X Factor, Saturday, ITV1

Posted by Liberty Jones

It was Take That night on Saturday and the "Kings of Pop" had been helping the final six hone their performances. First in the hot seat was Alexandra Burke who, with no handy sob story, was relying on pure talent to win the viewers' hearts – and that's exactly what she did with a rendition of Relight My Fire that knocked the judges' socks off.

Next up was Ruth Lorenzo who, Dannii warned, was singing a rather obscure Take That song, Love Ain't Here Anymore. Obscure? Erm, it got to No.3 in the charts. After Ruth's provocative performance, Cheryl – who was wearing a peculiar headband and earrings to rival Pat Butcher's – told the Spaniard she found her "absolutely inspirational" because she'd left her home country. We know exactly what Cheryl means… I mean Spain's, like, a whole two-hour flight away.

JLS – the only remaining band in the competition – opted, somewhat predictably, for A Million Love Songs. It was a mediocre performance and one that deservedly put them in the bottom two. Also in the bottom two (yet again) – was Rachel Hylton, who was accompanied by a troupe of male dancers who appeared to have escaped from Cirque du Soleil. Just to add to the drama, Dannii was fighting back tears as she tried to introduce her protégé, after Louis spitefully claimed she'd "stolen" Take That's "Rule The World", which he'd earmarked for JLS.

The final two acts of the night were Diana Vickers, whose interpretation of Patience won high praise from the judges. She was followed by 16-year-old Irish charmer Eoghan Quigg. His version of Never Forget was certainly fun, but if somebody doesn't prise that porkpie hat off his head soon we're going to scream. Just as an aside, did you know that, according to the weekend's tabloids, Eoghan and Diana are an item?

When it came to the judges' decision, everybody – bar Dannii (natch) – chose to save JLS. Personally, we thought Rachel gave the stronger performance but, as one of the show's most controversial contestants, her departure was always going to come sooner rather than later.

Picture: ITV

Comments

[me]

im so glad rachel has gone, she has never sung as well as she has done in her auditions. and she thought she was a step above the rest....she wouldnt listen to anyone elses opinions and if she didnt get what she wanted she stropped off. and with regards tp her "deserving another chance" SHE DESERVIES NOTHING.

[SC]

I wish I could stop watching X Factor - but it's so irresistible – I think the problem is that they have started this nonsense of themed weeks. Making them sing Jackson/Maria/Take That etc is ludicrous. They would never diversify like that on an album. You don’t buy a Jazz album and expect to hear the band sing pop. I think we need to hear them sing their own genre that way at least we know what we’re in for if they won!

[Diane]

I think Rachel had used up her 9 lives - she never seemed to put enough effort into the performance or get the right song. Great shame. Ruth has a great voice but why does it always have to be such a huge song for her, so dramatic etc, can't we see something else. Owen and Alexandra good, JLS mediocre as ever and Diana just sounded a bit weird. But who's to go next week, I couldn't say.

[Peter Houghton]

Throughout the contest the only potential Diva has been Ruth ! Alex is good as are JLS but the others are poor and should be sent home ! Ruth Lorenzo should win by far Peter from Warrington

[Anon]

Regardless of her ability or lack of ability, I was suprised that Rachael was allowed to take part at all. Emily was booted of a previous series of X factor for a happy slapping vid on a mobile phone, but she was not a convicted criminal - sounds like double standards to me.

[janet]

I am glad that Rachel has finally gone. I can't believe how many chances she got. She said herself that she had not performed consistently. She went on a lot about doing it for her kids but a lot of other people do the same thing by retraining and getting a job not pinning their hopes on becoming rich and famous.

[janet]

I am glad that Rachel has finally gone. I can't believe how many chances she got. She said herself that she had not performed consistently. She went on a lot about doing it for her kids but a lot of other people do the same thing by retraining and getting a job not pinning their hopes on becoming rich and famous.

[Michael]

Good riddance to Rachel the foghorn. Alexandra and Ruth to be the final pair - Alex for technical excellence, Ruth for sheer passion and deserves to win. Hope the yodelling stick insect goes next time! BUT, come on UK, admit it - the REAL winner won't be there at the end - you let them dump Laura White and you should be ashamed!!!!! The voice of 2008 and, I hope 2009/2010 and so on.

[Kat]

I'm so glad Rachel has gone i hated her. she soundslike a bloke when she singsand keeps everything deep = high pitched + she killed my favourite song U2/Mary j blije

[John Holt]

In my opinion Rachel should not have been sent off. She is extremely talented. JLS should be booted out, they have no tealent what so ever. And what is it with Diana. She cannot sing at all. She should also be booted off. As for the Irish lad, what is all the fuss. Finally I think Louis should be sent home, together with his beloved group.

[yuk]

Rachel fan, are you tone-deaf??
She sounded like a foghorn!!

[Supersleuth]

It was definitely Rachels turn to go, she has been rubbish for weeks, she was given far too many second chances during the audition/bootcamp processes.

Diana should be out next week. I can't believe so many people actually think she can sing, are they all listening to her with cotton wool in their ears, she is AWFUL!!

I agree with Sue with regards to the backing singers on the show. I don't think they should be allowed, the artists seem to sing very quietly in the parts they struggle with and all you can hear is the backing track and singers, Eoghan was a prime example of this on Sat night, all that talk about him going for the high notes, all you could actually hear was the choir!
I know in the real world all artists use backing singers, but on a singing competition I just want to hear the artist to make a fair judgement on the best singer, and not be influenced by the backing track and production.

And please for the love of God will someone stop the so called 'dancers' in the background. It's so distracting and usually doesn't have anything to do with the song. It's not a musical!

Ruth and Alex are by far the best singers, but it would be nice for JLS to be the first group to win as they have definitely been the best group throughout all series of X Factor.

[susan]

thank god she is gone horrible voice no talent

[joyce]

Rachel awful, fed up with her going on about her kids,she doesnt deserve to be on tv.A lot of decent poeple deserve a chance why should she.Diana a bit annoying Alex or JLS to win.

[Rachel fan]

Rachel was the best singer on that show. Period.

Her final performance was on a level that not even Leona Lewis could have hoped to achieve during her time on the show.

Mainly because, Rachel infused her performance with passion and energy, and hit some amazing notes.

She dared to be herself, not some stereotypical "I'm happy to be here, I'm grateful for your vote" contestant.

After weeks of unecessary abuse in the press for things she did when she was younger (doesn't she deserve a second chance?), she knew she was going out, and finally let rip and showed what she was all about.

If that girl never gets a decent recording contract, it will be a massive injustice. Stateside she would do the business.

There was no chip on her shoulder, just alot of not particularly nice people out to get a young woman looking to get her life back on track.

For me, she has been the best contestant since the whole X Factor series began. She was a real person, and I liked her for that.

Now she's gone, I doubt I'll watch it anymore.

[Ben]

Sue, I agree with your every word!

[Sue]

I didn't think Rachel was the worst last night, although she has not been half as good in the shows as she was in the audition. Is it just me, or was the choir in the background louder than Eoghan in parts. Don't think he has got what it takes to win it. My favourite now is Alexandra now that Laura has gone. JLS are usually really good but I didn't like what they did last night. Hope they win though, would be nice to see a band win for once. Diana, sounded just the same as all the other songs she has sung. Don't like her and still think she should be made to perform a Mariah song, now that her voice is better, just to show that she can. If she wins it over the likes of Alexandra, there is something seriously wrong!! Not particularly fond of Ruth either, I think she feels she has it in the bag because of all the comments Simon gives her week after week. Think its about time he gives it a rest and as for Louis, why is he still on the panel. He is like a little kid who has something to winge and moan about every week, and half the time its not even about the acts, its some dig at the other judges!

Oh, and DEB, I think you are missing the point of this blog, its so people can write their opinions about the show, judges etc. You must have wanted to read the comments so if you don't like whats on here, DON'T READ IT, SIMPLE!

[my preference:]

Diana to go next week with Eoghan in the Bottom Two.

Alex/JLS for the Final.
Ruth 3rd place.

[Kara]

I know what you mean about Ruth shoving her boobs in our faces. She is gorgeous but her overly sexual exhibition plays a huge part in her staying. My boyfriend actually said it's like she is making love and moaning when she onstage so it keeps people interested and wanting more. That's just her thing lmao.

[deeney]

I was glad rachael went last night her attitude was too stroppy for me, I know every one likes ruth and I probably would if she didnt shove her boobs up every ones nose, hate diana want that nice irish boy to win cant spell his name tho deeney

[okaaay]

Deb. Your comment was wierd. Everyone has a right to to express an opinion. The fact that there are still talentless acts in the competition annoys people but I don't see anyone moaning/goraning/bit.ching the way you put it. I love this cheesy show. Does that mean I must stay quiet or praise everyone? No.

[Faye]

I had no problem with Rachel's attitude or her as a person whatsover.
But I absolutely HATE her voice. She even manages ruin her part on the STUDIO recording of Hero. Her voice is and excruciatingly sharp and her tone is like no other - it is immesnly painful and ugly to listen to. I wish her all the best, still.

[Anne]

Ruth Lorenzo to win the X factor she is fantastic and has Mega Talent, runner up should be JLS.

[Deb]

You know what? You all sound like THE JUDGES ....Moaning, groaning, petty, bitchy, biased, I could go on .... FOR GODS SAKE .. If you feel that way DON'T WATCH IT!

[Bazzer]

There is no doubt that Rachel can sing but her abrasive personality,massively bad attitude and enormous chip on her shoulder were what let her down.She obviously was not prepared to listen to the people who know so much more than her and that was,ultimately,what led to her downfall.No-one owes you a living Rachel,learn some humility and listen to the people who are trying to help you.It may be unfair that the media are dwelling on your past life but I'm guessing nobody forced you to live that lifestyle.Sometimes you really do have to pay the piper.

[:)]

Ruth's gorgeous....

[andy j]

ruth to win she looks and sounds the best rachel can back to mugging old ladies now

[Bye Rachel.]

PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD SEND DIANA HOME :X

[Mylene]

Edit: keeping track *of*

[Mylene, 22]

Alex and Ruth were the strongest last night.

Well done to JLS for making it through. They are good fun and 3 of them great vocalists. Their sing-off was not great, they sounded nervous. Their A capella version of that song is miles better but nethertheless, Rachel had long outstayed her welcome.

Contrived Diana to go home. She can't sing at all.

My two favourities Austin and Laura left a while ago, I am keeping track on their careers but also backing Alex or JLS to win.

[Mark]

The X Factor is first and foremost an entertainment show. The egocentric judges do not give a chicken about artistry. Cowell and the producers sit back whilst you put money into their bank-accounts. They want a pretty blank canvas with a "yes sir" attitude, who simply sings the songs s/he is given, is praised regardless every week whilst the other contestants are there as fillers, giving the judges something to insult each other about. Someone who can be molded effortlessly and is marketable. If you are a serious artist, for goodness sake, don't audition for the show. See what happened to musicians like Laura White and Austin Drage who had been working to solidify their dream for over 10 years. Laura was given too many gimmicks, Austin had his musicianship and personality taken away. Both were re-molded musically and physically. It is the nature of this TV show. Sure it is a step-up your career ladder but there are alternative routes into the industry.

[joan]

Ruth was the strongest contestant last night she sounds good looks good and hope she wins just glad to see laura go she had no personallity at all

[Tracy]

Diana to win!!! she totally deserves it and she has to be in the final as for all the people who are hatin her why dont you try stannding up in front or simon cowel cherly cole and lois walsh and danni minougue!!! it takes alot of guts and diana is amazing!!! HATE DANI THOUH!!! And Rith shes kinda pish!! lol

[Brian Lane]

Ruth Lorenzo has Got the best voice in the show, & with the right material would make a no.1 CD Album. The Judges should concentrate on Judging,& less on petty auguments.

[Ok]

Errr. Could you correct your mistake Orange? Rachel was in the Bottom Two, not Ruth. Rachel left.

I dislike Cheryl as a person but I thought she looked stunning last night. Really gorgeous.

Can't believe you did not mention how poor Diana's performance was yet again.

The cheesy production and outfit Eoghan got was hilarious.

[Robert]

You've all missed the point. The X factor is a comedy show with a few wanaby singers thrown in to give the judges chance to think up their next insulting lines to each other.

[TheWho]

LOL! THAT IS what Rachel sounded like! An out-of-tune FORGHORN. Thank you.

Diana NEEDS to leave next week. Each and every one ofher performances have been atrocious. Her 'voice' is ghastly, her accent and speaking voice make my skin crawl and her mannerisms and delivery are excruciatingly embarassing. How the likes of Rachel, Diana, Daniel and Eoghan have stayed over musicians and exceptional vocalists like Laura and Austin is beyond me.

[Finally!]

Rachel Foghorn should have gone a long, LONG time ago. Good riddance!!!!

Diana is beyond horrendous.
She wails, she yodells, she croaks, she whispers, she whines....she does it all but actually SING! Yet this talentless over-pimped Britney impersonator and flat zero-range Eoghan have not only never been in the bottom two, they are sailing through to the Finals. What may I ask, is wrong with the British public? What's going on with all these celebrities and the judges praising her? Am I missing something? Seriously?? The only thing that makes her different is the fact that she can't sing. Just WTH?

[C.C.]

Hate Diana? What a strong word to use. Diana has been offered recording contracts. Craig David suggests Diana should leave the show & be a cool performer without the chintz of XFactor. Alexandra and Ruth are both brilliant and should have the opportunities of Leona Lewis. Just a shame street cred is affected by winning XFactor

[anoymus]

i hate diana. i dont want her 2 win. she cant even sing. it was funny how she was singing yesterday.
alexandra to win. shes got talent. i just hope diana dosent win. DONT VOTE FOR DIANA VICKERS!! PLEASE.....

[Andy]

why do we have to put up with Louis Walsh as an ignorant old man. it is about time he judged the talent and not got personel. If that is all he can do, then he should not be on the show.

omg who is writing this and did you even watch the show!!! just because Eoghan and Diana are both favorites to win does not mean they are an item!!
and Ruth was a strong singer, but guess what she wasn't in the bottom two, Rachel was, and i am seriously fed up of these reports cause you just try to insult the show and the contestants and the judges in as many ways as you can, as often as you can! this report is so obviously written by someone who just really hates the x-factor...

[David Briggs]

I wish cherle would put some weight in last night when she was stood at the sie of Dannii
She looked like an ostrich.
With those skinney unsexy legs
Dannii looked so sexy

[mee]

EOGHAN CAN'T SING!!!
Diana sounds like her voice id breaking - maybe eoghan should try it.

WAS