Review: X Factor 2009 Live Finals Week 4

Sham Rock Week this week on X Factor, as it all proved a bit too much for most of the contestants. Luckily, in the end, it all worked out as the worst overall act was voted off, but somehow I doubt that this first-time experience will be repeated next year in Series 7. It would have been a good idea if John Bon Jovi had been their mentor, but as the band were touring, there was no mentor this week. Thus it didn't really matter what week it was. Although Louis did point out that the first time Simon had a rock act, there was a rock week. Don't think that's too far from the truth.

Current bookies' favourite Joe McElderry opened Saturday's live show with the classic cheese rock 'Don't Stop Believin'' by Journey. It was an inspired choice, and made us all feel that Rock Week was going to be a great success. It's no wonder he's the favourite either. A good singer, and he can't stop smiling. Unlike the Incredible Sulk (but more on that later).

My own favourite Lucie Jones was a little out of her depth this week. In her future singing career (if she sticks with it), she'll never be singing rock. She did a soft version of Guns N' Roses 'Sweet Child o' Mine'. A cautious choice, which worked out well, as it didn;t show her failings as a rocker.

Mister strop Danyl Johnson sulked his way through Rock Week when he should've been using it as a chance to shine. Luckily he didn't end up in the bottom two, but with a personality like that, he's sure to exit the show sooner rather than later. He has ruined his image, in my eyes. You'd think a teacher would know better. He did Aerosmith's 'I Don't Want to Miss a Thing'.

Lloyd Daniels was having throat problems this week, so a lot was made of that. (The twins were sick too) Luckily X Factor allows sick notes, so Lloyd luckily made it through to the next round. He sang a poor version of Katy Perry's pop tune 'I Kissed a Girl', but was saved in Deadlock by the voters.

I'll only talk about her singing this week, as the rest makes my blood boil. Stacey Solomon sang 'Somewhere Only We Know' by Keane, and did a decent performance of the pop-rock song. Not too many of these songs where straight out rock. Where were the White Stripes or Zep songs? Sorry, I had to distract myself, otherwise I might have talked about Stacey's horrendous voice.

The man with the dead cat on his head, Jamie Archer was in his element this week with Rock Week (specifically for him!). He sang 'Rocks' by Primal Scream, better known as 'Get Your Rocks Off'. He really should've stood out, but was very much pedestrian, and missed his chance to shine. A bit like his hair. No shine whatsoever.

Thank God, this was the week where the awful Rachel Adedeji was voted off. She sang 'One' by U2 (which is probably U2's least rock song). She was actually better than many of the others this week, but I can't stand her and wanted her out. She should've gone a few weeks ago when she was up against Rikki.

Everyone was waiting to see what John and Edward were going to do, and the twins did not let us down this week. They took on the Five version of Queen's 'We Will Rock You' and were highly entertaining (and out of tune) once again. They were sick this week, so there wasn't as much bounding around the stage. That said, they were still fantastic.

Olly Murs closed the show with a very strange song choice. 'Come Together' by the Beatles (and later covered by Michael Jackson) isn't so much a rock song as a jokey pop song. Olly was very good though, and could well make it to the final. He's by far the best of Simon's three acts.



Sunday's live results show brought a version of 'Walk This Way' by Aerosmith, which gave the twins a chance to shine, but didn't really show off anyone else. If there was a rap week, the twins would be brilliant, because they only talk anyway. But that'll never happen. Especially now that Miss Frank are gone, and by the fact that he didn't have them in his category either.

Bon Jovi's new single 'We Weren't Born to Follow' sounds the same as everything else they've ever done, but there was a great moment after when Dermot O'Leary lived his dream and high-fived Richie Sambora! JLS are another X Factor success story (despite being dressed by Louis last year), and they sang new single 'Everybody in Love'. Not my cup of tea, but teen girls love it. Amazingly, they kept their shirts on for the whole thing.

The bottom two saw Rachel battling against Lloyd. Rachel sang Oasis' 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out', and Lloyd took on Billy Preston's 'You are So Beautiful'. The judges once again went to deadlock and Rachel left the show with the least votes. I don't like the whole Deadlock thing. It's a way of pussying out of making a decision. They should bring over Len Goodman to decide. He'd do a great job.

Next week is Movie Songs Week. X Factor winner Leona Lewis will be promoting upcoming single 'Happy', and Cheryl's buddy Will.I.Am will be joined by his Black Eyed Peas. He might even be the mentor too. Might. Til next Saturday...

I leave you with Rachel's finest moment: