X Factor Double Hitter - Live Blog 2

SHOW STARTS:

Simon kicks off the show by talking about Boot Camp. "Everybody wants the over 25's this year, which never happens." But Cheryl is still hoping for that shining light, "there's no clear winner yet, so I'm still hoping for someone strong".

The judges take their seats and we're off...

First up are Tom & Paul (Them2) they're hoping to be the next Robson and Jerome, but it's more mortuary than melodic.

They perform One Love by Blue and I'm sorry but it's robotic, off key and out dated. It was like a dirge.

Simon says "Horrible, from the singing to the weird walking away, it was honestly guys absolutely terrible, seriously I don't know which was worse!" Cheryl says they acted like twins and Simon adds, "Yes, dead twins!"

Ouch! It's a shame because they were such lovely smiley chaps, but their singing sounded so miserable.

NEXT!

Here's Daniel!

I've been waiting for this performance...

Daniel Pearce auditioned for Popstars:The Rivals back in 2002 and like The X Factor Judge, Cheryl Cole, secured a place in one of the winning bands. His band, One True Voice got to number two at Christmas behind the winners, Girls Aloud.

Daniel later quit One True Voice and as Dermot questions him about his decision, Daniel explains;  “It was a really difficult decision but it didn’t feel right in there. Since I quit One True Voice I’ve just been trying to make ends meet, being a gigging musician and just working every week to put food in the fridge. I’d say the most important thing in my world is my family, I don’t just want to succeed for myself, I want to succeed because I want my family to be proud of me. I really want to be a provider so they have a comfortable, happy, brilliant life.”

Daniel takes to the stage and Cheryl immediately recognises her former talent show rival; “Daniel, hello, wow, this is bizarre”. Louis, who was a judge on Popstars: The Rivals, comends Daniel’s bravery; “it must be tough to come back to another talent show”.

Daniel smiles,  “It’s a challenge, but I think I’m up for the challenge”.

He performs Kiss From A Rose and and Cheryl is impressed enough to stand - the crowd follow and he receives a standing ovation. I'm not a fan of the hair, but I loved his voice... The boys got soul!

Louis says, "Daniel I admire you, I admire you for trying you know if at first you don’t succeed you try and you try again, you’re a try-er and you’re talented, I’m not sure about the hair by the way.”

Simon says, "Louis, who cares about his hair? Quite simply that’s how you do it , right, you absolutely one hundred per cent Daniel nailed that song and you know what it probably is quite awkward for you to come back under these circumstances but who cares when you can sing like that? It doesn’t matter, I mean genuinely."

Cheryl is beaming, "I’m not shocked by any of that, I knew you were amazing, you just proved it to everyone else

Afterwards Daniel explains why this is so important to him; “It means everything to me that I’ve got through this first round, because my motivation is always my family and I’m so pleased, so proud that I made them proud today, that they were here to support me because it meant so much more.”

Click here to Taking to the stage next are Casyr.

Yes I know it's a weird name, but all will be revealed.

The duo tell the judges that CASYR stands for "Care And Support Your Relatives" and when Simon asks if they're representing an official charity or something they shake their heads - "No, we just thought it was a good name. We care for each other, we suport each other and we're cousins so we're relatives".

Err.. Okay.

The perform No Air by Chis Brown and Jordin Sparks and honestly, I feel I was unfair by saying that Them2 were miserable, these guys take the cake!

Their vocal is quiet and out of tune and I can't believe that some of their supporters backstage are jumping up and down as if they're hitting all the right notes? It's all very strange, what are they hearing?

Simon says he has a new name for the band. "Caring Relatives Are Problematic" - if you don't get it just take a look at the initials...

Cheryl is lost, "It's supposed to fun standing up there and you two looked like you were havig the worst time ever!"

Normally, it's all about the audition itself.
But for the next auditionee the first hurdle was getting there...

Scott was diagnosed with a form of autism when he was 13. This resulted in him later developing a fear of people which meant he tended not to leave the house and in turn became a recluse for 7 years.

At his audition in Manchester, Scott has the support of his Mum who has always realised how much her son loved singing when she would sit at the bottom of the stairs and listen. His vocal coach, Linzi is also with him.

Scott tells the judges, "I have a dream, a lot of people have a lot of pre-judgement against autistic people and I’m here to try and break it"
 

As Scott performs You Raise Me Up I stop dead in my tracks. He has a beautiful soulful voice and so much heart. He receives a standing ovation and his vocal coach Linzi is invited on stage to hear the judges decision.

Cheryl says, "What a shame you have been hidden away for so long, that was absolutely fantastic!" Louis smiles, "Scott I was totally surprised, I think you sang your heart out."

Simon asks, "How did that make you feel Scott?" Scott is beaming, "Incredible, it’s the best feeling in the world."

Simon continues, "I can’t understand what it must have felt like for all those years hiding away, and now you’ve come here, big stage, you’ve just won over the whole of Manchester, you’ve won us other, I think you’re terrific Scott, good for you, ok we’re going to vote now...."

Yeses all round...

Simon addresses Scott's singing teacher, "Linzi I want you to hear this, he’s got four yes’s and he’s through to the next round".

Scott is overwhelmed and the crowd explodes, "It just feels like such a weight has been lifted". Good for you Scott!

OMG! I can't believe it.

I said yesterday that Simon was bound to put 80 year old Eileen through, as there was no way he would ask her to come all the way back to bin her off... But he has!

For her second attempt she performs The Wonder Of You to music, but even though Dannii gives her a "yes" Simon says "it has to be a no".

Bless Eilleen though, she's still in high spirits. "Thank you anyway, you've made an old lady very happy". She loves Simon and throws a wink his way before she leaves, "I could show you a thing or two!"

Amie Buck is up next and somebody was smiling on her during her audition... She performs Falling by Alecia Keys and Simon stops her almost immediately. Cheryl says, "that song was far too big for you" and Simon adds, "I think you've got a good voice but not a great voice. You're very well prepared and you look fantastic, but I don't think your voice is good enough for this".

Amie sobs on stage and Cheryl is sympathetic, "don't cry babe..."

Louis tries to reassure her, "we're not saying you're bad. We're just saying that you have a pop voice and not a diva voice. You just have to be careful what songs you choose".

Amie quips, "I was going to sing a Girls Aloud song".

She'll be sooo happy she said that, the crowd are behind her and as Simon tries to continue his critique, the crowd badger him to let her sing.

She performs I'll Stand By You and as she stumbles over the words and fights the tears, Cheryl takes to the stage to help her and the roof comes off...

When all is said and done she's through. Simon nods, "you have them (the audience) and her (Cheryl) to thank!" I agree, close call - practice, practice, practice Amie!

Now before we pack up and polish our boots for camp, there's time for just one more...

Curtis is one to watch, but will it be for all the right reasons?

Curtis is currently wearing a tag after being sentenced to time in a young offenders institute for theft. He has been in and out of care for years and after getting into trouble early on, his behaviour spiralled after his brother died.

As he speaks to Dermot about his hopes and dreams, you get he feeling he just needs a chance.

When he takes to the stage, Simon asks what he's been up to for the past 12 months and Curtis becomes very defensive. He snipes, "you know the stuff 16 year olds do... Practicing for this, playing computer games and hanging with the girls. Let me sing now, just let me sing..."

(Surely he knows that Simon knows everything about him from his application?)

He performs You Should Let Me Love You and surprises the judges, he's got a cracking little soul voice. Cheryl says he's got the "Chris Brown swagger" and Danni says it's a yes, but after another quibble Simon is not happy...

"We need to have a discussion and it's about something called 'attitude'. You really have to zip it and stop being such a smart a*se! If you don't want to be here you can just go..."

Curtis thinks twice about how he's been acting and bows his head. Fortunately for him, rather than storm off the stage he stands fast. I think Simon was testing him to see if he'd give up, "I really like you Curtis. I'm not sure if all this is because this is the first time someone has believed in you as a person, (Cutis wells up) but I think you're really talented. I think you're current, in fact you're probably the most current singer we have."

Curtis is overjoyed and thankfully humbled by his four yeses. Lots to work on but he's one to watch at Boot Camp that's for sure.

So that's it...

I'll see you through the week for all the X Factor news and then join me here LIVE for two killer Bootcamp Blogs next weekend. I can't wait to see who flies and who flops...

Who are your top 5 talents?

Selena x