X-Factor Review: Drunk bridesmaid value for disco week

X-Factor / Mike Norman / 30 October 2008 / Leave a Comment

Rachel has survived her poor weeks, Eoghan looks more X-tractor than factor and Mike Norman is hoping that Diana's early appeal will wear away. Has the barefoot special one got what it takes to dissappoint him?

Scott's dream is over, Rachel bounces back, Dianna still can't find her shoes, and Eoghan's hair is officially bigger than his voice. These are just a few of the headlines from last Saturday's emotionally charged X Factor show which saw three men reduced to tears - Scott Bruton because he was eliminated, Daniel Evans after singing in memory of his dead wife, and Louis Walsh after he was told that Girls Aloud were outselling Boyzone in the singles chart.

Scott was unfortunate in the fact that he sang well, but all bar Daniel sang better. Still, the former Pontins Bluecoat has at least secured a recording contract and has already announced details of his UK tour. Skegness, Bognor Regis, Pwllheli and Minehad are all being lined up to host Scott - so don't forget to say hi-de-hi to him will you?

Back in the relatively serious business of the Winner market, Dianna Vickers has emerged as strong favourite to win the competition at [2.96]. She heads a trio of girls with Alexandra Burke ([5.8]) and Laura White ([6.2]) the only other contestants currently available in single figures.

I'm loathed to oppose Dianna because she is unique and extremely popular (she continues to top the youtube viewing figures). Last week Simon Cowell commented that there's something special about Diana and that her rendition of Smile was brilliant. It's hard not to agree, but her barefooted, hand-moving antics are starting to get on my nerves and she reminds me of that spoilt Platt girl from Coronation Street. Just like early favourite Kathreya did in Big Brother, I'm hoping that Diana's appeal gradually wears off.

Maybe I'm biased because I'm so heavily in the Alexandra camp but I just don't get Laura at all. She continues to get fantastic comments from the judges but her personality would make Jack Dee look exciting. There were times during last week's performance that I couldn't understand a word she was singing. I tried listening again whilst reading the subtitles, but that just left me believing I'd just listened to a Welsh version of The Lord's Prayer such was the frequency of the words 'God' and 'Pwll'. She is good and has a powerful voice but she is nothing special and certainly doesn't have the X Factor.

Alexandra Burke does have the X Factor. Once again she looked stunning, sang and looked like a pop star, and proved during the 'Help for Heroes' charity song that she has an outstanding recording voice. I'm delighted to be on at [8.2], but even at her current odds of [5.8] I wouldn't put anyone off.

If you just want to bet amongst these three girls alone it's [2.3] for Dianna, [2.8] for Laura, and amazingly it's [3.55] for Alexandra in the Girls market.

Two acts that continue to divide the nation (and the Betfair columnists) are Rachel Hylton ([18.0] to win) and Eoghan Quigg ([13.5]).

I've stated many times that I'm a fan of Rachel and even backed her to win the competition some weeks ago. While I now concede she probably won't win I was delighted to see her finally deliver what we know she can last week, even getting the 'arguably the best performance of the night' comment from Mr Cowell. Ok, she looked like a drunk bridesmaid in that awful dress and her stylist needs a serious rethink, but her poor weeks are behind her and she has survived. In the 25 and Overs market she is still value at [1.66] to outlast Ruth Lorenzo ([2.54]) and Daniel Evans ([10.5]).

Eoghan is cute I will admit that, and he will have a lot of Irish voters behind him, but so far he has sang two ballads and a not too difficult big band song. Last week he looked like a potato farmer, but this is X-Factor not X Tractor and it will be interesting to see how he copes with an up-tempo song on Saturday as the theme is disco.

I haven't given much mention to Austin Drage ([10.0] to win) or JLS ([14.5]) in recent weeks because I personally don't think they will win the competition. For me, they were both of massive interest in their own categories and thankfully JLS prevailed, whilst Austin only has to last longer than Eoghan to win the Boys category - he is [1.77] to do so, Eoghan is [2.1].

Daniel Evans is destined to be eliminated this week and is the hot favourite at [1.68] in the 4th Elimination market. Disco week won't suit as I don't think songs like I Will Survive (because he won't) or Staying Alive (because he won't) will keep this glorified karaoke singer in the competition.