The X Factor 2014 continued tonight with the rather odd Queen Vs Michael Jackson theme.
The remaining nine contestants sung their hearts out to secure the public vote and keep their place in the competition. As always judges Simon Cowell, Cheryl, Mel B and Louis Walsh kept a watchful eye over the proceedings with plenty of arguing and banter along the way.
Last week’s show saw Jack Walton and Lola Saunders leave the competition after the surprise double elimination orchestrated by Simon to make the hopefuls up their game.
Keep reading to find out how all of the contestants got on during tonight’s live show.
Paul Akister
The song: Don’t Stop Me Now
Our verdict: Normally we love Paul but what was that performance? He completely missed the energy of the song and it was all a bit flat for our liking. He could be in danger tomorrow after that.
The comments: Louis said that Paul is an amazing singer and told him people on the street love him. Cheryl said that Paul is consistently good and told him to trust his mentor Mel B. Simon said that Paul looked happy and had a good time this week. Mel B said that Paul did everything and more telling him it was his best performance.
Jay James
The song: The Show Must Go On
Our verdict: We know that Jay has had vocal problems this week but like Paul that performance really lacked passion and power. It was flat and lifeless throughout. Not a good start to the show at all to have two poor performances in succession.
The comments: Louis told Jay to cheer up and said he’s consistently good every week. Mel B said she wasn’t feeling the performance tonight because she could see that Jay was stressed. Cheryl said she had to hand it to Jay for performing despite being ill. Simon said he knew that Jay was disappointed at the end of the song and reminded the audience that they need to vote for Jay to give him a second chance.
Lauren Platt
The song: I’ll Be There
Our verdict: We’re not sure what’s going on tonight but this isn’t a great show so far. When Lauren was in tune she sounded ok but we think the song may have been a bit too big for her. There were some flat parts but she pulled it back in the second half.
The comments: Louis said that Lauren looks and sings like a popstar. Mel B said that Lauren performed like she’d been singing professionally for years. Simon said that he thought the track was good and the last 20 seconds was fantastic. Cheryl said that she gets more and more fond of Lauren every week and told her she was a professional.
Only The Young
The song: Blame It On The Boogie
Our verdict: Another cheddar cheesefest. We really don’t get Only The Young at all. The harmonies are good but the lead vocals weren’t brilliant.
The comments: Mel B said that she’s a little bit in love with Only The Young. Cheryl said that the chemistry in the group is strong and told them it was a fun performance. Simon said that Only The Young are back in the competition and told them there’s a gap in the market for a group like them. Louis said a lot of things without really saying anything.
Ben Haenow
The song: Man In The Mirror
Our verdict: Ben started bravely by singing with no music and he’s the first person tonight who was actually in tune for the whole performance. At this point it’s the performance of the evening!
The comments: Louis said that Ben took the most iconic Michael Jackson song and sang it brilliantly. Mel B said that Ben’s vocals were too exposed and told him she would be worried this week. Cheryl said that Ben is very popular and applauded him for doing something different. Simon said that it takes guts to sing nearly half of a song with no backing on live TV and told him it’s the point where a star is born.
Stevi Ritchie
The song: Bohemian Rhapsody
Our verdict: Not even Stevi can save tonight. He pretty much shouted his way through that performance. We’re pretty sure Mel B is going to hate it!
The comments: Louis said that Stevi became a Rock God and told him that Freddie Mercury would love it. Mel B said that Stevi is lovely but told him it was like she was on a weird acid trip. Cheryl said that she took whatever Mel had but told Stevi he took the theme and ran with it. Simon said that this is the performance that Stevi will be remembered for and called it ‘one of the greatest X Factor performances of all time’.
Stereo Kicks
The song: You Are Not Alone
Our verdict: That was the group’s best performance to date. The vocals were strong and the harmonies were on point. Good job boys!
The comments: Mel B said it was ‘perfect’ and their best performance to date. Cheryl said that they were very professional in the way they dealt with the stage imposter. Simon said that Stereo Kicks did really well tonight. Louis said everyone wants to be in the band and told them they were looking good tonight.
Fleur East
The song: Will You Be There
Our verdict: WOW! What a performance. Fleur is in a different league to everyone else in the competition. She has to win. Incredible performance.
The comments: Louis said that Fleur is ready to be a star. Mel B said that Fleur shut her up again and told her that the competition needs her. Cheryl said it was good to see Fleur stand there and sing for once. Simon said that Fleur continues to surprise him and told her she gets better and better.
Andrea Faustini
The song: Somebody To Love
Our verdict: Vocally it was a good performance but we find Andrea very samey from week to week. We want to see him show his versatility next week.
The comments: Louis called Andrea a ‘little Luciano’. Cheryl said that the whole of Britain loves Andrea. Simon said that Andrea proved once again that he’s a brilliant singer. Mel B said that Andrea makes her cry when she hears his voice and told him that he touches everyone.
The X Factor 2014 continues tomorrow night at 8pm on ITV as another act will leave the competition.
