The X Factor 2016 live shows were back this weekend and the contestants had to perform Motown. The evening was full of surprises from the contestants and here are my favourite five.
5. Four of Diamonds – You Keep Me Hangin’ On
Four of Diamonds replaced The Brooks on the competition and performed for the first time on the live shows last night. You Keep Me Hangin’ On suited the girls harmonies perfectly. I thought that they looked and sounded great and was glad to see them back on the show.
Sharon said she was happy to see the girls again and Nicole said they they were her favourite girl group vocally. Simon added that they had great potential and should have been put through to the live shows straight way. Louis as their mentor also commented that he loved them because they like each other.
4. Samantha Lavery – Hello
Samantha Lavery gave an emotional performance last night. I thought her husky voice suited the song and added a beautiful layer to it. The performance itself was a bit boring to begin with but picked up to a big finish.
Nicole said she loved her and that she chose that song well. Mentor Simon said she had a great voice and wanted to discover who she was as an artist.
3. Saara Alto – River Deep, Mountain High
Last week, Saara was in the bottom two so stakes were high. She hoped to win over the public with a steamy performance of River Deep, Mountain High and it worked in my case. Saara belted the highest notes out like it was the easiest thing in the world. I thought it was one of her best performances on the show so far and that she really showcased the Motown theme.
Louis said that she shouldn’t have been in the bottom two last week but that she wasn’t wanted. Nicole thought she was hot and ‘smacked it around the banana’. Simon thought that she showed that she was fun and that she had a fantastic voice. Mentor Sharon said she made her speechless.
2. 5 After Midnight – Get Ready/Reach Out I’ll Be There
5 After Midnight looked great on stage and Motown week suited their style like a glove. I thought the song choices were great performance was even better than last week’s and definitely one of the best of the night.
Sharon thought they were sensational, Nicole said this would be their career from now on and loved them. Simon said he didn’t want it to end and loved the whole thing and congratulated Louis. Mentor Louis added that they had everything.
1.Emily Middlemas – Stop In the Name of Love
I loved Emily’s performance last night and even more so because it came as a surprise. The singer showed her versatility by opting for a slow song this week and it paid off. The arrangement of the song was perfect and it suited Emily like a glove. It was a great performance.
Louis said that she made the song her own. Sharon said it was beautiful and that she loved it. Nicole was happy to see to old Emily back and said that she wanted to hear more of her range.
The X Factor will be back this evening on ITV and will reveal who cast the fewest vote.
