Two weeks into my vow to lead an X-Factor-free life and it hasn’t started well.

Let me begin my saying, sometimes there is a reason some acts aren’t already selling albums like Cowell buys teeth; namely, The Unconventionals. Personally I’m glad to see the back-end of them.. That reminds me; didn’t they have the look of a nudist club about them.

4sure will feel hard done by to be knocked out on week two, not least by seeing the sickening grins of the MacDonald brothers next week. But to be fair, they weren’t in the best of voice.

For me, Ben and Ashley flopped like dead fish on week one despite my high-hopes. And in honesty a week later and Ashley still seems a touch lazy in his performance. Ben on the other hand had fully mastered the art of looking a plonk, launching himself onto a piano only to wonder why.

Leona and Dionne are the voices of the year, but right now, both seem far too sure of themselves to gain any likeability from me. Saying that, Dionne was as good as publicly laughed-at standing beside the (thankfully fully-clothed) Unconventionals last Saturday.

And whilst I am the first to call myself passionate of music, never before has it made me sick to the stomach. That is until now. The Macdonald brothers simply take the piss. Never in my days have I seen 2 grown men dragged onto TV in such a humiliating way. They looked like the new islanders to hit “Ballamory” and sounded like two high-school lads putting in a half-hearted rendition of the Music teacher’s favourite song.

Like Ashley, Nikkita still needs her batteries a-rumbled, Eton Road must avoid being Louis-ised (i.e. all stand on key-change) and if Ray gets any cheesier he’ll be more laughing cow than Robbie Williams.

Elsewhere, Kerry isn’t doing it for me; vocally she is a million miles behind the rest and while I’ll be told by the bucket load I’m wrong, I believe sympathy is playing its wicked part. Lastly, but none less passionately, Frank “Robert” Bruno is for some as-yet unknown reason, really grating on me.

It’s the ultimate in loveable trashy-telly!

let me know what you think via my website.

This article was written by Carl, one of our Unreality TV contributors. Check out Carl’s own site at foundthatsoul.co.nr

Ex X Factor contestants 4Sure have revealed today who they would most like to work with, and its not Britney Spears!

“Jools is the person we’d most like to work with,� said Donovan. “We’d love to do something with him.�

“Definitely, that would be great,� agreed Chris.

“Jools has got a stamp of credibility about him,� says Donovan. “I think if you work with him or you’re associated with him or you sing on his programme you get stamped with the same credibility and we’d like that.�

4Sure have admitted today that they believe Louis’ song choice is the reason they were booted out of the X Factor on Saturday.

The judge told them to perform Rod Stewart’s You’re In My Heart, but it just didn’t suit their voices and style.

“I think it was the song choice,� says Donovan. “It plays a huge part in your success or failure. It was a nice, melodic sort of country song but it was on one level. It didn’t rise up to a high point.�

Donovan continued, “It’s not that people didn’t like us, it’s just that another song may have grabbed their attention.�

Simon Cowell branded their rendition of Rod’s Stewarts classic “old-fashioned, wet and a bit ploddy.�

But 4Sure ensure us that this is not the end of the group,

“People are recognizing us and making nice comments and that’s been really uplifting,� says Donovan. Drew agreed, adding that The X Factor experience had really opened their ears to new styles of music.

“Meeting Lionel Richie was a real inspiration,� said Drew. “He’s our new idol!�

4Sure, the talented men who were booted off The X Factor last night have vowed that the public have not yet seen the last of them!

The band plan to release three albums in five years and insist that their career is very much alive.

Speaking about last night, band member Donovan Bailey, 38, from Tipton, West Midlands, said: “We were gutted, very shocked and very surprised. We did not expect to be in the bottom two.

“We are proud of getting this far in the X Factor – it is not the last you have seen of us.

“I think everyone has delivered in the first rehearsals – the finalists are better then previous years.�

Mr Bailey continued: “Our dream is to record albums – three albums in five years as well as write and produce for others.�

He said the group had already written and recorded enough songs for two albums.

And what don’t I want to talk about? How the flipping MacDonald Brothers are STILL in this competition.

They are souless, they are boring, they keep missing their harmonies (which was about their only strong point for me) – and the ‘ooh I know, lets get them to lift their kilts’ think was so contrived as to be ridiculous.

This week (again) I had them and Ray in the bottom two. Ray did so much better with Its a Wonderful World, but there was so much cheese and gurning in is performance, that I did wonder if he’d morphed into a character from Wallace and Gromit. Now, I can understand to a certain extent why Ray keeps missing the drop – but I have no idea who can be voting for the MacDonalds.

However, I’ve decided to stop declaring my favourite acts, one of them always ends up in the bottom two. Ben and Robert gawe outstanding performances, and Robert should never have been singing for his life. It was the same last week with Dionne – I hope she sings better next time, as last night she just didn’t make an impact.

Furthermore, even if the price is that the MacDire Brothers stay in another week – could someone please sack the stylists? Kate Thornton looked as if she’d chucked on an old pair of curtains, Leona had rummaged through Bet Lynch’s wardrobe, Nikitta had borrowed something from her granny… and I still don’t wanna talk about the MaccyD boys..

I was impressed with how much time Rod Stewart gave the contestants though, and that he wasn’t just on the show to plug a new single – I can cope with a new album, especially after the great show he gave. He’s the definition of showman. And I definitely think it would be fairer to give the guest star the decision on who should go home out of the bottom two – it stops it becoming such a grudge decision between Sharon, Louis and Simon. Having said that, 4Sure didn’t perform well last night, and were definitely not in the same league as Robert.

I’m still hopeful that Louis is down to just one act next week – and that he stops messing around with Eton Road’s individuality..

If you’d like to see my individual run down of each of the contestants, you can have a look at dreamytimes.co.uk/blog/

Leona Lewis singing First Cut Is the Deepest.

Simon “she looks like a star and acts like one but we have a shyness issue with Leona that she needs to get over. But I would rather work with someone shy and sweet than someone who is arrogant and cocky backstage.”

Rod admits to Leona that even he suffers from his nerves, “I couldn?t sing in front of three or four people and I still get nervous today when I go out and perform.”

The MacDonald Brother singing Sailing

The MacDonald Brothers said “We got a battering form the judges last week and it was quite hard to take, we are used to doing small clubs and weddings and we’ve never felt that pressure to perform. Meeting Rod brings it home and this week we are going to show everyone what we are made of, and it is the quiet ones you have to look out for”

Judges Comments:

Louis - You don’t look like the same 2 guys who were on stage last week, you had a mountain to climb but you did it.

Sharon – first time I have ever seen anyone play a guitar with a sporran. Definitely better than last week and I think Rod is right, concentrate on your voices and the rest will come.

Simon – Guys, I think you are 2 really nice kids, but I thought it was terrible, I hope Rod was watching with the volume down. It was verging on the insane, all the key changes, the guitar and the dress. After a performance like that there is not a cat in hells chance of you boys winning this competition. Even the boo?s in the studio are low.

Ashley McKenzie singing I’d Rather Go Blind

Ashley, “Last week it was Motown which I loved but this week it is Rod Stewart which is really not my thing and if I had been asked to sing this song two months ago they would have kicked me out the competition because I wouldn’t have done it, but tonight I hope I don’t let anyone down.”

Judges Comments:

Louis - That was a classy and very polished performance, thank be to god you are in this competition. You are different

Sharon – You know how to work it kid, you have everything going for you. You know how to milk those notes and I have to hand it too you. And I can tell you are going to be a right handful, you have a right attitude but you’re a great performer.

Simon – I thought you did really well, it’s not a well known song and it did take me some time to pick the song for you this week, but you made it your own and we are very lucky to have you, you are original and it was a mesmorising performance.

Dionne Mitchell singing Tonight’s The Night

Dionne “Last week I was devastated and my confidence was knocked quite heavily and it has made me doubt myself”

Rod on Dionne “She could be wonderful, she has such a powerful voice but it is in the lap of the gods”

Judges comments:

Louis – Last week I said you were my favourite and I could not understand why you were there, you deserve to be on that stage 100% you are like Tina Turner.

Sharon – You owned that stage tonight you so deserve to be there, I love the inclination in your voice, you got it going girl.

Simon – I was very surprised to see you in the bottom two last week. There is no question of doubt you are a very very good dinger, but there are a tonne of backing singers who are as good as you, and if you stay in this week you need to spend a week in front of the mirror practising your performance

4Sure singing You’re In My Heart

Rod Stewart “For your style I know this is not your thing, and last week you had your shot with the Motown thing so you just have to give it your best this week”

Judges comments:

Louis – I know this song was out of your comfort zone, but that is show-biz, Jermaine you were great on leads and I think you did well.

Sharon – It was a very good arrangement, and I agree with Louis but you did very welll with it and you all look great

Simon – I like you guy’s but I didn’t like the arrangement

Nikitta Angus singing Bring It Home To Me

Nikitta “Last week I felt comfortable on stage and I knew my Mum was with me, as whenever I have performed in the past when my Mum has been there I always felt comfortable on stage, and that is how I felt last week. This is the best thing to ever happen to my and I have never been more happy in my life”

Judges comments:

Louis – You know I like you, but last week I didn?t like your song and this week is the same, I am not blaming you but I am blaming Simon, why the silly song Simon?

Sharon – You are a very talented young girl but Simon is very wrong tonight with both the song and the styling, it looks like you are wearing OJ Simpson’s glove. It is a shame you are not in our group as we would look after you

Simon – Louis, was Nikitta in the bottom 2 last week and Louis what do you know about fashion?

Louis – More than you I don?t wear my trousers up here!

Simon – You’re not exactly Giorgio Armani! Nikitta I know we have made some changes to the song and you were nervous before you came on tonight but you did yourself proud.

Robert Allen singing Try a Little Tenderness

Robert “last week being the first to perform was nerve wracking but I just went out there and gave it my best. I got great comments from the judges but I am not going to let it get to my head and I will keep myself grounded”

Rod Stewart “I love energy and he has tonnes of it”

Judges comments:

Louis – What can I say! You have everything, soul, emotion, great singer great performer best of the night so far!

Sharon – You have to stop being so shy! You were running around like a bat and you do have to be careful because of your tuning as you fell out of key but your performance made up for it.

Simon – You need to listen to Sharon, the audience love you but you have to be careful your performances don’t get too clownish, it was like a Chippendales performance, which Louis would know!

Eton Road singing This Old Heart of Mine

Eton Road “Appearing on the stage on Saturday was fantastic, the buzz we got off each other was amazing.? Anthony, ?I am hoping that being different is good and meeting Rod proved that being odd can result in success.”

Judges comments:

Louis- You have improved 100% you are already looking like a slick sophisticated boyband. Fantastic, I hope you get the votes

Sharon – Just when you think boy bands are done to death, and then come you guys, you are so unique and you know I love you Anthony, I adore you, and you know Kelly has already proposed to Anthony today!

Simon – There were some tuning problems, but it didn?t matter because something is starting to work for you guys. You are young you have energy and are really enthusiastic and the only decent group Louis has got is the one he didn?t put through!

Raymond Quinn singing What a Wonderful World

Ray “I don?t want to go home tonight, I am loving being in this competition I am just so excited.”

Judges comments:

Louis – Much better vocals than last week and if this was a smiling competition you would win it. But the song was a bit boring but the Mum’s will vote for you

Sharon – You are in a tough category and I feel you are in the wrong time zone compared to all the cutting edge acts in your group.

Simon – the first time you walked in the audition room you sang a Dean Martin song the other two wanted you in their category. What I disagree with what Sharon says is that although there are a million kids out there who could sing what you did tonight, you have the charm and style they would all lack.

Ben Mills singing Maggie May

Ben “I loved it last week, the crowd went wild and that is why I am here. Last week the judges compared me to Rod Stewart so this week is going to be a challenge. I don?t want people to see me as a Rod Stewart sound-a-like”

Rod “He has got a very powerful voice but he just needs to channel it.”

Judges comments:

Louis – What can I say, you owned that stage, you are brilliant, you are not just a great singer but you are also a great performer, you are going to give Robert a run for his money. I am going to predict that you make the final, with one of my acts!

Sharon - I would never be biased but I loved the arrangement, it was fantastic

Simon – You are in a very difficult position tonight as you have been compared to Rod Stewart and you performed one of his biggest hits. But you have an amazing voice and you have showed a different side to yourself tonight and I agree with Louis you should be in the final.

Another week another act must go.

Tonight saw 4Sure and Robert Allen in the final two acts with the lowest number of public votes. After that it wasn’t hard to predict who would be leaving the show this week.

In his final performance Robert looked as though he had taken Simon’s earlier tips on board. He toned down the act and focused on hsi vocals and it certainly paid off. 4Sure actually seemed to know they were leaving and their second attempt at the Rod Stewart song didn’t match the quality of the first.

Once again I think the British public have gotten it wrong. 4Sure were definitely not the weakest act tonight. They are immensely talented men who perform brilliantly and gel well as a group. I don’t know what is inspiring people to vote but I think it is obvious that people certainly aren’t voting on the basis of talent.

Once again its time for the weekly Unreality TV X Factor Chart.

Be sure to let us know your thoughts and suggestions either here or on our forum!

1) Ben Mills: Once again Ben tops our chart tonight. Rod Stewarts ‘Maggie May’ was perfect for Bens voice. The fact that Ben showed his musical talents off by playing the first verse on piano just added to the whole performance. Ben had fantastic energy and there wasn’t a dull moment throughout the whole song.

2) Robert Allen: Tonight Robert sang ‘Try a little tenderness’ and to say he nailed it would be an understatement. Robert obviously loved every minute of his performance and although I would have to agree with Simon Cowell’s comments, that at times he came across as a little desperate, it was still an amazing performance.

3) Leona Lewis: Leona opened the show with ‘The First Cut Is The Deepest’ and her vocals were astounding. Leona looked much more confident and less shy this week and all three judges praised her highly.

4) Ashley McKenzie: Ashley was at a bit of a disadvantage this week as the song that Simon chose for him was one of Rod Stewarts lesser known numbers. However I felt that this actually turned out to benefit Ashley as he was able to make it 100% his own. Ashley as always was supremely confident and sang fantastically. I would not be surprised to see this boy in the final.

5) Dionne Mitchell: Tonight Dionne sang ‘Tonights The Night’ and to be fair I don’t think that Dionne could sing any song badly! Dionne’s voice is so powerful and both Louis and Simon compared her to Tina Turner tonight. Simon thinks that Dionne’s performance can a times be very clumsy and while I remain a strong Dionne supporter I definitely think she needs a bit of coaching in that area. She can sometimes look uncomfortable on stage and if that could be remedied I think Dionna could go far.

6) Eton Road: Eton Roads performance tonight wasn’t perfect. There were definitely some tuning issues and at points the song seemed to run away from them. But the energy that the boys brought to the stage made up for any problems. Both Simon and Louis compared the band to an early Take That and I definitely got that vibe.

7) Nikitta Angus: Nikitta sang ‘Bring It On Home To Me’ tonight. She sang brilliantly and did not appear to be in any way nervous. However I agreed with Sharon and Louis when they criticised Simons song choice for Nikitta. She looked like an older woman, which took away some of her charm and the song didn’t entirely suit her voice. I hope she lasts until next week though, I really would like to see her doing some more contemporary numbers.

4Sure: I really liked 4Sures version of ‘You’re In My Heart’ on stage tonight. It was obviously out of their comfort zone but I liked the new slant they brought to the tune. The boys performed it flawlessly but for some reason it failed to blow me away.

9) Kerry McGregor: Kerry sang really well tonight and I liked her version of ‘I Don’t Want To Talk About It’. However it wasn’t very exciting and I think that with her voice she could have attempted something a bit more adventurous.

10) The MacDonald Brothers: I think The Mac Donald brothers have really great voices and although they came across much better tonight than they did last week I just couldn’t get excited about their performance. I loved their kilts and I liked their arrangement of ‘We Are Sailing’ it was a bit mroe adventurous than their song last week. However a few acts tonight really blew me away and The MacDonald brothers just didn’t move me much at all.

11) Ray Quinn: Tonight Ray sang ‘What a Wonderful World’ and it was….well….. a bit boring. Ray has a nice voice and he is so so cute. But his performance lacked the edge that it needed and if it wasn’t for the teenage girl vote i don’t think he’d last long on The X Factor.

A few of the contestants song choices were revealed tonight on X Factor: The Aftermath.

As you know this week will follow a Rod Stewart Theme, and the Rod songs chosen are:

Leona Lewis: The First Cut Is The Deepest

The MacDonald Brothers: We Are Sailing

Ben Mills: Stay With Me

4Sure: You’re In My Heart

What do you think of this weeks songs?

It would seem that even though X factor producers have issued a ban on nookie, some contestants just can’t control themselves!

Liz Ewing from The Unconventionals has revealed that young Nikitta Angus is being pursued by both Ashley McKenzie and Jermaine from 4Sure.

“Nikitta’s been holding hands with Ashley, but Jermaine is just as interested. It’s a proper love triangle,� said Liz.