In Praise of Dannii

Hardened cynic that I am, when I saw Dannii crying after Rhydian's performance two weeks ago I kind of assumed she was doing it for the cameras. But now there's this story about her walking off during a commercial break in Saturday's show because of Louis baiting her about her voice. I had wondered why she wasn't there. So maybe she really is just an emotional person.

At any rate, Dannii's easily the best judge on the show. The only one who actually mentions vocal technique. Sure, Simon occasionally says somebody is flat or didn't sing the first half very well, but other than that our judges don't really do criticism with any depth, do they?

One of the many things that irk me about Louis is that he has got nothing to say about Same Difference other than they are very nice people, but they haven't got the X Factor. And one of the things that irk me about Simon is that all he can say about them is that they are "fun".

Gee, that's illuminating. Particularly considering how the ball was on the other foot last year. Last year, it was the MacDonald Brothers who Louis thought were "fun", and who Simon thought had nothing going for them.

Anyway, rant over. Who's going this weekend? I actually don't know. The betting and everyone I know tells me Rhydian has this all wrapped up. Can it be true? After all, everyone was pretty sure about Leona last year. I was, however, shocked that Ray beat Ben into second place, though.

This year, I find my confidence cracking. Niki has always been my second choice, with SD and Leon coming in behind them. But in which order? None of them were ever in the bottom two so I could be completely wrong. But if Ray came second last year, I really don't see why Leon can't do the same this year. Somebody's voting for him.

Comments

[Yvonne McGraw]

Hi just watched X factor can't believe Niki is out, all that is left to say now is Rhydian...... Come on scotland lets get Rid a him "Come on Leon" Goood luck Leon will be voting & watching next week xxxxx

[Jacqueline Alleyne]

Im very suprised that same difference one over nicki and Beverley. They are just pub peformers. The show isn't that good this year, and I've watched all of them. They let the best singers go at the beginning.

[Ingrid Uys]

It was a huge surprise that Niki was voted out. After all she and Rhydian are the only two who can actually sing. Simon seemed very concerned that one of his acts would not get into the finals, or semi finals.

Even more surprising was that Niki thought she had done well last night and yet she prepared the audience for an exit just before the results and Louis remained silent - how is that possible? Neither Louis nor Niki expressed much surprise about being sent home.