X-Factor Review: I wouldn't like to be layer of Diana

X-Factor / Mike Norman / 22 October 2008 / Leave a comment

With Girlband gone, the boys are now out-numbering the girls, which leave Austin's chances of getting some action about as likely as Gordon Brown becoming the Governor of the Bank of England, says Mike Norman.

Just two weeks into the live shows and eight women have been removed from the X Factor house already. Still, at least Diana might be able to get to her shoe cupboard this week!

Diana Vickers, if you didn't know, is the barefooted singer who has now become the favourite to win this year's X Factor. At [3.5] she is heading the Winner market and is the one to beat according to both Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell. She was also advised on these pages at [9.4] by the excellent Jack Houghton.

Last Saturday she sang the Michael Jackson hit Man In The Mirror in her own unique style. At 17, singing such massive songs the way she does is a bit like spreading chocolate on a hot slice of toast - it isn't supposed to work, but it does. Her appeal is her uniqueness, her cuteness, her innocence, and her warm smile. There is no disputing that she has a heck of a lot of talent, and judging by the youtube viewing figures she is by far the most popular contestant in the competition. I've missed the boat now in terms of getting a good price about her, but I certainly wouldn't like to be a layer at this stage.

Surprisingly, after two faultless performances, Alexandra Burke has now drifted out to [8.2] in the Winner market. Perhaps the punters have latched on to Simon Cowell's comment that "We've heard all this before" (in reference to Leona Lewis no doubt), but regardless of what Cowell thinks she is arguably the best singer in the competition. I'm confident she will reach the final three and will back her again at her current odds with a view to trading off at much shorter.

Laura White ([5.0] to win) did herself no favours last week with what can only be described as an ear-cringing first half to her performance. She sounded like she was doing an impression of Vic Reeves' the pub singer, and although she got better as the song went on it's hard to ignore how poor she was initially.

In the Girls market, Diana is available to back at [2.4], Laura at [2.54] and Alexandra at [3.75]. Just like last week, I'd be a layer of Laura at this stage (around the [2.7] mark).

From the 25 and Overs category the highlight of Daniel Evans' and Rachel Hylton's night was when their performance was over. Even Ruth Lorenzo, whose performance was marginally better than her two stablemates, ended up being in the bottom two and was saved only narrowly by the public vote.

Although I think Rachel still has a chance of redeeming herself I think it's best we concentrate our betting solely on this category if we want to get involved with these three. Rachel is the favourite at [1.79] and is a decent bet to outlast the Celine Dion wannabe Ruth ([2.76]) and the King of Flop, Engelbert Humperdinck sounding, Ricky Gervais lookalike Daniel ([5.7].

Talking of redeeming yourself, Scott Bruton ([36.0] to win) did exactly that last Saturday when he did a wonderful rendition of She's Out Of My Life. It was a safe song to sing but it was a very striking performance that proved he's not as bad as the first week made him out to be.

I was bemused by Austin Drage's ([7.6]) version of Billie Jean. His vocals were good, but as stated by the judges the arrangement was dreadful. I still think that out of all the boys he has what it takes to mix it with the girls. He is the one that can entertain, dance, sing any type of song and most of all get the public to like him. However, he must keep it safe for now and start singing songs that we can relate to.

Austin is [2.02] in the Boys category, just ahead of Eoghan Quigg ([2.12]). Last Saturday, Eoghan was predictable, but good, in singing the Jackson Five classic Ben, though I have to admit to being traumatised by his appearance, much as I was when I first saw Chucky in the Child's Play movies - separated at birth or what?

It's a no bet in the 3rd Elimination market this week. Daniel Evans should go at odds of [2.64], but the fact that he hasn't been in the bottom two yet is another sign that pensioners daren't leave their house on an evening. Ruth Lorenzo ([5.2]) and Scott Bruton ([5.7]) come next in the market.