X-Factor 2009 - "You Are Not Alone" Live

The top 12 X-Factor Finalists have recorded a cover Michael Jackson's hit "You Are Not Alone" for this year's charity single. The acts included are Kandy Rain, Rikki Loney, Miss Frank, Rachel Adedeji, Lucie Jones, Jamie Archer, Stacey Solomon, Olly Murs, Joe McEdlerry, Danyl Johnson, John & Edward, and Lloyd Daniels. Last year, the charity single was "Hero" by Mariah Carey, and it went in at #1, giving all the contestants their first hit single, as well as helping out the charity.

Here is the Music Video:

And the Live Debut on X-Factor:

I have mixed feelings about this. I really like the concept of doing a charity single and it is for a great cause. The video before the performance about the charity and the clips in the music video did make me tear up a bit. But I don't know about the song choice or the vocals. "You Are Not Alone" is not one of my favorite songs, it's a bit boring. And this version in particular is really boring; there is not great big moment. The vocals by Stacey Solomon, Joe McElderry and Lucie Jones stand out, but the rest don't do it for me. I don't hate it, but I'm not excited about it. Last year's cover of "Hero" was amazing with Rachel Hylton, Laura White, Diana Vickers, JLS, and Alexandra Burke. And the music video is the same as last years! I would expect something different from a major tv show such as X-Factor. It is the exact same thing - with different people and different clips. Change it up a bit, no?

I'm not a fan of the vocals or the video. I really do like Stacey Solomon and Lucie Jones. I hope the single does well for the charity and raises money, but from a musical standpoint, it is short of amazing.

Florence and The Machine Meets Beyonce's "Halo" on Radio1 Live Lounge

Last week, I wrote about Florence and The Machines, Check out this video of the band covering Beyonce's "Halo" on Radio1 Live Lounge.

The lead singer looks pale and scary, but I really like her rendition. It has a really great folk feel to it. It sounds very raw and unpolished, and I really like it. What do you think?

"Halo" is a great song and Beyonce does a great job, but I think I enjoy Diana Vicker's performance the most. Which version do you prefer?

(And I hear that Glee is going to be doing this song in a future episode... I can't wait to hear it!)

X-Factor 2008 - Hero

On October 27th of 2008, the top 12 contestants of X-Factor released a cover of Mariah Carey's classic hit "Hero". Proceeds from the single sales went to an organization called "Help for Heroes" which helps British Servicemen and women.

The single came in at #1 on the charts, giving the 12 acts a number one hit single before the season had ended. They sold 313,224 copies during the first week, which was more than the rest of the top 10 combined.

The top 12 acts were: Bad Lashes, Girl Band, Scott Bruton, Austin Drage, Larua White, Daniel Evans, Rachel Hylton, Ruth Lorenzo, Diana Vickers, Eoghan Quigg, JLS, and Alexandra Burke.

Here is the official Music Video:

And a performance on the X-Factor:

I really like this version of the song. It is a beautiful song, and one that is not easy to cover. I didn't think they would be able to make it work, seeing as there are some 20+ people singing, but they managed to pull it off without sounding like a cheesy and too much like a choir. I really like the vocals by Alexandra Burke and Laura White. Rachel Hylton is amazing on the bridge of the song. I also like the soft quality of Diana Vickers and Eoghan Quigg, especially the last note.

(And you may notice that Ruth Lorenzo and Daniel Evans weren't in the "live" performance - there was a glitch and they weren't able to get onto the stage... bummer!)

What are your thoughts on "Hero" by the X-Factor 2008 Top 12? Which singers/sections did you enjoy more?

Diana Vickers - Live at Park 2009

As you know, I think Diana Vickers is stunning and uber unique and talented. I really love her taste in music and the songs she chooses to perform. I also love the way she changes the songs and adapts them to her voice and singing style. I can't wait to hear her own material.



On August 30th, Diana did a 5 song set at "Live In The Park 2009 Crewe" (BIG Thanks to Drew Kirk Productions for the video)



Watch, Listen & Enjoy:





Man In The Mirror - Originally by Michael Jackson:







With Or Without You - Originally by U2:









Halo - Originally by Beyonce:







Run - Originally by Snow Patrol:









White Flag - Originally by Dido:









Which cover did you enjoy the most? Which one did you like the least? And which song would you like to hear as a studio track?

Diana Vickers Meets Beyonce's "Halo"

As you will soon discover, I am very impressed by Diana Vickers and cannot wait for her to finish and release her new album. In the meantime, I will have to settle on the covers. Here is an amazing cover of "Halo" originally done by Beyonce.




While I really enjoy the original, I think I may prefer Diana Vickers' version over the original. Beyonce's version is very strong and powerful, while Diana's has a different vibe, it's softer and has a sense of vulnerability that I enjoy. The vocals are also not perfect, which adds to the vulnerability and appeal.

(Want more Diana Vickers, check out her new single, "Jumping Into Rivers" )

Ah... Diana Vickers... you are amazing.

Diana Vickers - Jumping Into Rivers

Diana Vickers was a contestant on last season's X-Factor (singing competition in the UK - similar to American Idol). She blew the judges away during the first audition where she sang a Damien Rice song (video below). She has a unique singing style that people either love or hate.


Diana Vickers - "The Blower's Daughter" (originally by Damien Rice)



And I love it. Diana is quirky and I very much enjoy it; check out 0:50 in that clip to see what I mean. I was blown away by her performances, week after week. She has a way of reinterpreting songs and making them work for her voice and her quirks. Check out the videos of her performing "With Or Without You" by U2 and "Man In The Mirror" by Michael Jackson on the X-Factor live shows, week 1 and week 2.

Diana Vickers - "With Or Without You" (Originally by U2)




Diana Vickers - "Man In The Mirror " (Originally by Michael Jackson)




In the middle of the season, Diana suffered from a severe case of laryngitis, which forced her to miss an episode. It was decided that she would stay on the show and not be eliminated on the count of her illness, but the laryngitis took a hit on her self esteem and nerves, and she never fully recovered, causing her to be eliminated 4 weeks before the finale.

Since X-Factor last year, Diana has been busy. She is currently working on a production called "Little Voices" set to open at the West End (like Broadway in New York) and is also working on her debut album, which will be released in 2010. Here is a clip of an original song called "Jumping Into Rivers" that leaked onto the Internet.

Diana Vickers - "Jumping Into Rivers"




What do you all think about Diana Vickers? Do you like her reinterpretation of the songs? How do you feel about "Jumping Into Rivers"?