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.