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.

Leona Lewis - "Happy" on Paul O' Grady Show

Leona Lewis is amazing. She is by far one of my favorite female vocalists. I have heard her new album Echo and it is amazing. It has many great songs, especially the ballads. I don't think anyone out there can sing a ballad like Leona can. She is promoting her single "Happy" in the UK, and it looks like it will reach the top spot on the charts. I sincerely hope it does as "Happy" is an amazing track. Here she is on the Paul O' Grady show:

I think this is one of the best performances I have seen. She looks STUNNING. I think she is beautiful, but she looks amazing here. I love that there are no gimmicks, no pyrotechnics or dancers, just Leona, her voice and the emotions. I also love the eye make-up - it draws attention to her eyes and intensifies the emotion of the song. And her outfit - she is beautiful.

Niki Evans - X-Factor 2007 Audition "I Will Always Love You"

I'm still really annoyed that Lucie Jones was booted off X-Factor 2009. She was one of my favorites this season. But I've had a few favorites including Diana Vickers, Alexandra Burke, and Niki Evans to name a few.

Check out this amazing audition by Niki Evans - she is amazing. I love the tone and control of her voice, she is so talented. I love the surprise on her face at 1:20 when she says "Really?!". I think she is phenomenal and will have to post more of her performances soon. 

Check out Lucie Jones singing "I Will Always Love You" at her X-Factor audition in 2009 below.

Alexandra Burke - "Bad Boys" on X-Factor

Alexandra Burke made her return to X-Factor on Sunday's result show. Alexandra was crowned the winner last year and was there to perform the first single off her soon to be released album, Overcome, which is released in the UK on the 19th of October. It will be released in the US at a later date.

Her single is called, "Bad Boys" and was officially released on Sunday. The song is massive. I love it! I can't get it out of my head. The music video is also good. My one complaint is that the track features Flo Rida, and I'm not a big fan, but Alexandra SMASHES it.

Her live performance is also epic. I love how it builds and builds. It is great. And she is so humble. She is a true talent and artist, and is one of the reasons why I still watch and enjoy the talent shows.

Check out her performance:



What do you think?

JLS - Beat Again

JLS were the runner's up in last years X-Factor, losing out to Alexandra Burke. But don't feel too bad for them, as Aston, Marvin, JB, and Oritse already have two number one singles, "Hero" and "Beat Again" and are looking to add a third when they release the single, "Everybody in Love"on the 2nd of November. They also just won 2 MOBO Awards, one for Best UK Newcomber and Best Song for "Beat Again". They will be releasing their album, JLS, on the 9th of November in the UK. Not too bad, eh?

"Beat Again" is about as infectious as RnB can get. It's got the great beat, good vocals and so interesting dance moves. To be honest, I'm not a fan of the video, it's too chessy and cliche, but the song is really good. I can't get it out of my head and had it on repeat for days when I first heard it. The beat is sick.

They may be singnig "Everybody In Love" in their new song, but I'm not in love with the song. It's sounds like every other RnB slow jam, and it's nothing special. The guys can sing and swoon, but it's a bit too much and sounds a lot like something Usher would do, and I'm not a fan. Check out the video, or audio only below:

"Everybody In Love"

Overall, I'm on the fence about JLS, and that was how I felt about them on X-Factor. There were weeks where they killed the song, vocals and dance routines, but there were also days that didn't do it for me. "Beat Again" is one of my favorite tracks at the moment, but I could pass on "Everybody In Love". I guess I will have to wait until the album comes out before I decide.

What do you all think of "Beat Again" and "Everybody In Love"?

X-Factor: An Introduction

I follow X-Factor and will be posting about the show and the contestants. The show does not air in the US so some readers may not know much about the show and judges, so here is a brief introduction. Study up and get addicted!

The X-Factor is a singing competition in the UK, similar to American Idol, but in my opinion has a better format and better talent, and is one of my addictions. The show is currently in its 6th season and the contestants have been narrowed down to the top 12 acts and will kick off the Live Shows next Saturday. Past winners include Shayne Ward, Leona Lewis, Leon Jackson, and Alexandra Burke. There have also been several contestants that have been on the show and been successful or signed record contracts, including: JLS, Rhydian Roberts, Diana Vickers, Laura White, Niki Evans, Eoghan Quigg and Same Difference.

The Judges:
There are 4 judges (as adopted by American Idol): Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Dannii Minogue, and Cheryl Cole.

Simon Cowell - we all know who Simon Cowell is.  He won in season 1, and again in season 3 with Leona Lewis.


 
Louis Walsh is a very successful band manager and has managed both Boyzone and Westlife (huge boy bands Westlife are still on the charts). Louis Walsh was a judge a show called Popstars: The Rivals which resulted in the formation of Girls Aloud (which is the band Cheryl Cole is a member of). In Season 4 of X-Factor, Louis Walsh was fired, but was rehired after a few audition rounds and has been a judge on the show all 6 seasons and won with Shayne Ward in season 2.

Dannii Minogue is a singer and TV personality from Australia. She has had moderate success with her 5 studio albums. She joined X-Factor when a 4th judge was added in the 4th season, which she won with Leon Jackson. She is also a judge on Australia's Got Talent. She is the sister of pop icon Kylie Minogue.


Cheryl Cole is the newest addition to X-Factor, joining the show in season 5. She is a member of the hugely successful girl group Girls Aloud, which was formed in a reality show, so she has had experience being a contestant. She performed on the show with Girls Aloud during season 4 and is getting ready to release her solo album. She won season 4 with Alexandra Burke.


Categories and Mentoring:

One of the major differences between X-Factor and American Idol is that on X-Factor, the contestants are divided into one of 4 categories and are mentored by a judge, which creates competition between the judges to have their act crowned the winner. (Thus far, each judge has had at least one winner, with Simon having won twice)
The categories are:

• Girls 
• Boys 
• Groups
• Over 25s. 

(For example, in the current season, the producers decided that Cheryl Cole would be the mentor for the boys' category. After boot camp, Cheryl will take the top 6 boys [as decided by all four judges before they were assigned a category] and narrow them down to the top 3 boys that will move onto the Live Shows. She will continue to mentor them throughout the season, helping pick songs and offering advice, and well, mentoring them.)


The Stages & Show Format:

The contestants go through four different stages before a winner is crowned; The Auditions, Boot Camp, Judges Home, and the Live Shows.

• The Auditions - This year, the contestants auditioned in front of a live studio audience, whereas in the past they only auditioned in front of the four judges. The contestants need a "yes" vote from at least 3 of the 4 judges to move onto Boot Camp.   

• Boot Camp (similar to Hollywood Week in American Idol): The 200 lucky contestants that got at least 3 "yes" votes move onto Boot Camp. Their first task at Boot Camp was to get into groups of 3 acts and perform a song. After each audition group, the judges sent some acts home and the about 100 acts made it to the next round. That round consisted of the judges narrowing the 100 acts to 50 acts. Once the 50 acts were selected, they had to perform once again. The judges then selected the top 24 acts, with six acts from each of the categories to move onto the next round, Judges Home. It is only after the top 24 acts are selected that the producers of the show decide which groups the judges will be mentoring throughout the remainder of the competition. 

• Judges Home - The six contestants were taken to their mentor's "house" and the top 6 were narrowed down to the top 3, which will go onto the Live Shows starting next week.

• Live Shows - The top 12 contests start with the live shows, with one act being eliminated each week until there is a winner. There have been changes in the format for the Live Shows, and when they begin next week, we will know the rules and tweaks for season 6. 

• Unlike American Idol, on X-Factor the live shows have lots of production - there are back-up singers, back-up dancers, costumes, "gimmicks", and the acts are expected not only to sing live, but to perform, with some degree of choreography (which can get intense). On American Idol, the contestant generally goes on the stage and sings their song, sometimes, with an instrument, but on X-Factor, it's a whole production. (Which makes it more exciting to watch)
  

• On the results show, the bottom two is announced and those acts must perform a "Final Showdown" or "Sing-off". The contestants select a song of their own choosing; one they feel will help keep them in the competition, should they be in a "final showdown". They cannot do the same song twice. After the "final showdown" the judges vote which act they'd like to send home (and no mentor wants to send their own act home, so there are two judges that determine who gets eliminated. Should there be a tie, the act with the lowest votes is eliminated). Once there are only 5 acts left, the act with the lowest votes is automatically eliminated

• The weeks do have themes and there are usually celebrity mentors as well that work with the acts during the week. 
  

And that is X-Factor in a nutshell (hopefully I didn't leave anything major out). Tomorrow I will post the current top 12 and some audition videos.



(Photos from the ITV website. Some facts from Wikipedia and some from me being obsessed with the show seasons 3-6)

Alexandra Burke - Bad Boys

I am a big fan of Alexandra Burke,

Her album, Overcome, which is being released on October 19th, is one that I am counting down days for. In fact, I've been waiting for the album since she won X-Factor a year ago.

"Overcome" is going to be one of the biggest selling albums in the UK. There are so many great people that are involved in the writing and production, including: Pharell Williams, Akon, Taio Cruz, The Freemasons, Ne-Yo, Madcon, Ryan Tedder from OneRepublic. As previously mentioned, Alexandra Burke is a huge fan of Beyonce and they did a duet on the X-Factor finale, well, it turns out the Beyonce is also a fan and wanted to do a duet, but didn't happen due to scheduling conflicts. Yup, Alexandra is that amazing!

Alexandra Burke signed a 5 album record deal in the US. Her debut album was initially set to be released in May, but Alexandra and the record company decided to wait and take more time to create a great album of quality instead of a mediocre and rushed album. Alexandra's debut album will be released in the US in 2010. She also has a deal to model clothes from Dolce & Gabbana. She is going to be big. MASSIVE! And she deserves it!

The album, "Overcome" will no doubt be massive. The lead single, "Bad Boys" is Pop/RnB at its best. It is already a hit on the radio and will make a big impact on the charts when it is released as a single on the 12th of October. I am hooked on this song; I have not been able to get it out of my head, seriously. It has been on repeat for the last few days.

I love the beat; it makes me want to be on a dance floor, or alone in my car singing and dancing to my own delight. We know Alexandra can sing covers, but with this song, she proves that she can sing a hit of her own. I'm not too keen on Flo Rida, but Alexandra makes his "rap" tolerable.


Check out the video below (it will take you to Alexandra's YouTube Account):




Alexandra Burke Bad Boys - ft Flo Rida Offical Music Video HD


And here's a behind the scene video from the album photo shoot:

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?

Girls Can't Catch - Keep Your Head Up

Girls Can't Catch is a new pop trio from the UK. The three members are Daizy, Jess, and Phoebe. Phoebe is an amazing singer, and was on the X-Factor two seasons ago in the girl band Hope. While Hope didn't win the competition, Phoebe always delivered.

Their single, "Keep Your Head Up" is one of my favorites at the moment. The beat and rhythm are very interesting, they keep changing tempo and is all over the place, but it still works. It's a really fast paced song, but still really slow. The chorus is brilliant - it's simple, catchy and fun. The bridge is also very good. It's a great moment in the song, and again, Phoebe delivers. I also really like the dance elements.

This is a great song to sing along and dance to while driving to work in the morning.

And here's the music video:



And an acoustic performace:




And here are two songs from the band Hope from X-Factor two years ago.

"Back To Black" (Originally by Amy Winehouse)


"Hurt" (originally by Christina Aguilera):


And "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)" (Originally by Abba):

Cheryl Cole - Fight For This Love

As far as I'm concerned, Cheryl Cole can do no wrong. She has a beautiful voice, a sexy accent, and is absolutly stunning. She is also one fifth of Girls Aloud, UK's most successful all girl band. She is also a judge on The X-Factor (a singing competition, similar to American Idol.)

Have a listen to "Fight For This Love", Cheryl's first solo venture. The single is released in the UK on October 19th, while the Album, "Three Words" is released in the UK a week later, October 26th.

I personally think it's pop music at it's greatest. I cannot get it out of my head, and honestly, I don't want it to. I'm such a big fan of Girls Aloud and Cheryl, and this song is amazing. I can't wait for the album.

Did I mention, she is insanely gorgeous?




What are you thoughts on the song? What about the video?

And yes, there will be more clips from Cheryl, Girls Aloud, and X-Factor here. Stay tuned and subscribe.

Alexandra Burke - X-Factor Journey

I absolutely LOVE Alexandra Burke. She is phenomenal. She is going to be as big as Leona Lewis. She is not only a brilliant singer, she is genuine and real. She is also humble and hardworking. Remember her name: Alexandra Burke. She is already storming the charts in the UK and will be dominating the US in a year or so. Her debut album, Overcome, will be released in the UK on the 19th of October. Remember: Alexandra Burke.

She was the last year's X-Factor winner, and as you will see in the clips below, she is AMAZING. Here is her audition story and video:

Alexandra Burke - 2008 X-Factor Audition



During the 2008 X-Factor Season, Alexandra made it known that Beyonce was her role model and someone she looked up to. Well, during the show's Finale, Alexandra had her dream come true: A duet with Ms. Beyonce. Two things I love about this clip, the first being the look of sheer joy and terror on Alexandra's face as she gazes at Beyonce, and the composure and vocals she maintains while crying and shaking. Now, THAT is a professional.

Alexandra Burke and Beyonce - "Listen"




And here is the crowning moment:




Oh my! I've seen this clip many many times. I remember how excited and nervous I was watching it the day of, and how I was hoping for Alexandra to win over JLS and Eoghan. And that clip is just as exciting and powerful every time. There is so much genuine emotion and sheer happiness. Amazing!


And here is the music video for "Hallelujah":



So, now that you've been introduced to Alexandra Burke, what do you think? Share your thoughts.

(I will be posting her brand spanking new single and video, "Bad Boys" very soon)

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"?

Leona Lewis - Illusion

Two years after releasing "Spirit", Leona will be releasing her new album "Echo" in November (16th for the UK, 17th for the US).

So far, only a few songs have been confirmed to appear on the album, including the lead single, Happy, although several songs have been leaked to the internet. One of the songs is called "Illusion" and is as good, if not better than "Happy".

I remember hearing "Illusion" a few months ago and was instantly hooked. I really love the way the song starts slow and builds. Leona's vocals are insane, she is very talented. This what every current songstress should be singing (Take note Mariah). The song is super catchy and I hope it is released as a future single.



I cannot wait until Echo is released, but until then, these two tracks will have to suffice.

What do you think of "Illusion" and will you be buying "Echo" in Novemeber?

Laura White - You Should Have Known

Laura White was one of the front runners in last year's X-Factor competition. She did a killer version of "Fallin'" by Alicia Keys on the first live show. During the fifth week of the show, controversy struck when she was eliminated.

I am not surprised that she has a record deal and is now releasing her first single and video. While I think she has amazing vocal talent, the lead single doesn't do her justice. She has a great soulful and raspy voice, yet her single is pop/rnb. I'd like to see her play to her strengths as opposed to appealing to the masses. The song is great, and catchy, but from Laura White, I expect and want more. Hopefully she can release a current jazz/soul record, replacing the gap left by Amy Winehouse.

What do you think?

Leona Lewis - Happy

Leona Lewis is back, and if the first single from her sophomore album is any indication of what to expect, the album ECHO will be massive. The single, "Happy", is simply Epic. Her vocals are impressive, and the production is grand. Leona has the vocal capacity to match the song's intensity, making the vocal gymnastics sound effortless. My only critique is that the song sounds like a Christmas Ballad - somewhat untimely for a September release.

Although an upbeat dance anthem may have been a great song to release as a first single (a la "Bleeding Love" from her debut album "Spirit") Leona proves that she has the vocals to compete with any Diva and doesn't need a club/dance anthem to kick off an album. With every listen, the song grows on me and I cannot wait for the release of Echo - November 16 (UK) or November 17 (US).



Here's a video of Leona on America's Got Talent Finale, performing "Happy" after a video montage highlighting Leona's accomplishments as well as her journey from a shy reality show contestant to an International Platinum selling Mega Superstar.