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.

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.

Sometimes I wonder if Simon Cowell is on a different planet to me. Not very often – but definitely after his decision to send Gemma home, and not include her in his final 4.

Okay, so it didn’t help that we only saw them sing one song (when they actually sang two) – but Ray has already shown he can’t hack it when put under pressure. Perhaps Simon believes that Ray will be bringing along his Brooky Fan Base?
I hope Simon doesn’t live to regret the decision.

I also hope that Ashley doesn’t have any more fallings out with his mentor. This guy has such an unusual voice, but can be a .. shall we say tad arrogant? I also hoped that Carlo would go through. Why didn’t we hear more of his voice throughout the audition/bootcamp sections? He was melodious and tuneful, and damn easy on the eye (obviously one of my main criteria) – I hope he comes back and tries again next year.

Sharon was another one who surprised me. Jonathan has never really lived up to his Audition promise: he bombed at bootcamp, and his rendition of Maroon 5’s ‘This Love’ was strained and awful. But.. he had bucketloads of charisma, and I really felt that Sharon would keep him in. I’m glad she didn’t – I think Dionne has much more to offer, and I’m looking forward to seeing her in the Live Shows.

Now, Robert and Ben….. ahhhh I love them both. Robert is just so full of enthusiasm, has a great voice. And Ben is so not your average X Factor contestant. That could play against him, but I have only seen good things said about him. I’d hope to see both of them go a long way in this competition.

As for Louis.. Louis, Louis, whyyyyy did you have to send Pure Liberty home? These girls were bubbly and bouncy, and filled your heart with laughter. They would have done well, I think. I’m glad he didn’t go for the Half Brothers as they were definitely missing the darker twosome from the line up, and didn’t really bring any depth to their performance. 4Sure leave me cold (I don’t know why – they’re polished and look good, but they don’t move me in any way), The Unconventionals may be too weird for the target audience, and with his red hot favourites disqualified, Eton Road may have to be his saving grace. I just hope they can pick themselves up from the emotional rollercoaster of the last few weeks.

Earlier today they were reports of two more X Factor contestants who could be disqualified for breaking the rules, the same as Avenue were.

According to some newspapers, the Producers on the X Factor have investigated links between Eton Road and Ray Quinn with an agent.

Avenue have already been thrown out of the contest, as we saw on Saturday after it was discovered they already had a management contract, breaking X Factor rules.

Now the other two acts have been discovered on the website of a Liverpool agency. It said the group was formed through audition in April and there was also a page about Ray Quinn. The page boasted: “He’s been selected for the boot camp, watch this space.”

I can imagine Ray Quinn does have a management contract, but would that not be for his acting rather than singing ?( he used to be in Brookside, played little Anthony, who was bullied)

On This Morning, today, Fern Britain denied the claims as true.

If it is true, this is making a farce of the show really. It’s supposed to be all about finding contestants who have never been given a big break, never been given that chance to shine, and to already have a management contract is wrong.

Then this afternoon, the news changed!

Later this afternoon, it was then confirmed by ITV, therefore ending the speculation, that they will not be asked to leave the XF.

It seems Ray Quinn has said that his deal with the agency had expired earlier in the year. He said he was not in a deal at the moment and the agency boss got him little bits on shows, which was more to do with his acting side. He says he has grown up knowing her and she’s a lovely person .

And it turns out that Eton Road, meanwhile, had been offered – but refused – a management deal by the same agency as Ray Quinn ‘used’ to belong to. James had apparently auditioned as a solo artist for The X Factor already, explained Eton Roads David. So it seems they said ‘thanks, but they would rather just go for it themselves’.

I hope the reports of them now NOT being disqualified are indeed true as it would be a tragedy if Ray and Eton Road get thrown off the show, they have so much to offer. Both Eton Road and Ray has been through the mill a bit more then the rest of the contestants. If you remember he was told he was not in Simons final 7 and he was devastated. Then Simon decided he had made a mistake and asked producers to change it to 8 instead of 7 contestants. So Ray was given another chance, much to his relief. Then he had a battle on his hands when Simon could not decide between Shaky Shaun and Ray. I am pleased he choose Ray as there was no way Shaun could have coped with a live tv show.

Eton Road were also told they had not made the final 4 acts, as Louis had picked Avenue. Then, as we all know, it came to light that Avenue had already got a management contract, and so were disqualified, allowing Louis to bring Eton Road back into the show.

So, a great sigh of relief all round for these two acts I think! And it looks like we are all set for the 12 acts to perform live for the first time this Saturday.

So much gossip today! First they will be thrown out, next second they wont, so who knows what gossip tomorrow will bring from the X factor!

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

Name: Raymond Quinn

Age: 18

From: Liverpool

Occupation: Student

The Story So Far…

* Raymond came to the open day at Old Trafford and sang Dean Martin’s ‘Ain’t That A Kick In The Head’ and Elvis’ ‘Devil In Disguise’. He went down a storm with the judges, Simon said he was “like a young Robbie�, Louis thought he had “great potential� and Sharon said he was a “natural� and told him “I love you Raymond!� All three Judges sent Raymond to Bootcamp.
* On the first day of Bootcamp Raymond sang ‘Devil in Disguise’ again and although Simon thought he was “a bit stage school� he also said that he was “cheeky� and that he “has charisma.�
* On the second day of Bootcamp Raymond sang ‘Easy’ by The Commodores and Simon and Sinitta said he was “cheeky and likeable� but they weren’t 100% sure and initially told him “no�
* However at the end of the second day, as Raymond was about to leave, Simon decided that he’d made a mistake and after talking to the Executive Producers he called Raymond back to tell him “Raymond, I made a mistake, I want you to come to my home visit.�
* At Simon’s Judges House Raymond sang ‘She’s The One’ by Robbie Williams and ‘Smile’ by Robert Downey Junior.
* In the deliberation Simon said “he was out of it judging on his first song, but the second song really made it for him.� Sinitta said “he has to go through, he lights up the room the public will like him.�
* Simon then told him “the first song was weakest by a mile, the second song was well in your comfort zone. You’re a great entertainer but can I afford to put you through?�

History

* Raymond lives at home with his parents in Liverpool. He also has two older brothers who own a carpet warehouse.
* He is currently studying performing arts at The Merseyside Dance and Drama College and has a year left to go. There he has had some vocal training and has also learnt to dance to quite an advanced level.
* Raymond’s claim to fame is starring as ‘Anthony’ in Brookside.
* He even managed to win himself a Soap Award in 2002 for ‘Best Dramatic Performance’ and the storyline he was part of won Best storyline of 2003.
* He has been in a children’s drama called Cactus Jack.
* His proudest moments include winning £5000 in Manchester talent competition ‘Search for a Star’ and performing in Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall for a Tsunami Aid concert.
* Raymond says his closest friend is his girlfriend Kirsty, 19, who he has been with for just over a year.

What would winning The X Factor mean to you?

‘’Winning The X Factor would change my life completely. It’d be a dream come true to become a recording artist. The first thing I would buy if I won the show would be a car or a house, but I’m most looking forward to having fun, enjoying the experience and performing on stage. Obviously I’ll miss my family and friends but I’ll be pursuing my dream so I don’t really mind.’

Where did you go to school and how did it feel getting an acting job at such a young age?

Ray went to Gateacre Comprehensive in Liverpool where his favourite subject was art. Whilst still at school he won a part in the soap Brookside. “Winning a Soap Award was amazing� he says. “To win that accolade at such a young age was an amazing experience. Being in Brookside was the only job I’ve ever had and it was the best one. I never really knew what I wanted to do so two years ago, started singing lessons and really enjoyed it. I did a gig for my Nan’s 80th and really enjoyed it and I knew then it was all I wanted to do. I’ve always wanted to be a star!�

What are your musical influences?

He cites his musical influences as Robbie Williams, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davies. “To really wow the Judges I’d sing Ain’t That A Kick In The Head – with a big band.�

What do you do to relax?

When he’s not singing, Raymond likes nothing better than extreme skating around Liverpool on his rollerblades. “And I love being on holiday in America. Everything is cheap and big� he laughs.

We are almost there! The live shows kick off next week and tonight our 12 X Factor finalists were revealed!

They are as follows:

SIMON’S SINGERS: 16-24

Nikitta Angus
AGE 17: Fulfilled mum’s dying wish to go on show. Simon said: “Your voice is fantastic… your mum would be proud.�

Leona Lewis
AGE 21: Wrote first song at 12 and debut album is out already. Went to prestigious Brit drama school, now works as receptionist.

Raymond Quinn
AGE 18: Awardwinning ex-Brookside actor, broke down as Simon rejected him, then tracked him down and asked him to return and take a place in his final 8 acts.

Ashley McKenzie
AGE 16:student and ex-male model. He told Simon: “Singing is my life… without it, it’s a dead end.�

SHARON’S SINGERS: 25+

Kerry McGregor
AGE 31: Mother to 16 month old Joshua, Kerry broke her back falling from a tree in her teens – singing career is her lifelong ambition.

Dionne Mitchell
AGE 26: Dionne, a Londoner, wowed judges with a soulful take on Aretha Franklin’s You Make Me Feel (Like A Natural Woman).

Ben Mills
AGE 26: Long-haired rocker Ben has a huge ambition to make it as a singer. He currently runs a business renting out marquees.

Robert Allen
AGE 27: Robert is a hospital worker whose pregnant girlfriend is due to give birth in December.

LOUIS’S GROUPS

The Unconventionals: Three boys, three girls… longtime pals Drew, Andrew, Tom, Nicola, Lucy and Liz. Can they score a Hear’Saystyle victory? The group thought they had sang themselves out of a place in the final as Drew forgot his lyrics in their final audition, but Louis loved them anyway.

Eton Road: This quartet are James, Anthony, David and Daniel – pals with an unusual style.

McDonald Brothers: These Glaswegian brothers are Brian and Craig MacDonald. Handsome boys, I’d love to meet their dad!

4Sure: Four boys… Donovan, Andrew, Chris and Jermaine.