It’s time for an X factor double bill, and we start off with Saturday’s show in Manchester the home of Gary Barlow. Most probably because of this, we see the biggest turnout in the history of the show in this part of England.
We start off with Kenbro, quite possibly one of the strangest duos ever. After coming on to the stage and before starting their act, one of the members pulls out some lip gloss to put it on, which would not be strange if they were not two men. After a terrible performance, with some poor chorography, Tulisa and Luis offer up two yeses seemingly because they are entertaining. Gary Barlow brings some reality back for a second saying that the duo “is everything the competition does not need.” Then after some begging (as is normal) Kelly says yes. In all seriousness, these guys are like a more annoying and less talented Jedward.
Next up in Manchester is 31-year-old Sami Brookes, who confesses that she is a singer because she is too stupid to do anything else. Singing one moment in time by Whitney Huston, Sami blows the audience away and the judges look absolutely amazed by the quality of her vocals. Earning a standing ovation from Gary and Kelly and about 4000 members of the audience, Sami sails into the next round. However, if I was to be critical, I would have to say that her performance lacked a personal touch, and some of the bigger notes were flat. Although if Sami gets a good mentor and coaching, there is a great chance that she could win the competition.
After a run of less than impressive groups, girl group Twisted make their way to the stage, one of whom (the lead singer) was a soloist that made it to boot camp last year. Singing someone like you by Adele, Kelly Rowland says that she believes the lead singer brought her three friends because she was scared of trying again by herself, a feeling that seems to be mirrored by the audience and the other three judges. The judges give them three no’s sending them off the stage, but there is a twist. Kelly goes to find the lead singer and asks her to try by herself. She looks almost unwilling but does come back feeling rather emotional. Singing Forget You by Cee Lo Green, albeit a bit underprepared and emotionally she receives four yeses and makes it through to boot camp once again.
After we return from the break we are presented with Lascel Wood a 20-year-old from Brighton. Singing his ‘own’ version of Kings of Leon Use Somebody, Lascel seems to be a rather relaxed and humbled character which is always nice to see. Receiving the first full standing ovation from the judges, Lascel’s performance shows talent both with his performance and his alterations to the song. Luis Walsh says that Lascel has “Raw talent in Bucket Loads” and he receives four big yeses making his way off of the stage leaving the judging panel rather emotional, a suitable ending to the show.
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