It’s that weekend again, it’s time for the X Factor final. In traditional Sunday night style the X Factor finalists come out to perform a medley of Christmas tracks as we are reminded of the amazing standard of acts this year ranging from Kye in the ‘over’s’, to last weekends exit band Union J to the amazing 16 year old Ella Henderson. And in true Rylan fashion he appears on stage in a sleigh, always having to be the centre of attention! Surprisingly despite his third place victory though Christopher Maloney is nowhere to be seen! But tonight isn’t about any of these guys, it’s all about the boys. Jahmene Douglas and James Arthur: complete opposite ends of the musicial spectrum but both amazing in their own way.
Both of tonight’s finalists have come so far through this competition. Jahmene has developed emotionally and his transition from a nervous young man to a superstar has been amazing. Whilst James’ confidence from his initial audition is colossal. If someone had said a few years ago that a tattooed alternative singer like James would be in the final most people would have laughed in your face. But times are changing and the world is embracing this change. Both acts begin by performing their favourite tracks from the live shows. Jahmene begins with ‘Angels’ and reduces Nicole to tears with his soulful mesmerising voice. James is sure to melt the hearts of girls and woman all over the country over again as he re-performs ‘Lets Get It On’. It gets us females at HTF all hot under the collar!
The X factor has been going for years and they showcase some of the success stories, all five of them One Direction, Leona Lewis, Olly Murs, Cher Lloyd and Alexandra Burke. The majority of the rest have fallen off the radar- some didn’t even make it in the first place. The first guest performance tonight comes from the biggest boy band on the planet at the moment One Direction as they perform latest single ‘Kiss You’. As they play the Manchester Arena they seem perfectly at home, fortunate as they have over 30 arena dates to play next year. The lads have certainly grown up since they were on The X Factor two years ago. The lads have grown into men and extended their tattoo collections. Zayn takes centre stage for this single but sadly during the second verse his microphone malfunctions, but the lads carry on and if the sound of thousands of screaming girls (and boys) is anything to go by they’ll be around performing like this for many years to come.
After an emotional VT where the three finalists visit Downing Street and Dermot reveals that all the proceeds of the winners single will go to children’s charity Emile Sandé comes onstage. It has certainly been a huge year in her career and her emotional performance of ‘Clown’ is completely mezmerising. This years X Factor has played host to so many huge names, and a fair few of them have performed terribly, but Emile shows that some people are born to perform and sound so amazing live!
As the night draws to a close we see a video of the best parts and journeys of the finalists. First up is Jahmene and if he win’s his single will be The Beatles ‘Let It Be’ although the way it’s performed you wouldn’t know it was a Beatles track! His voice has certainly stolen the show, although that sequin blazer comes a close second.
It’s now time for tonight’s final contestant performance as James’ as he shows off his potential winners single which would be a cover of ‘Impossible’ by Shontelle, which if we’re being honest we’d never heard of before tonight. It’s the perfect track to show off James’ voice: a sure hit whether he wins or not.
Tonight’s final performance comes from international superstar Rihanna sporting a very short hair do and a fairly respectable outfit for her. She performs her latest single ‘Diamonds’ and then mixes in a bit of ‘We Found Love’ beginning softly before kicking everything up a notch and getting everyone in Manchester on their feet. We have to hand it to her, her voice is perfect and she certainly knows how to work any crowd.
Check out the news piece to see who won this years X Factor (as if you don’t already know!)
