The X-Factor Final 2011 - Amelia departs in stage one

By Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

THOUSANDS had fallen by the wayside and now just three acts remained.  This weekend, Little Mix, Marcus Collins and Amelia Lily competed in the 2011 X-Factor final, infront of 10,000 fans live at Wembley Arena.

After the casual, but always cringe worthy scene entrance of Dermot O’Leary, the three finalists kicked off with a group performance of Take That’s ‘Greatest Day.’  Then it was onto the real matter of impressing the public.  Each act had two songs to perform on the first night of the final and the act that finished bottom of the public vote would be eliminated.

Making a lasting impression

For their first performance of the night, each act was given a song they had never previously performed before in the competition.  With Wembley Arena’s bigger stage capacity, each act had the opportunity to add an extra dimension into their first song.  First was Marcus, who performed Outkast’s ‘Hey Ya!’ to the backdrop of a prop plane.  To say it was amazing was a bit of an understatement as he tore the roof of the building (not literally) with his cool, calm and collected approach to the song.

So, how could Little Mix match or even beat the stage display from Marcus?  Simple, arrive on stage, riding four Harley Davidson bikes before blasting into a rendition of Florence + the Machine’s ‘You Got the Love.’  They have been without question the revelation of this competition, not only having ripped up the form book of girl groups on the show but shredding and burning it.  The question was now, could the public believe that they really could go all the way?

Finally it was the turn of Amelia.  Kelly Rowland decided to take gamble in not using extra displays, deciding just to concentrate on her performance ability.  Though that might have sounded a big disadvantage, her version of ‘Ain’t No Other Man’ by Christina Aguilera was at the same level as all of her performances since her whirlwind return. 

The bond between acts and mentors exposed

As with finals in the past, each act would next perform a song with a special guest.  This is X-Factor though and with the new venue destination in mind, the stakes were raised massively.  So for the first time in the show’s history, each act was tasked to perform with their mentors.  It was a chance to see whether they really had either bonded together throughout the competition or were at each other’s throats.

First, Marcus and Gary Barlow performed Billy Joel’s classic ‘She’s Always a Woman.’  Collins announced previously he would be dedicating his performance to his mother and both he and Barlow made the song into their own unique way.

UNISON: Tulisa was like a fifth member of Little Mix in the duet round

Next, it was time for Tulisa and Little Mix (or ‘Little Muffins’ as Tulisa has been referring them to as throughout much of the competition) to give a medley of the Alicia Keys songs ‘If I Ain’t Got You’ and ‘Empire State of Mind.’  This performance perhaps gave no question that this is the best partnership between act and mentor in the competition.  At times, it felt like Tulisa had become the fifth member of the group.

Then Amelia and Kelly joined forces to perform Tina Turner’s ‘River Deep, Mountain High.’  As much as Amelia gave it her best as she has with any other song in this competition, the overall level performance lacked the passion and dedication that was required at this point in the final.

Only the public now could decide whether the acts had done enough to win a place in Sunday night’s decider.

 

The full time whistle goes for Amelia Lily…again!

The finalists weren’t of course, the only ones to take to the Wembley stage as The X-Factor promised that the final would be littered with guest stars.  On Saturday, the fans were treated a special “super group” performance by JLS and One Direction, as well as cameo appearances from Leona Lewis and Michael Buble.

Finally, the voting lines were frozen and the results of the first stage of the final were in.  Little Mix continued their incredible run by reaching the final two and despite going in as the underdog; Marcus’ performances were enough to sway the public vote in his favour of going through.

DIGNITY: Amelia was eliminated on Saturday, but achieved her target

It meant Amelia had to deal with the prospect of elimination for the second time.  However, unlike nine weeks ago, when she refused to accept what had happened, this time she was extremely gracious in defeat.  She said that her ambition was only to reach the final and she achieved it with flying colours.  Afterwards, she vowed that this would not be the last of her and for 17 years of age, she has an incredible voice.

ECSTATIC: Marcus and Little Mix celebrate their progress on Saturday

So as Amelia departed, the dream was now just beginning for both Marcus and Little Mix.  They would be back in the second stage of final on Sunday where one would win and have their lives change forever.  The Great British public now had 24 hours to deliver their verdict…

TO BE CONTINUED…

Children in Need 2011 - A record breaking night

By Jason Wright (Entertainment expert)

RECORDS: Children in Need was very popular again with the public

FAMOUS faces were out in force again at Television Centre for the 32nd staging of the popular BBC Children In Need telethon night.  BBC One, as ever, cleared its Friday night schedules for the seven and a half hour marathon of music and entertainment in the aid of giving disadvantaged children a helping hand.

     Sir Terry Wogan again oversaw the proceedings across the night and was joined by Alisha Dixon (7:30pm-8:30pm), Tess Daly (8:30pm-10:00pm) and finally Fearne Cotton (10:35pm-2:00am.)  With the financial times getting so tough, it was predicted that the appeal night total would be down again for the third year in a row.  They were wrong!

     X-Factor boyband One Direction were the headline act of performances, getting the girls screaming out more as usual.  JLS, Susan Boyle, the reunited Steps, Olly Murs and the Saturdays, which saw Frankie Sandford make a surprise return to the band after several months away due to illness, were among the other musical guests on the show.  For this year’s official single, Take That and new X-Factor head judge, Gary Barlow gathered some of the finest acts from the R&B and hip-hop scene, including Rizzle Kicks, Tinchy Stryder and Tulisa from N-Dubz to perform his self-penned song ‘Teardrop.’  The song however was blighted with a sound failure in the microphones during its performance on the show.

     BBC programmes once again got in on the act.  The cast of EastEnders paid tribute to rock legends Queen, Lord Sugar took on the terrifying Dragons in a special Dragons Den sketch.  There was a special edition of Never Mind the Buzzcocks shown on BBC Two during the interlude on BBC One for the Ten O’clock News and Doctor Who fans were treated to a special sneak preview of the upcoming Christmas episode.  BBC Radio 2 rose over £2 million through their popular ‘Money Can’t Buy’ auction and ‘Music Marathon’ events.

     Of course though, Children In Need wouldn’t be the same without something from the BBC News team.  This year, four of the presenting team – Emily Maitlis, Sophie Raworth, Susanna Reid and Sian Williams joined forces with four professionals from Strictly Come Dancing for a special group dance.  Strictly is one of a few programmes to raise interest in Children In Need, and this weekend’s show is being broadcast from Wembley Arena in front of an audience of 6,000.  In three weeks from now, 10,000 will be seated inside the same arena for the X-Factor final weekend.

     Outside of appeal night, other companies have been offering their support for good causes.  Some of the most highlighted were:

·         ASDA sold a wide variety of Children In Need kitchenware and Pudsey Bear gingerbread biscuits.

·         Greggs sold Children In Need themed cupcakes and doughnuts.

·         Boots sold Pudsey teddy bears along with key rings and wristbands.  Wristbands were also on sale in Post Offices.

·         Welcome Break motorway service stations and CostCo cash & carry stores displayed donation boxes.

·         Build-A-Bear Workshop had Pudsey teddy bears in a wide range of different outfits.

     All that, along with the rolling donations from the night, ensured that Children In Need against all odds broke the record for an on-the-night total, raising a massive £26,332,334.  This was over six million higher than the previous record set in 2008.  The final total is already projected to hit over £45 million.

     It proved that despite the doom and gloom on the financial market that for just that one night, Britain can afford to pick their phones and give some money in the aid of a good cause.

Does the X-Factor give you chart success?

By Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

IT IS Britain’s most watched and biggest talent competition.  However a burning issue throughout its time is that will appearing on the show really guarantee you chart success and fame and fortune?

TERMINATION: Joe's music career never really took off

     Last week, two more X-Factor graduates were consigned to the scrapheap.  Firstly last Friday, 2009 winner Joe McElderry’s contract was terminated.  He had struggled to connect a fanbase with his distinct style of music and final straw came when it was revealed that his last single reached just number 69 in the charts, selling a paltry 7,000 copies.  Then on Tuesday, Shayne Ward, who was victorious in 2005 was let go by Simon Cowell.  Despite enjoying initial success in the early stages of his career, he had been out of the public eye for quite some time and inevitably, his comeback bid last year, failed with his new album failing to crack the top 10.

     It now means that four of the six winners of the show (not counting 2010 winner Matt Cardle) have now flopped after enjoying success on the show, ironically, all of them, the four male winners of the competition.  It should be said that now that Matt Cardle must get good luck for his album later in the year, because he’s going to need it!

     Only two winners have been able to crack the formula at being successful, Leona Lewis (2006) and Alexandra Burke (2008).  Both have since also been able to make a fortune internationally as well, proving that if you’ve got the talent, you can make it.  Unlike series 4 champion Leon Jackson who never stood a chance from day one and as for the first-ever winner Steve Brookstein.  WHO IS HE?  Never heard of him, would perhaps be the reaction if you asked somebody on the street nowadays.

SUCCESS: JLS have been the big winners of X-Factor

     As seen in the past, acts don’t need to win the show to make a path of glorified success.  JLS, runners-up to Alexandra in 2008 and truth be told, are in fact the most successful act in the show’s history with four number one singles and two number one albums to their name.  Fellow 2008 contestant Diana Vickers and 2009 runner-up Olly Murs have also enjoyed moderate success.  Other acts come and go quickly like G4 (2004), Chico (2005), Andy Abraham (2005), Rhydian Roberts (2007) and Same Difference (2007) but at least can be proud of achieving a tagline of “15 Minutes of Fame.”  Others will just be in it for the money, such as 2009 twins Jedward, who will be representing Ireland in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.  They don’t care how bad they are, they just want to make loads of profit.

     These acts can though count themselves lucky that they got their opportunity whilst others haven’t been able to.  Aiden Grimshaw suffered a shock departure in week six last year but still earned a private music deal whilst it’s a different case for popular figures Laura White and Lucie Jones.  Their early exits at the hands of Louis Walsh in 2008 and Simon Cowell in 2009 respectively ruined any chances of almost-certainly successful careers in music for these girls.  2010 nutter Wagner even stands a better chance of getting material out than them sadly.

     In truth, winning or being successful in The X-Factor and being a great music artist are definitely different kettles of fish.  It’s all a question of trying to maintain a style of music and hope that it’s something your supporters will be happy with.  It’s something that both McElderry and Ward didn’t deliver and has unfortunately led to their ultimate demises.

My favourite music in 2010

ANOTHER dramatic year in the world of music and here are some of my favourites from the past twelve months.

Good Times - Roll Deep




Cry Me Out - Pixie Lott




Just Drive - Alistair Griffin



Firework - Katy Perry




The Club is Alive - JLS




Promise This - Cheryl Cole




Wavin Flag - K'Naan (2010 Coca Cola Celebration Mix)




All the Lovers - Kylie Minogue




Shame - Robbie Williams & Gary Barlow




Heartbeat - Enrique Iglesias & Nicole Scherzinger




Enjoy!

T4 On The Beach - Strong Line-Up, Disappointing Result

Sunday afternoon saw the seaside town of Weston-super-Mare taken over by the popular one-day festival, T4 on the Beach.  Now in its 8^th year, the annual event boosts all the tourist attractions and economy in the area by nearly a third, and is a big hit with some of the top popstars across the world.  With tickets priced at £35, it was unsurprising that they were snapped up in double-quick time.  For those, including myself, at least you can take comfort from watching an afternoon of top-quality music and entertainment live on Channel 4.

The event was hosted by the popular T4 presenters, Rick Edwards, Miquita Oliver and Steve Jones, who keeps coming back to host the prestigious event every year, despite the constant rumours that suggest he is on the verge of signing an exclusive deal with the BBC.  The presenters managed to pull all the stops out to attract a dazzling line-up of talent to the 2010 festival – Quite possibly the strongest they’ve managed to attract.

On the bill were the likes of Pixie Lott, JLS, Dizzee Rascal, Scouting for Girls, Jason Derulo, the Saturdays, Plan B, Alexandra Burke, Tiny Tempah, The Hoosiers, Taio Cruz and Ellie Goulding.  It promised a lot on paper, but things are never concluded on paper, they have to happen on the day.  Sadly, this didn’t seem to be the case.  Some of the acts did themselves a load of credit.  Derulo got the crowd going, and certainly the pulses of many crazy girl heartbeats, by stripping out of his top during his live performance.  Pixie Lott’s reputation continues to grow, with another bustling live performance, and is starting to move ahead of Florence + the Machine, as the biggest breakthrough act of recent times.  Another threat for that crown comes from the gifted Ellie Goulding.  Goulding, who won the Critics Choice Award at this year’s BRITS, is going from strength and strength, and is only bound to get better, even if she hasn’t won my full support for her talent quite yet.  JLS closed the show this year, and put in another top-notch performance, even though it was limited to two songs, and their new single may lack in gaining the attention, that ‘Everybody In Love’ and ‘Beat Again’ manage to acclaim. 

Among the disappointments, were The Saturdays, who were lacking the presence of one of their members, through illness?  As a result, it showed, as the girls struggled on without her.  Derulo aside, most of the international stars seemed more interested in the girls, rather than their own performances.  The weather was grey, windy and dismal, which was disappointing, considering the recent heat haze that the country is enjoying.  Although Gok Wan did his best as a guest host, the stars of Skins, The Inbetweeners and Hollyoaks – normally full of co-stars, were also distinctly missing from the action in 2010.  T4’s surprise guest, the annoying and irritating Jedward turned up and performed.  To be honest, the less said about those twins, the better for this country.  The day they get a No.1, will be the day that music officially dies.  Fingers crossed that will never happen then!  They may be entertaining at times, but their vocal talents are simply non-existent.  Presenting is more of a possible career path; singing certainly will never fit the talk of X-Factor 2009.  Another bloke who you wouldn’t mind giving a good old slap, is Louis Spence from Pineapple Dance Studios.  Though his hard work with his studios can’t be faulted, his personality is nothing short of bordering onto pure madness. 

I had high hopes for T4 on the Beach 2010, but like many items before this year, such as England’s diabolical World Cup performance, the letdown of Britain’s Got Talent and the expected failure of the Eurovision Song Contest, it lacked some of the entertainment, musical and comedy value that it traditionally brings.  It was a disappointing outcome, for such a top-notch bill; let’s hope it bounces back next summer.

The BRIT Awards 2010 - A Celebration of Top-Notch Music

This blog was first published on February 17th at http://happydude88.livejournal.com/

Last night saw music’s biggest night of the year at London’s Earls Court. As ever the BRIT awards didn’t disappoint with a night of questionable fashion dresses, stunning music performances and surprising winners.

The big winner of last night was Lady Gaga. Gaga was nominated in three categories and won in all three for Best International Album, Best International Breakthrough Act & Best International Female Solo Artist. She was very emotional and thanked her fans massively for what she considered, was a major surprise. However, her fashion sense was less to be desired. Once again, Lady Gaga’s personality toppled her music. She clearly was affected by the tragic death of fashion designer, Alexander McQueen last week and her performance live was terrible. It was an unrecognisable piece and by pressing the same button regularly on an electronic keyboard, it felt like a 6-year old could have done a better job. Nevertheless, it was a moving tribute to a sorely missed figure in the fashion industry.

On a British side, JLS were the starring performers, with one of the most breathtaking live performances of the night and two awards. It has been an incredible year for the boy band, the 2008 X-Factor runners-up and the group is probably amongst the biggest band for a generation. They were very gracious and thanked almost everybody for their awards. Their win of Best British Single for ‘Beat Again,’ was a major surprise, as the smart money with the bookmakers was with Cheryl Cole’s hit ‘Fight for this Love.’

Speaking of Cole, it was clear that she is struggling personally with her life at the moment, following further revelations of Ashley Cole’s shocking behaviour, which could well end their marriage. She looked down all night and her performance certainly wasn’t that inspiring. One of the best performances was the much-anticipated duet between Dizzee Rascal and Florence + the Machine. The duet for “You’ve Got the Dirtee Love’ might hit the charts as a charity contribution for the Haiti earthquake appeal. It was a great link and both were big winners too on the night. Dizzee edged out Robbie Williams for the title of Best British Solo Artist and Florence thoroughly deserved her award for the MasterCard Album of the Year, for the stunning album ‘Lungs.’

Funny moments of the nights included Lily Allen’s orange wig disguise so the cameras couldn’t pick up a disappointed face for Best British Female Solo Artist. Unfortunately for Lily, she couldn’t hide from the screen as she won the award, her first BRIT. Plus, it completes a full circle for the outspoken artist, who severely criticised the BRITS for their purpose just three years ago. Six years after their breakthrough, Kasabian finally won their first BRIT for Best British Group. In collecting the award, Tom from the band fell over on the stage, probably leaving him with bruising in the morning. However, the award win will probably make up for that.


Liam Gallagher’s childish acting was the one low point of the entire night. Oasis won the Best British Album for 30 Years, (celebrating the 30th anniversary), but didn’t thank his brother Noel on stage, following their bitter split last August. He then chucked his microphone and BRIT award into the crowd, reportedly smashing Alan Carr’s glasses. Gallagher was then called a k##b by the presenter, Peter Kay and rightly so. It was a shameful act and his expletives used in the ITV2 after-party show suggested it wasn’t a heat-in-the-moment incident.

To finish off, Robbie Williams is well and truly back. His medley concert performance at the end, to celebrate winning the BRIT Outstanding Contribution Award was sensational. He delighted the crowd with a showcase of old and new songs, anyone who can question Robbie’s well-being should think again about what they are saying if they watch his performance last night.

The BRIT awards in recent years have been dismal, with drunken performances, low-quality presenters and a distinct lack of organisation. However, it returned to its glamorous days last night, and apart from one individual who tried to ruin things, it was a great ceremony and probably a spectacular party. 2009 was a great year for UK music, let’s hope 2010 continues the tread…