. They sang Maroon 5’s Payphone. The first girl was off the note meaning that the harmonies were all wrong from then on.
Mum of one Jade Ellis was next. The 21 year old sang I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz.Nerves got the better of her and she fumbled her words a bit but managed to pull it back to turn out quite a decent performance.
Joseph Whelan, 26, was up next with his guitar singing U2’s With or Without You. EF were spellbound by his tender rendition of the classic rock song. The judges were equally as impressed as us.
Times Red graced the stage with a trusty guitar. The beautiful boys sang Ain’t Nobody in perfect harmony. Are good looks and perfect harmonies enough to get them through?
James Arthur gave an original take on Take That’s A Million Love Songs – he received a standing ovation from judges and audience. Leanne Robinson likewise impressed, as did Adam Burridge.
Sixteen-year-old Ella Henderson sang Believe by Cher. She had the audience and judges – and EF in the palm of her hand! Nicole was in tears. Wonderful.
With bootcamp over and done, the judges now have the un-enviable task of whittling 70 down to 24. Who made the cut?
The 6 boys are James Arthur, Jahmene Douglas, Nathan Fagan-Gayle , Adam Burridge, Rylan Clarke and Jake Quickenden.
The 6 girls are Ella Henderson, Amy Mottram, Jade Collins, Lucy Spraggat, Leanne Robinson and Jade Ellis.
The Over 28’s are Kye Soanes, Melanie Masson, Nicola Marie, Brad Shackleton, Carolyn Poole and Christopher Maloney.
Representing the groups are MITSOTU, Duke, MK1, Poisonous Twin, Rough Copy and after another a sing-off between Triple J and GMD3, GMD3 made the final cut.
Just when you thought it was over The Boss, Cowell phoned to let the judges in on who they will be mentoring. Gary has the over 28’s, Louis (or Lulu) has the groups, Nicole was given the boys and Tulisa got the girls – judging by her screams she was very happy about that!
Next weekend on The X Factor will see the contestants sing again in the Judges Houses round – who will impress?
