The X Factor – Past the Oscar outfits….

This week I felt an overwhelming sense that behind the fancy clothing, I could sense the game, or not, that the judges were playing.

As Dermot would say “and in no particular order….Louis”. Now, he makes me laugh like you wouldn’t believe. Watch him, carefully next week, when he’s watching Jedward perform. He does this head bob thing with a smile on his face as he taps his pen on the desk. Originally I thought he was taking the Michael but I think he’s serious! Louis – bopping away to the music whilst sitting down. I love it! Please take a look next week and let me know if you see the same humour in his movements. Classic! Despite his rule book, I actually think he’s the most honest of the crew. He doesn’t have the insecurities of not making it as a singer (Danni) or the inexperience of managing artists (Cheryl). He knows he can produce successful artists and he answers accordingly. He never has a problem to say another judge’s act is fantastic and deserves to be in the final. I love this about him and respect him for it.

Danni on the other hand is more guarded. Since her Danyl comment in the first few weeks she’s been on her best behaviour. However, she doesn’t show the same competitiveness as the others which allows her to be honest and polite, if need be, about the other acts. She quite rightly adores Stacey and this perhaps gives her the backbone to be more complimentary, knowing that her act is most likely to also get praise in return.

Smug Simon. His lips resort to two slits because he smirks so hard when his acts are performing. He sits back casually in his chair, with his arm round the back of Cheryl’s chair in a “just look how good this singer is” way, “look what I have created, they are undeniably amazing”. More so than Louis he has the right to be cocky. Not only is he a successful producer but also the successful (and profitable) creator of the show. However, in my opinion he is the most unbiased of the panel. He’s very (that’s very) quick to criticise the other judges and he sometimes struggles to be nice about blatantly good acts. Now, I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but I think there’s a chance that he was only nice about Jedward this week so that they will stay in the competition and ultimately they’ll be no match for Danyl and Olly. In my opinion of Simon, no matter how improved Jedward were this week, they were no match for his adored Danyl or Olly so why else would he not slate the twins???

Finally, and most controversially, Cheryl. Not only is she blinded by Daniel’s mediocre-ness but I think this is since she harbours a secret liking for him. He is a good singer. Is that not a fact? And he’s nice to look at. Is that not a generally at least female approved fact? (During my friends’ survey he got the thumbs up by all asked). Me thinks a certain someone does not want the audience to think she fancies a certain contestant. It’s that playground, “he’s only mean to you because he likes you…” trick. Perhaps a particular judge just hasn’t grown up enough yet.

Overall, there’s an overriding sense of smugness going on by the judges. Well, when we’re down the final 6, the judges are mentoring the best of the best (what should be though however that’s debateable). I think it’s hilarious. Be smug in week 1 when you have 3 fresh untrained acts to mentor and they pull out good performances. Not at the end of the game when you’re left with more talented and confident individuals.

It’s getting close now. Only 4 weeks to go!!!

Talking Tara