Cowell's U-turn to save Jedward

If there were any doubts left over the true intention of X Factor then Simon Cowell quashed them last Sunday. The X Factor is an entertainment show, a show driven by Simon himself and his wallet and the fact that Jedward are still in the competition is proof of that.

The X Factor weekend had started on Saturday night with Movie Week and however much it pains me to admit it Jedward's rendition of 'Ghostbusters' was the performance I was most looking forward to. The twins from Dublin may not have been blessed with amazing singing voices but they can entertain me within their 2 minutes on stage, a quality that many other acts lack. Unfortunately Jedward's qualities only stretch to one line so I will get back to Saturday night's action.

Stacey was first on stage with 'Son of a Preacher Man', a sexier style and better overall stage performance from the Dagenham girl managed to save her for another week despite Simon Cowell's negative comments. Following Stacey was Olly with 'Twist and Shout', another high tempo dancing performance from Simon's act but one quite similar to his previous weeks. Whilst Olly has found his comfort zone he may need to branch out occasionally, try a more current song to increase his ever-growing fanbase. Despite this I would say Olly (much to Simon's delight) will sail through to the final and the boy from Essex has a very good chance of walking away the winner.

Now Lloyd has had a difficult time of late, bottom two against Rachel the week before and a sore throat in the sing-off but the youngster was always going to struggle having to follow Olly. Lloyd attempted 'Stand by me' but his vocals aren't strong enough for the competition and for once I agree with Louis Walsh, poor Lloyd is out of his depth.

Next on stage was Jamie, an act I just haven't been impressed with during the live shows. His audition singing 'Sex on Fire' was terrific but Jamie seems to lack direction and has only managed to proof that he is a pub singer struggling in a competition were theme weeks just don't suit him (minus rock week obviously). This week Jamie sung 'Crying' and whilst I tried to concentrate on the performance all I could think about was that scene from Only Fools and Horses with Tony Angelino's unique take on the song. Sorry Jamie but you just don't do it for me, even when you manage to produce unintentional comedy in your performance.

Lucie followed Jamie on stage with her rendition of 'This is me', a song I had never heard of before that is apparently from teen favourite film Camp Rock. As always Lucie delivered on the vocals but the song choice would only appeal to the teen vote, a vote already spread between the likes of Lloyd and Jedward. It may have been a shock to see the Welsh singer in the bottom two based on her vocals but it was not surprising to see Lucie in danger based on her song choice.

The only other act to receive close to the amount of press coverage as Jedward is Danyl. Simon's act has jumped around from a confident and somewhat arrogant performer to a broken man after ending up in the bottom two, but now the singer seems to have found a happy medium (and a nice new hairdo to match!). Danyl's performance of Purple Rain was a vast improvement from the week before but for me it still lacked any real wow, or that special 'x' factor.

Next up was the performance, one so embarrassing to watch yet painfully amusing that you can't stop watching. Yes Jedward took to the stage in a car, surrounded by ghosts as they tried their best to sing along to 'Ghostbusters'. They managed to get through another full on routine but the novelty is starting to now wear thin and it seems like some viewers may be starting to agree as for the first time Jedward fell into the bottom two.

Last up was Cheryl's Geordie boy Joe with 'Circle of Life'. He may have a strong voice and been a consistent performer but, like Jamie, he just doesn't appeal to me. Every week Joe comes out and performs well and last Saturday was no different but, in my opinion Joe doesn't have the star quality to make him a successful popstar. Despite this I think Joe will be around in the competition for some time and just like Olly, he seems to be on course for a place in the final.

After all the performances it was down to the results show on Sunday. After the Black Eyed Peas and Leona Lewis showed the contestants what they are aiming for Dermot announced that Joe, Olly, Stacey, Lloyd and Jamie were through, leaving Jedward and Lucie in the bottom.


With the last two acts standing on the stage I was sure of the outcome, this was the chance the judges (except mentor Louis) had been waiting for to get rid of the twins. After two survival songs of differing class, Lucie belting out 'One Moment in Time' whilst Jedward jumped around to 'Rock DJ', predictably Louis saved his act Jedward whilst Dannii and Cheryl saved Lucie.

Once again it came down to Simon's vote and whilst I screamed at the TV for him to make the right choice Mr Cowell debated his decision. Despite his past protests that the X Factor was a singing competition he sent the decision to deadlock, stating that he felt neither act could win. And to little surprise it was Lucie who unfairly perished after receiving the lowest number of public votes.

Whilst Lucie came to terms with the news Jedward stood on stage, safe for another week thanks to supposed biggest critic Simon Cowell. Before I make my next point I would like to add that no I didn't vote for Lucie, I voted for Stacey. Yes the public, like myself, didn't pick up the phone for Lucie but we can't be expected to vote for every act except Jedward. The judge's decision is there to prevent such ludicrous decisions, there to save an act who undeservedly found themselves in the bottom two.

With Jedward moments away from exiting the competition Simon was close to losing X Factor's main talking points, viewing figures and stack loads of cash. So Simon, just like the week before, took it to deadlock and now we can be in no doubt over what X Factor's priorities really are. The show is and will be for the rest of the series an entertainment machine (well that is until Simon Cowell decides which of his acts and talented singers he wants to win, then it will be all about the singing again).

Picture of Jedward from Mirror Mobile
Picture of Lucie from Telegraph