X Factor Week 1 Performances Review
Danyl Johnson – I'm Telling You Shocks Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh & co
Danyl Johnson confirmed his place as runaway favourite to win the competition during the first round of live shows on the X Factor. His rendition of Jennifer Hudson’s ‘I'm Telling You' was the standout performance during week 1’s ‘music legends’ themed show. Below is the verdict on each of the twelve contestants’ performances.
Simon Cowell’s Over 25’s – Olly Murs, Jamie Archer, Danyl Johnson
Olly Murs – She’s The One
Apart from the obvious choice of runaway favourite Danyl Johnson, Cowell would have found it tough choosing his final three acts from an extremely gifted over 25’s category and admitted that he was taking a risk by opting for Olly Murs.
The likeable 25-year-old repaid Cowell’s faith with a confident version of this Robbie Williams ballad. Dressed in a Fred Perry jumper and skinny tie, Murs made the song his own and even managed to squeeze his trademark dance moves into his routine.
Jamie Archer – Get It On
Cowell hooked Archer up with a live rock band and the 34-year-old made for an extremely charismatic frontman performing T-Rex’s smash hit. The former pub singer is a joy to behold performing heavy rock anthems such as these and was at his fist-pumping, head-banging best during this song. However, the other judges were quick to question Archer’s versatility and it will be interesting to see how the former pub singer fares when having to perform other genres of music.
Danyl Johnson – I'm Telling You
Johnson seemed to be struggling to live up to the hype after taking the world by storm with his first audition but this performance was every bit as good. The school teacher is by far the most talented act in the competition. He may have been unfairly slated by the judges for apparently believing he had already won but the criticism will only have boosted his popularity. Stick your money on him to win.
Dannii Minogue’s Girls, Rachel Adedeji, Stacey Solomon, Lucie Jones
Rachel Adedeji – Let Me Entertain You
Dannii controversially labelled this year’s competition as a two horse race between her and Simon but she might be nervous about keeping hold of Adedeji after this performance. The Robbie Williams hit should be full of spark and energy but this version was instantly forgettable. The soulful songstress wasn’t helped by some strange dance choreography and her stylist’s dull choice of outfit.
Stacey Solomon – The Scientist
The public have really taken to Solomon but the single mum was a bag of nerves throughout her take on the Coldplay ballad. The song allowed her to show off the beautiful tone to her voice but she will need to develop her confidence and show come star quality to go a long way in the competition.
Lucie Jones – Footprints In The Sand
The cheeky Welsh girl-next-door came of age with an effortlessly beautiful and powerful ballad. Jones was not a bit out of her depth covering a Leona Lewis song and looked every inch the pop superstar in a stunning purple dress.
Cheryl Cole’s boys, Rikki Loney, Lloyd Daniels, Joe McElderry
Rikki Loney – Back In Black
Cheryl has spoke of her worries about styling men but Loney looked the true star in a purple suit and trilby hat. Accompanied by a live pianist, the Scotsman put in a trademark cool, funky and entertaining performance of the Amy Winehouse hit to match his suave appearance. Could be a dark horse to win.
Lloyd Daniels – Cry Me A River
The 16-year-old looked like a little boy lost during this Justin Timberlake song and seemed uncomfortable performing with female dancers. Daniels bottled the song’s high notes and displayed one of the weakest vocal ranges of the evening. The youngster will only get by on his boyish good looks for so long and will need to up his game if the public give him another chance.
Joe McElderry – No Regrets
The Geordie’s vocals should be good enough to get him through into the next round but it remains to be seen if the 18-year-old can grow up and become an entertainer. McElderry seems to be one of the judges favourites and a solid performance of this Robbie hit will do his confidence the world of good.
Louie Walsh’s Groups, Kandy Rain, Miss Frank, John and Edward
Kandy Rain – Addicted To Love
The ex-strippers have to be one of the favourites to get booted off after this dreary performance of the Robert Palmer anthem. Despite being dressed in smutty black outfits, the girls stood stiff and rigid behind their microphones for the entire song with only lead singer Chemmame showing any sort of confidence.
Miss Frank – Who’s Loving You?
Louis shockingly admitted in that none of his acts would have a chance of winning the show but could be on to a good thing with these soulful R&B divas. All three girls looked fantastic, showed remarkable vocals and strutted round the X Factor stage like with a sexy confidence.
John and Edward – Rock DJ
The twins were ripped to pieces by the judges after this embarrassing take on the Robbie Williams hit but it is hard to deny that they make great TV. This rendition confirmed that neither John nor Edward can sing but their performance, complete with tacky dancers and a hilarious 70’s DJ, was one of the most entertaining segments of the show. Don’t be surprised to see this joke act back next week.
Viewers will find out which acts made it through to the second week live on ITV1 tonight at 8 o’clock.
X Factor ITV 2009
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