X-Factor Betting: Here come the girls

X-Factor / Mike Norman / 01 October 2008 / Leave a Comment

After 126 acts turned the O2 into an arena of broken dreams, 24 prevailed to keep alive their chances. Then Cheryl couldn't conceal her delight at being allocated The Girls - a group with as much strength in depth as the Chelsea squad, says Mike Norman.

Two instalments of The X Factor last weekend brought the curtain down on Bootcamp, music's equivalent of intensive care!

Over 150 acts turned up at London's O2 Arena, all eager to impress the judges and keep their dream of stardom alive. But by the end of the second day, amongst the mass of disappointed faces, there were 24 delirious and amazed acts remaining, all still in with a chance of winning that £1m recording contract.

Last weekend was also a decisive one for the 'Winning Manager' market as each judge was given a category to mentor for the rest of the show. Cheryl Cole ([2.52]) was delighted to get the Girls, Simon Cowell ([3.85]) not overly impressed at being given the Boys, Dannii Minogue ([4.5]) got the Over 25s, whilst Louis Walsh ([7.4]) was pleased enough with the Groups.

The Girls category has unquestionably the most strength in depth with each of the six remaining singers capable of going a long way in the competition. Unfortunately for three of them their dream will end this weekend when Cheryl has to decide which three she wants to take through to the live TV stages.

One girl almost certain to make it through (and be amongst the favourites to win the show when the Outright Winner market materialises) is Laura White. She was given a round of applause from the judges during Saturday's show and told by Louis that she is one of the best singers they've had. However, Sunday brought a different day and a completely different performance. She tried to impersonate too much rather than just be herself and it was difficult to understand what she was singing. It's easy to forgive one bad performance as she is the type of girl to revel in front of a live audience.

Alexandra Burke is another girl I've tipped to reach the TV stages. She is a very humble young woman who appreciates how good the other singers are. Her auditions at the weekend were faultless with Simon commenting that she is incredibly mature and very exciting.

Amy Connolly and Hannah Bradbeer have both had favourable mentions on these pages, and along with Annastacia Baker and Diana Vickers are the other girls vying for a TV slot.

From the Boys category Austin Drage looks to be the leading contender to win the show for Simon. His audition at the weekend had everything. He got the crowd going, he owned the stage, he looked like a pop star, and he even had Simon telling him it was magical. He is very passionate and determined, almost bordering on desperate as one judge said, but he can certainly sing and I would expect him to not only reach the TV stages, but to be amongst the leading three or four contenders to win.

Liam Payne is the luckiest person still in the competition. He was originally told he hadn't made it through only for Simon Cowell to change his mind and call him back. He will do well to go any further as he is now in direct competition with Austin, the improving Alan Turner, young Eoghan Quinn, Scott Bruton and the exciting Mali-Michael McCalla for one of the three final places.

The Over 25s has one outstanding singer in Rachel Hylton, an emotional journey in Daniel Evans, and a potential dark-horse in Ruth Lorenzo. Rachel was told by Simon that she is one of the best singers in this country he has heard for ten years, but she nearly ruined it all when she talked back to Cowell as he offered some advice. She is stubborn, a fighter, and an incredible talent.

Suzie Furlonger, Louise Heatly and James Williams complete the group of Over 25s still in the competition.

JLS are undoubtedly the stand-out act amongst the Groups. If you close your eyes while listening to them you'd be forgiven for thinking you were back in the 60s listening to Motown. Britain has been crying out for a group like this, and whether they win or not, the chance to showcase their talent live on TV will hopefully seal them a record deal.

Other than JLS, the Groups don't look that strong, but for the sake of giving every remaining act a name check they are Bad Lashes, Desire, Girlband, Priority and 4-Instinct.