The X Factor

Where to begin? OK, let's get Diana out of the way first. Was gutted that she didn't perform as she's my weekly highlight. There's some criticism around that she was given a pass into next week and there's no doubt it is a little unfair on the other contestants. Thinking pragmatically though, we have to appreciate that ITV were in a tough spot because the remaining shows are scheduled and advertising sold. Losing a contestant at this stage over and above the schedule would inevitibly mean either a smaller final or missing the show entirely for a week.

Onto the show itself then and it's a shock departure for Laura. Seriously, Britain, what the fuck were you thinking? Laura was quite clearly one of the best vocal talents in the contest, yet you kept Daniel Evans in ahead of her, who is a pub singer at best. Are you nuts? Of course, Daniel does have the benefit of a Chris Moyles campaign behind him, so that had to have an influence, but it does fuck up the show. It also played into the hands of Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh who quite clearly chose to save Ruth because Laura was a bigger threat to their remaining acts. So remember next week that when Moyles urges you to vote for Daniel, all you're really doing is helping out Simon and Louis.

The performances:

Eoghan Quigg - was OK, but the more I see him, the more I hate him. Also, bringing on a chorus of backing singers is cheating as it elevates the impact of a performance beyond what it should otherwise be. Should have gone home - 2/5

Ruth Lorenzo - OK, but she's a rock chick has evidenced by her sing-off choices of Purple Rain and, last night, Knocking On Heaven's Door, both of which gave her her best performances yet - 3/5, 4/5

Laura White - all said and done, this was admittedly her weakest performance yet. The piano was a mistake. Sure it showed her versatility as a performer, but at the expense of her vocal performance. The sing-off was much better - 3/5, 4/5

Rachel Hylton - again, OK. Clearly an emotional performance, but it's proving really difficult to find songs that suit her voice - 3/5

JLS - they did what they do. Annoyingly popular, but then again young white girls do like young black guys - 3/5

Daniel Evans - should have been in the bottom two, should have gone weeks ago, but still I find myself happy he's there. Trouble is that his continued presence is now at the expense of people far more talented. Listen up Britain, keep voting for him and you'll end up with another Steve Brookstein, which will do nobody any favours - 3/5

Alexandra Burke - best performance? No. Is it just me or is her voice too deep sometimes? I think she sometimes tries too hard to sound soulful and, at moments, ends up sounding like a bad transvestite instead. That said most of the time she's great andhers was the best pre-sing-off performance on a night that was somewhat disappointing all round - 3/5