HomeTVThe X Factor: Semi-Final recap

The X Factor: Semi-Final recap

Last night on The X Factor, it was the semi-final! All four acts left in the competition were fighting for their place in next weekend’s final in Manchester. Jahmene, Christopher, James and Union J were all in it to win it!

With no Judges vote this weekend, its all down to the public to pick up the phone and vote for their favourite.

First up was Christopher Maloney. In his VT we saw him meeting up with his Grandmother, and he felt a little it overwhelmed to see her. We saw the support she has given him. His first song this week was the lovely You Raise Me Up. He sang it well, and it was clear that he loved singing it.  To us though, there was nothing special about his performance, apart from a few tuning issues at the end. Nicole told him: “That’s a very hard song to sing, and after that vocal performance, you’ve proved you’re meant to be here Next time though, I would love it if I could feel the performance a bit more.” Louis told him that he was going to change his life. Tulisa said: “I really enjoyed that performance, I think you chose the perfect song choice.” Gary was happy with him: “Wow, how did you manage this? Its about progression with you.”

Next up was Jahmene Douglas. In his VT, we saw him dedicate the song he was about to sing to his older brother Daniel. His brother passed away in 2008 and Jahmene sang this song at his funeral, but couldn’t finish it. We were in tears already. The song was Whitney Houston’s I Look To You and it was truly breathtaking. He sang it with such passion and emotion and captured everyone’s hearts. Nicole was crying in the first ten seconds, as were we! Louis Walsh told him: “You’re in the semi-final and you deserve to be here.” Tulisa said: “You always sing beautifully, and you always sing like you mean it, but that performance was something else. I could feel your emotions on stage.” Gary said: “You can’t underestimate the amount of courage that must have taken.” Gary looked as if he was about to cry.” Nicole couldn’t keep it together, and tearfully said: “You’re so special. Its such a blessing to have you on this show.”

Union J were next, and in their VT we saw them discuss how it felt to be in the bottom two again last weekend. We also saw them discuss their song for this week, and they decided to dedicate their song to their fans. The song was Labrinth’s and Emile Sande’s Beneath You’re Beautiful. They sang their hearts out and we do hope they won’t leave the competition. Josh has a magical voice. All of the judges loved their performance. We loved it! GO UNION J!

It was then James Arthur’s time to take to the stage, and he dedicated his song to his siblings. Telling Nicole how much he admired his siblings, he wanted to make them proud. His song was One by U2. He was it with gusto and passion, and we couldn’t help but think that this man has everything it takes to make it big! Louis told him: “James, every week you bring something different and original.” Tulisa said: “That was a performance worthy of going through to the final. I’m kinda tired of hearing everyone saying if you don’t win, you’ll get a record deal anyway. Why shouldn’t you win?” Gary said: “I love watching you knock the opponents down one by one. I’ll be extremely disappointed if you’re not singing in front of me next week.” Nicole loved it!

Jahmene came back for this second song of the evening, and that song was At Last. He sang this in his first audition, and blew everyone away. He repeated that last night. It was amazing. He mesmerised everyone in the audience and we’re sure, everyone at home. Tulisa said: “Now I’m seeing the fight, well done.” Louis said: “That was Jah-mazing1” Gary said: “The semi-final is the night to pull out a performance like that? Incredible!” Nicole said: “What do I say? I mean…dot dot dot….That note….dot dot dot….! Get out of here! That was Jah-mazing!!” We love Nicole!

It was then Christopher Maloney’s turn to come back for a second song. His song was Michael Buble’s Haven’t Met You Yet. It was his first modern and current song of the series after singing 80’s classics all throughout the live shows. It was ok, it wasn’t a song that he should have sung in this stage of the competition. The judges agreed, Nicole didn’t think it was his strongest performance and blamed Gary for the song choice.” Louis said: “I don’t think current songs suit you. That was back to the karaoke-style for me.” Tulisa agreed and said: “I don’t that was as strong as your first performance. You have a very strong fan base and hopefully they will pick up the phone and vote for you.” Gary took the blame for the song choice, but told him it was a good performance.”

Union J were back for their second song, and we couldn’t have been more excited. In their VT, we saw that they made a deal with their mentor, Louis, and if they get through to the semi-final, he’d wear a onesie. We saw him in a onesie. It was hilarious. Their song was Westlife’s I’m Already There. They sang it well, and looked like a proper boy band. We were not so keen on the song though, seeing as we’re weren’t big Westlife fans…!” All four have great voices and blend well together. Tulisa said: “Guys, you sounded, vocally, really good tonight. I think you played it safe with the song choices, because they were similar. Being in the bottom two twice, and you’re still here shows you’ve got fight in it.” Gary agreed with Tulisa about the safe song choices and thought they were at risk tomorrow night.” Nicole said: “I take my lashes off to you, and I loved it!”

We were then near the end of the semi-final, and James Arthur was the last to sing his second song. In his VT, we saw how much he loved being on The X Factor, and how much he admired Nicole. He talked about his song and said: “it’s a risk, but it a power ballad. I’m going to change it up a bit.” His song was The Power Of Love, and stood between a broken heart, it was just amazing. To us, it was the best performance he has ever done. All four judges agreed, with Gary calling it: “The performance of the series.”

And so that is it. The semi-final is over. Who will leave the competition tomorrow night and fall at the last hurdle?

Tune into The X Factor for the result at 8pm on ITV1.

Sian Eleri
Sian Eleri
TV Editor for Entertainment Focus. Also love a bit of music and theatre :)

Must Read

Advertisement