BY JASON WRIGHT
JUST three acts now remained in the running, going through into one of television’s biggest nights of the year, the final night of The X-Factor itself! Pubs and clubs across the country were packed and nearly 20 million were glued to the TV at home, waiting to see if either Matt Cardle, Rebecca Ferguson or One Direction would become Britain’s next big music star.
Dermot O’Leary must have been taking fashion tips from Louis Walsh as he emerged out onto stage at the beginning wearing a film-style suit and bow tie, something that Walsh has exhibited every Sunday since the fourth week of the contest. The night began with a rendition of Take That’s ‘Never Forget’ by the final three, joined halfway through by the band themselves.
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| CLASS: Matt kept his A level up throughout the show |
Just like last night each act’s first song was a new one and Matt kicked off with a rendition of Katy Perry’s ‘Firework’, putting yet another unique twist on it as he has done with most of his performances so far. Questions though were raised over his dress sense for the first performance but that was his choice so there wasn’t a problem with it. Meanwhile, after the troubles of Saturday night in Colchester, it was second time lucky there on Sunday and Stacey Solomon was able to chat to the supporters.
One Direction came next with their take on Natalie Imbruglia’s ‘Torn’. Performing it atop a makeshift arch in the middle of the stage, they had the crowd and their fans over in Doncaster in hysterics for the umpteenth time and only strengthening their emphasis that this could really happen, a group could potentially win the show!
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| SWEET: Rebecca's dreams will probably come true |
Finally, it was the turn of Rebecca Ferguson performing ‘Sweet Dreams’, the song did exactly what it said in the title, again the Liverpool lass sung it in such a soulful and heartfelt way and received huge acclaim from the judges again. Her followers back in Merseyside once again voiced their approval but with Matt’s huge chances and One Direction’s big backing, it seemed a tough call for her to get into the last two.
After the pressures of the first songs, a little bit of humour was now injected into the night. No, it wasn’t the return of Wagner but something worse than that, the return of the those who failed miserably in the auditions. Performing the Lady Gaga hit ‘Bad Romance’, it was predictably so out of tune but just great to watch. After all, they usually take the great appeal during the early stages of the competition just for their bad ability.
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| GLUM: Simon and One Direction after their demise |
Voting lines were then frozen again. Only two acts would make into the third and most crucial phase of the final. With the final three all in their smart and formal wear, it was revealed that Matt and Rebecca would move forward to sing again. One Direction had been sensationally knocked out and it left them, their fans and even mentor Simon Cowell stunned and shattered. Certainly though, this is not the last of them, they will surely become the next big boyband.
So Matt and Rebecca were now within touching distance of the X-Factor crown and just one more performance would now take them there, it would of course be a performance that would be released as their debut single should they win. However this time there was a twist, both acts (as well as the already eliminated One Direction and Cher should they been in this position) had recorded a song which was suited to their voice instead of the traditional method of choosing just one song for the final pair which sometimes can be at a disadvantage.
First up was Matt performing his cover of Biffy Clyro’s ‘Many of Horror’ which was renamed in this take as ‘When We Collide’. Yet again, Matt transformed this song from its original core rock into his own style and it totally worked and the judges seemed to say that it was his competition to lose now, though Simon of course didn’t want to count out the opposition yet.
So what could Rebecca offer instead? Well she took the brave gamble of covering ‘Distant Dreamer’ by Duffy, and brave because it has never been released as a single. This may work at a huge disadvantage but it still had plenty of potential. Simon was right, don’t count her out yet and he used his trademark comment of not being able to claim it was a definite victory for anyone. Many must have been thinking over what the chances were of placing a bet on a dead heat.
After Take That returned to perform another sensational number, the waiting was over and lines closed and the result was submitted. Millions of votes were casted and after the usual tense wait, Dermot revealed the public decided that the winner of The X Factor 2010 should be…Matt Cardle!
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| SPEECHLESS: Both Matt and Danni look overwhelmed |
Matt was left undoubtedly speechless after his success. Dannii Minogue was delighted in joining Simon and Cheryl Cole in the ranks of being a two-time X Factor champion. Cheryl at last was defeated and Rebecca offered congratulations to Matt. Once again, I think this will not be the last of Rebecca; she will again get a music deal.
That just left Matt to bring down the curtain on this series with his first proper performance of his debut single, after which all of the beaten finalists (minus Cher Lloyd, who was mysteriously absent with no reason) came to his side to also say their congratulations. The right winner indeed and it was proved as the official voting stats showed afterwards that he topped the board every time since week two but in the final he was chased all the way and won by just a narrow margin.
Round-up of the series
Despite a great final weekend, overall the series has been a massive disappointment, mainly due to the controversy and drama off camera. It was surprising that the judges managed to keep it under control throughout most of it. Simon Cowell always set things right and took responsibility for anything that went wrong, Dannii Minogue did a great job considering she missed the auditions due to her pregnancy whilst Louis Walsh was as impartial and usually foolish as before. However the worst of the lot was Cheryl Cole, a disaster from start to finish. While it was nice to see her back from her malaria scare, it screwed up her mind. She became arrogant, thoughtless, and made decisions that were usually disgraceful. Personally I don’t think we’ll see Cheryl back next year and there is great chance she will be replaced by Nicole Scherzinger, following her successful stint as a guest judges in the auditions and bootcamp this year.
This also may be Simon Cowell’s last stint, as The X-Factor airs in the US in the same time as the UK next year. Before he has managed the show plus the American Idol auditions at the same time so I think he will be able to do it. Plus, Dermot O’Leary may also be on the way out with reports that he may be off the present the new US version of the show. Christine Bleakley, Davina McCall, Caroline Flack, Vernon Kay and Stephen Mulhern are the names that have been mostly tipped to take over should Dermot defect across the Atlantic. If he goes, it is important that ITV will need to employ someone that has the ability to keep the show in its stride.
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| WINNER: Matt with Danni and the winning single 'When we Collide' |
Whatever the case, The X-Factor has produced another great winner and good luck to Matt for what the future holds for him. The countdown to summer 2011 and series eight is now well and truly underway.
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