“The X Factor continued to dominate the ratings for its second week on Saturday 29 August, averaging 9.3 million viewers over 75 minutes”, The Guardian reports.
“ITV1′s hit talent show attracted a 45% share between 7pm and 8.15pm and peaked at 10.6 million in the half hour from 7.15pm, according to unofficial overnight figures.”
With the shock of the new format behind us we’re free to concentrate on what The X Factor auditions are all about… powerful performances, curious characters and some classic judge banter. And this week’s episode didn’t fail to deliver… on all counts!
In Part One Birmingham gave the judges 50-year-old Alan Walton, who having only ever performed karaoke in front of a hand full of friends had decided it was time to take the leap onto a bigger stage with Boyzone’s No Matter What.
He was quickly followed by Kriztina Nagy’s extraordinary vocals and Andrew Ellis‘ Angels leaving Louis to conclude: “We’ve never had a winner from Birmingham. We’re not going to this year.”
Back in London was Behrouz Ghaemi promising to “blow their minds away” with his version of the Scissor Sisters Take Your Mama Out. Strutting his stuff on stage the 29-year-old Persian had the audience warmed up in no time and the judges soon followed.
“There’s something intriguingly crazy about you and I’m gonna say… yes!” declared Cheryl and with that Behrouz and his dangerously tight leather trousers were through to the next stage.
Trinidadian Rozelle Phillips‘ powerful performance of One Night Only by Jennifer Hudson finally had the panel seeing eye to eye. “That was incredible!” gushed Dannii. Three more yes’s later and Rozelle was jumping for joy.
Part two of the second audition show had us on the hunt for the next hot girl group. Hoping to fit the bill were Lisa and Zoe, otherwise known as The Stunners. “It’s rare to find two people as bad as you.” commented Simon.
Following an endless flow of groups failing to impress were trio Miss Fitz with their unique version of Britney Spears’ Toxic. The girls’ performance went down a storm and a clearly relieved Cheryl exclaimed: “ This is my favourite girl band and thank God you came through the door today.” Cue a stream of excited squeals and the obligatory hug from Dermot.
Next up was 40 year old cabinet maker from East Sussex Daryl Markham. He belted out a heartfelt rendition of Rod Stewart’s I Don’t Wanna Talk About It, which had the audience going wild, the judges wiping away the tears and Louis crying “A million percent yes!”
Ending on a high was Londoner Jamie ‘Afro’ Archer to bring a bit of rock and roll to the stage. Jamie had the crowd won over with his version of Sex On Fire by The Kings of Leon… and did our eyes deceive us? Was that Mr. Cowell singing along?
“You’re fearless and you know how to perform… that’s 2500 yes’s. Well done!” The music mogul told him. “You’re a natural born entertainer.” Agreed Cheryl.
Enquire about The X Factor Live Bookings now…