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!