X-Factor Review: Rachel is a diamond among the delusions

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

In his first X-Factor review, Mike Norman looks at the best and the worst contestants so far.

For most punters the last few weeks have been all about the Olympics, the start of the football season, and even the ongoing shenanigans in the Big Brother house. But one event that may have slipped under the radar is the new series of the X Factor, ITV's award winning Saturday night talent show - or as I like to call it, in-home karaoke for those sad enough not to go out.

Although the live finals (and therefore the Betfair markets) don't start for a month or so yet, it's still worth watching the audition shows with a view to spotting some potential winners... and if that fails, at least cringe at Simon Cowell's attempts to do to fellow judge Cheryl Cole what her husband Ashley has failed to do for months now - get into the box and score.

A group has never won the X Factor, but on the evidence of the first few weeks of auditions that could change this year, especially in the shape of boy band JLS. A quartet of twenty-somethngs, the boys were praised for their individual singing ability as much as they were for their group performance. Very much in the style of top American band Boyz ll Men, they have the ability and potential to go a long way, and then their likeability factor will have a huge impact once the live shows are upon us. As soon as the market for 'Top Group' appears, check them out.

Another group to impress was 'Francine and Nicola', a name that befits their dumb blonde perception as they are twin sisters, one named Francine and the other called Nicola. They don't have the best vocals you will ever hear, but they are instantly likeable, seem very fun, and they will appeal to the younger generation if they reach the TV stages of the competition.

Though the X Factor is a show that has produced some fabulous artists down the years, it is arguably more famed for highlighting some of the most disillusioned people currently living in Britain. Already the current series has thrown up a few gems, most notably Ant and Seb, the Welsh duo who likened their style to a cross between P. Diddy, Usher and Rick Astley. Their rendition of Peter Andre's Mysterious Girl had the panel of judges in stitches and Simon renaming the duo as 'Ant and Deaf'. You can watch their performance here, but try not to laugh too much.

Equally disillusioned, and even more disturbed, was 26-year-old holistic vocal coach Ariel. Quite frankly, you'd rather spend a week with a starving Hannibal Lecter than a few minutes with the terrifying wannabe singer. She claimed her audition was an academic construction, and something not to be liked, but to be understood. When the judges told her they neither liked nor understood it she looked appalled, before giving them a stare that would make you look over your shoulder for the rest of your life.

The X Factor appeals to all types of viewers, especially Northern softies like me, and I couldn't help but be moved and impressed by the audition of Rachel. Rachel hasn't had an easy life, getting mixed up with drugs and spending time in prison as a youngster. She is a single mother of five and is desperate for a break in life - she got one the moment she started singing.

Rachel sang a version of the Amy Winehouse hit 'You Know I'm No Good' and left the judges gobsmacked - in fact this girl could never be described as no good on this performance. Everything about her was special - her story, her attitude, her vocals, and it wasn't just me that she left a lasting impression on.

Other names to look keep on your side from the auditions so far are Eoghan Quigg, a 15-year-old schoolboy from Northern Ireland, and Laura White from Bolton who sang beautifully despite suffering from an extremely sore throat.