It’s no secret that The X Factor is a guilty pleasure of mine. So, naturally, this weekend I have been watching to find out whose turn it would be to be ejected from the quick fix fame machine.
I have to say, this season I’m not rooting for anyone in particular. Usually I’d be getting behind one act and cheering them all the way to the final . This year I feel a little like the spark has gone and maybe this type of show has run its course. Don’t get me wrong, there are some truly talented singers this year, just none I am overly enamoured with.
If pushed to pick a favourite I would say Stacey Solomon. Her bubbly and naive persona belies the beautifully evocative voice that emanates from those essex girl lungs. It is surprisingly brilliant and totally unexpected.
In contrast, this year’s ‘Marmite‘ are twins John and Edward. I shared many an enraged tweet over their presence during the auditions. In jest I threatened to smash my TV up rock star style if they made it to the live finals. In a sea of talent I just could not understand how on earth these boys made it through.
Actually, that’s not necessarily true. I’m fully aware they were chosen precisely because they cause such extreme reactions and obviously have a huge effect on ratings and voting figures.
Now, this is the unexpected bit and I will apologise in advance; shockingly I have found myself warming to the unstoppable force that is John and Edward. They’re cheesy, should probably never sing live and have about as much rhythm as my goldfish, but I find myself fascinated by them. I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but they’re actually entertaining!
Fear ye not, I will not be going so far as to vote for them. I haven’t been hypnotised into parting with my cash as yet. My slapdash theory is the votes they tally up are made by disgruntled viewers, ‘forced’ to watch the show by their wife/daughter/boyfriend/girlfriend/whatever, hoping to cash in on those ‘If they get through I’ll never watch this show again!’ threats in order to cure the unhealthy X Factor obsession.
It won’t work. Any self respecting X Factor addict knows that a good love/hate relationship is essential to the plot. And, shouting at the TV (which obviously can’t hear you but that somehow doesn’t matter) and tweeting 140 character rants is very cathartic.
I have to admire John and Edward for taking the battering they have from the press and the public on the chin. I could never have stood up to the barrage of negativity they received. Never mind performing to millions in front of a live and booing studio audience. They deserve kudos for that alone. You see I’m a big softie at heart.
One last thing, If you’re feeling a bit down and in need of a giggle watch John and Edward’s rendition of Britney’s ‘Oops I did it Again’ from a couple of weeks ago. Possibly one of the funniest things I have seen on TV in a long long time. It just might make you smile.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Love watching it too, like you there is no one in particular that I'm supporting, I think because there is just so much talent they all deserve to get somewhere…..that is except John and Edward. I think it is cruel as they seem to believe that they are good and I worry about how they'll cope ( they are very young) when it dawns on them that actually the nation are laughing at them. But then thats my sensitive self- always worrying about other people, especially as they're not much older than my eldest son. I was cringing when I saw them on Saturday, if you've ever seen spykids they look as though they should be in that film. ;0)
Great post. Totally agree with you about John and Edward unfortunately, whilst I think they’re totally talentless in regards to singing they do seem to be putting on a performance every week. Robbie Williams famously uses auto tune but we love him because he performs. Like you say, there’s always one act, which we love to hate, Darius, Chico, you name it, we’ve had them thrust upon us and we love it. Or we wouldn’t watch it next series.
I know what you mean about having a favorite too, for once I don’t have a real firm favorite. Although, I’d back Olly Murs, I’ve a weakness for anyone whose a little Robbie Esque so Olly ticks that box!!!
I like watching them too – for me they were the highlight of Saturday's show apart from the delectable Michael Bublé, a definite Hot or Not candidate. Of course they can't sing, or dance even, really, but they are entertaining and I'll take them over Mariah Carey/Robbie Williams wannabes any day. I'm backing Danyl though – he's the only one whose voice actually moves me to tears (in a good way).
We never miss X Factor in our house (principally because my nine year old has to be able to join in the water fountain moment at school on the following Monday. Simon has said he'll leave the country if J&E win. Maybe the British public are taking him up on the offer. (Sorry I commented twice on your last post – computer – and me – being slow so not sure if it had gone through).
I'm sad to admit that I too find them entertaining. They are the Chico of this series I think…Cld they write a song about Twin Time…Am I on to a winner there?? LOL You do need a bit of entertainment in these shows and Louis has been very clever putting them through. They won't win though. I can't pick my winner yet, I think it could be the Over 25s. And is it me or did Rachel seem like she had been pulled into a room and told to act more like Stacey does?? Great post!
Love X Factor but hate Jedward, sorry! I really like Stacey though.
Got an award for you at mine x
See you tomorrow night for xfactor tweeting!