X Factor evictee Dionne Mitchell has hit out at Simon Cowell after she was booted off the show last weekend.

Dionne left the show as part of a shock double-elimination, which also saw Kerry McGregor being voted off the show.

At a press conference after her eviction from the show, Dionne said: “I felt that Simon’s comments were a personal attack against me.”

“I have always held Simon Cowell in great esteem. But last night shattered every illusion that I had of him.”

“I didn’t come on this show to be a backing singer,” she said in response to Cowell’s claims she should be singing back-up vocals.

Fellow contestant Kerry said: “When Louis said I had peaked, I really knew he was wrong. I think last night’s performance was one of my best on ‘The X Factor’ so far – but people have not heard me at my peak yet.”

Finally, a decision I can’t complain about. And its taken us to week 3 for me to stop shaking my head at the Great British Public.

Okay, so the MacDire Brothers are still there (have the people voting for them considered seeing their doctor, their audiologist or their psychiatrist? Perhaps a block booking to all three would do the job) – but Dionne and Ashley were definitely two of the worst performances last night. If you want to see my thoughts on all the songs last night, you can look at Lynne’s Blog And poor Dionne, whose performances have worsened week after week was inevitably going home. At least she’ll be spared Sharon picking any more dodgy songs for her (why on earth was she singing that song? She could have done an amazing job on Fever, which would have been endlessly more Big Band)

Just for a change, I can even agree with Louis Walsh. Yes, yes, I know, its not often I have anything in common with the weird little Irishman, but he was on the ball. Ashley was horrendous last night – but he can do better. I don’t think that Kerry will be able to raise her game any higher. She didn’t have a bad voice (well, she can sing better than I can) – but she just didn’t have any stage presence or any passion. There just was no X Factor – and that’s what the show is all about. Hopefully, Ashley will now realise that he isn’t as good as he thinks he is, and will buck up his ideas. Quite how well he’ll do with an Abba track, I have no idea.

It will be interesting to see just how well the boys do with the whole Abba theme. Of all the themes, this will probably be the one where Ben will struggle the most – having said that, his performance last night is still sending shivers down my spine.

I’m also dreading to see just how smug Simon is next week – the only mentor with all his acts intact. With both Sharon and Louis now down to two acts, they’ll both have to raise their game – and actually consider what songs SUIT their remaining artists.

In tonights double X Factor eviction Dionne Mitchell is first to have fallen under the axe.

Dionne definitely did not perform at her usual high levels tonight, but she is an amazing vocalist and certainly does not deserve to leave at this early stage.

I suspect that tonights result was influenced more than a little by Simon’s criticism of Dionne week after week. If she had been in his team I truly believe that she would ahve lasted at least another few weeks, if not to the final show.

Another week, another show, another Unreality X Factor chart!

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

1) Leona Lewis: Tonight Leona blew the judges away with her version of ‘Summertime’. Her performance was reminiscent of early Mariah Carey (before she turned to crap) and her vocals were truly amazing.

2) Ben Mills: Ben took a risk this week with the big band number. He performed for the most part without a band! Ben sang ‘Smile’ and accompanied himself on piano. His vocals were unrivaled by any other male on the show tonight. Without the backing singers and band we were able to fully appreciate Ben’s voice, it was one of those hair raising performances. This man has to make it to the final 3!

3) Robert Allen: Tonight Robert sang Mr Bojangles and it was a much more restrained performance than we are used to seeing from Rob. Probably because of that, I found the performance a bit bland to begin with, but as the song went on, Robert began to let go somewhat and he really took off from there. I have loved Robert’s performances every week and this week he didn’t let me down!

4) Eton Road: The boys tonight gave a great performance of ‘Mack The Knife’ and although Simon thought it was a “complete and utter mess”, I loved it! I think the boys manage to shine no matter what the genre of music and can somehow adapt themselves and the song so that it seems the track was written just for them.

5) Ray Quinn: Ray opened the show with ‘Ain’t That A Kick In The Head’ this evening and I thought it was his best performace in the competition so far. He looked confident and comforatble with his song, he danced brilliantly and for once his cheesines was entirely suited to the song.

6) Ashley McKenzie: I realised something was a bit off with Ashley’s rendition of Moondance tonight even before he fluffed his lines. I thought he looked nervous and like he was really concentrating and for once his performance did not seem anywhere near effortless. Ashley has a fantastic voice and a great style, but tonight though he got a lot better as the song went on I felt he struggled a bit with this number.

7) Dionne Mitchell: I love Dionne’s voice, she is probably one of the best vocalists in this years show, but tonight she failed to blow me away. I didn’t feel that she was given the chance to show off with this song and I felt that in picking it Sharon made a very poor choice. Dionne is every bit as talented as Leona but tonight she did not manage to showcase her talent in the way which Leona did. I agree with Simon that at times Dionne can look uncomfortable on stage and certainly did at points tonight, however, I imagine that with some coaching this could easily be rectified and I don’t think it is nearly as big a problem as Simon would have us believe.

Kerry McGregor: Tonight Kerry performed ‘You Can’t Take That Away From Me’ and I think it was her best performance in the competition so far. Kerry looked much more relaxed and confident than last week and the song definitely suited her voice very well.

9) The MacDonald Brothers: After much debate The MacDonald Brothers and Louis Walsh finally decided on ‘I Love You Baby’ for this weeks song. The boys harmonies were good and their vocals were spot on, but it lacked something. There was no spark, I just couldn’t get excited. I hope these boys last another week though, I thought they were really good in bootcamp and maybe with a different song they would be a bit more impressive.

10) Nikitta Angus: Nikitta had a hard task tonight, not only did she have sing but she had to perform a choreographed dance routine as well. Sharon Osbourne felt that her vocals suffered somewhat because of the dancing and I would strongly agree. Firstly the song didn’t allow her to show off her vocal ability and secondly she was trying so hard to get her dance steps right that she forgot to put her heart and soul into the song. I think Nikitta has massive talent for such a young girl but she didn’t quite hit the mark tonight.

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

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.

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.

Anyone watching X Factor: The Aftermath will have seen Dionne Mitchell battling with the flu. Unfortunately throughout the week the bug has spread throughout the X Factor house.

Thankfully Dionne’s dad had just the remedy, Bay Rum!

“She’s got this potion to help with a sore throat and flu,� says a show insider.

“It’s powerful stuff and it seems to do the trick! Dionne’s been kind enough to share it with the other contestants and we’re confident everyone will be fighting fit for Saturday.�

Along with Dionne, Leona has been the most poorly, but it looks like both are on the mend.

You can catch them knocking back the eye-watering drink on The Xtra Factor: The Aftermath on ITV2 tonight at 8pm.

We are currently running a poll over on our forum on whether Simon made the right decision about sending The Unconventionals home on Saturday. Do you think he did the right thing, or would you rather have seen Dionne Mitchell go?

We’d love to hear what you think so pop on over and place your vote!

Well, the first show has come and gone, and I’m left feeling incredibly frustrated at the Great British Public.

Brad has done a great job of detailing each act – if you want to see my view on each of them, its all listed in my Blog here: Live Show no 1.. TheNovaView

What on EARTH was Dionne doing in the bottom two? I can understand The Unconventionals being there – Louis should be hanging his head in shame at his mentoring of this group – but Dionne was absolutely brilliant last night. She had style, she had panache, she looked absolutely fantastic, and she owned that song.. but she had to go to the Song Off to stay in. Simon blamed it on her lack of personality, as her vocals were amazing – but I can’t really see that. She shone on the stage.

I hope the MacDonald Brothers are heaving very large sighs of relief. Pretty much every review I’ve seen of them had them firmly in the bottom two. Perhaps the teenagegirly syndrome is already kicking in, and they (and Ray) have managed to stay here. They’re going to need to raise their game much higher if they want to carry on performing in the X Factor.

Next week should be really interesting: the theme is Rod Stewart (so I’m assuming that he’ll be the guest star) and that will suit Ben’s vocals down to the ground. We’ve already seen him perform Maggie May at Bootcamp, so I have high hopes of him. Perhaps Louis will do a better job of song selection, as he’s getting first choice of the songlist, followed by Sharon and then Simon – I just hope he stops messing it up for his acts. And Sharon love.. try and pick better songs too, you did an abysmal job last night, the only one you got spot on was Dionne’s.. and look how the public repaid you.

I could cry.

Last year we did a chart after each episode of X Factor with our take on the performers and what we thought. So, welcome to the very first X Factor chart for 2006!

Now, bear in mind I don’t have Tabby here tonight to talk me down, so I may be wrong. I’ve you’ve got better suggestions for the chart, leave them in the comments or jump to the forum for X-tra chat!

1. Ben Mills – As I said, Ben is possibly the most developed artist in the competition. He’s got the look and definitely the voice. Tonight he played a blinder, despite the material being miles away from his comfort zone. I’m backing Ben!
2. Nikitta Angus – Nikitta looked like she was enjoying herself, sang well and looked cute. I thought she was a great entertainer and the best of the females tonight.
3. Dionne Mitchell – Dionne put in a wonderful performance tonight and showed her potential for later stages of X Factor. For such a nervous person, you couldn’t tell it when she got up on stage!
4. Leona Lewis – Another strong singer. I don’t think she was a Mariah mimic as some said – her performance was closer to the original that Carey’s terrible warbling. Liked her.
5. Kerry McGregor – Again, I disagree with the judges here. Kerry put in a great performance and looked stunning this evening. I had my doubts about her ability to perform, but she had no problems at all. Maybe the song was a bit safe, but that’s not going to stop her.
6. Ashley McKenzie – I was slightly disappointed by Ashley’s performance tonight. Although he had confidence and good stage presence, his singing wasn’t up to scratch.
7. The McDonald Brothers – Despite a good performance, the McDonald Brothers were less than impressive. They could get better though – Louis thinks they’re this year’s Journey South.
8. The Unconventionals – Unconvincing. Another group with great potential forced into mediocrity by Master Walsh. As Simon Cowell commented, it was a mess – everybody singing at once. These guys are capable of so much more!
9. 4Sure – I’ve no doubt they’re a great bunch of lads, but they did nothing exciting tonight. Another blogger likened them to Boyz II Men, but the gist is they’re in danger of becoming forgettable unless they do something to distinguish themselves soon!
10. Robert Allen – While I thought Robert performed well, I noticed in the playback that I couldn’t actually make out what he was singing. His diction is quite bad.
11. Eton Road – The camp one looks like an extra from The Munsters, and the band is as bland as…well, anything else Louis Walsh has a hand in. He’s taken a fairly unique group and turned them into production-line pop. Rubbish.
12. Ray Quinn – What can I say? It’s the X Factor, not the pretty-boy factor. Ray can only grin his way through so many mediocre performances.

So, that’s my opinion. I’m staring at the wrong end of a bottle of red wine, so forgive any inconsistencies in my post!

The Unconventionals have become the first act to leave the X Factor competition.

In a vote that saw a Louis Walsh act up against a Sharon Osbourne act, Simon Cowell has the deciding vote. On the strength of tonight’s performance, he chose to reject The Unconventionals.

Personally, I thought The Unconventionals were a great act with real potential to follow along the line of G4 from two years ago, but tonight’s performance was awful. There was just far too much going on all at once. It was anarchy.

Saved from eviction was Dionne Mitchell, who was in my top three performances tonight. I still can’t understand how she ended up in the bottom two.

As I write this, Kate Thornton has been talking to Ben Shepherd on Xtra Factor. She seemed distracted and confused by the decision to eject The Unconventionals and said that you can never second-guess the general public in a competition like this!

So, goodbye to The Unconventionals and good luck to Dionne for the rest of the competition!

Dionne Mitchell – I’m Gonna Make You Love Me

Dionne kicked off part four clad in a figure hugging red dress, looking a million dollars. She came across as confident and I was surprised at her singing which was fantastic.

Louis also thought she was fantastic, saying “the best performance so far tonight”. Sharon was very proud of her, although Simon said she looked a little stiff and nervous but that “vocally, you are incredible…if you’d been born in America you wouldn’t have had to enter this competition”.

My verdict: Kudos to the stylists! Dionne looked beautiful tonight, sang soooo well and really rose to the material she’d been given. Nerves? What nerves?

The Unconventionals – Dancing In The Street

Without a doubt, the quirkiest group in the competition, The Unconventionals pulled off a rousing version of Dancing In The Street – the whole audience was on their feet! However, it was quite a conventional take on the song.

Louis “great wall of sound…I’m really glad I picked ye”. Sharon said “it was all a bit too much…I got quite confused…I just don’t think this is the right thing for you”. Simon’s take was that it was “a complete and utter mess…five of you shouldn’t be singing lead vocals”. He also managed to criticise the group’s dress sense for the night!

My verdict: Another example of Louis blandifying (I made that word up) a band. I agree with Simon that they shouldn’t all sing lead. Hope they recover and get their individuality back if they return next week.

16 – 24’s

Ashley – Easy – Lionel Richie

Ray – Ben – Michael Jackson

Leona – I’ll Be There – Jackson 5

Nikitta – Heaven Must Of Sent You – The Elgins

Over 24’s

Ben – Tracks Of My Tears – Smokey Robinson

Dionne - I’m Gonna Make You Love Me – Diana Ross & The Supremes

Kerry – You Are The Sunshine Of My Life – Stevie Wonder

Rob – All Night Long – Lionel Richie

Groups

4Sure – What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted – Jimmy Ruffin

The Unconventionals – Dancing In The Streets -Martha Reeves & The Vandellas

MacDonald Brothers – Three Times A Lady – Lionel Ritchie and the Commodores

Eton Road – My Girl – The Temptations

This article was written by Jan, our newest contributor at Unreality TV. Check out Jan’s own X Factor journal here.