X Factor Goss: Gary hits a new low...

X Factor: Gary Barlow vs Little Mix
Ok, let me be the first to say, I think Gary Barlow is fit as. Let me also be the first to say he was so out of order on last night's X Factor.

He has turned into Mr Nasty without any of the warm irony that Simon Cowell had. His comments this series may have been fair at times, but actually when you go back he has undermined nearly every act he saw as competition.

Take Janet. She was a red hot favourite, but slowly he started to criticise her every week, which eventually saw Janet mess up her words, look unhappy with her performances and then last week finally get the boot.

I'm not saying it is all Gary's fault, but I think he definitely had something in mind when he chipped away at Janet for the past four weeks.

Last night he praised Misha B but then laid it out on the table that she can't win the show. That may well be true, because no matter what she does, the audience just don't seem to take to her.

Gary blamed untrue accusations from his fellow judges, but rumours can only do so much, and there must have been a fair amount of truth in them for people to run with them and ultimately turn their back on the once favourite of the competition.

I personally think she will go through this week, after favourable editing in her VT, two strong performances and great comments from the judges. If people still refuse to vote her through however, the producers have definitely failed.

Whatever happens though, Misha B will be a star- Tim Burton wants to work with her and she's already signed up to a Disney movie if reports are to be believed, so for her the X Factor isn't the end of the road.

My real beef with Mr Barlow was his comments about Little Mix, which left me so enraged I threw my pillow at the TV. Yes I know, hardly rock and roll, but still!

He waited until the semi finals to air his opinion that the girls had to face the fact that Perrie was the best singer and should be featured more. Ouch.

After praising their friendship and their talent as a group last week, this comment seemed to me a very low blow and you could see how it literally shattered the group on stage.

Looking close to tears, Perrie was forced to be thankful for the comment but protested that they came as a band and are all lead vocalists. The other girls just looked heartbroken at the comment, which is what made me so upset and angry at Gary.

Yes, I'm well aware this is a TV show, but as my boyf pointed out, nothing splits up a girl band quicker than someone pointing out who is the best.

They had got to this point being themselves, having a laugh and yes, all singing their hearts out. If you thought they would take this kind of comment in the semi finals with a pinch of salt, then you were wrong, because they didn't appear for their second song when they should have done.

The X Factor don't mess around with scheduling with no good reason, and my bet is that they were so upset from the comments they weren't ready to go on and Marcus had to take their place.

When they did close the show, you could tell they were rattled and didn't give the kind of performance that they should have done. It should have been the En Vogue to end it all, but the comments that came back clearly showed they hadn't done their best.

Was Gary threatened by the fact they were the 'new favourites' or did he just say it as he saw it, with no regards for what it may do to them? Who knows...

X Factor Live Show Onc... The verdict!

The X Factor: New Generation
I, like so many others plot my Saturday night around The X Factor when it rolls round this time of year.

So, wine in hand, plenty of snacks in reaching distance I was all set for last night to be just as compelling as previous years, but well, it kind of fell short of my expectations.

Maybe it was the never ending adverts, the two and a half hours running time, or the fact that some of the acts just weren't that good, but something was amiss.

The judges were great, if a little too nice (apart from Barlow that is, god he makes Simon look like a pussycat!) and there was too much of praise for other mentor's contestants and idle threats if they didn't put them through to next week.

As for the fashion clash- Kelly chose to go avant garde, while Tulisa played it safe in a gold number with glossy hair. My only criticism is the blonde parting she has going on at the moment- a comment on Twitter that this looked like dry shampoo, which hadn't been combed out was bang on the money.

And while we're at it criticising the hair, Kelly's normally lush mane was put in a messy bun that did absolutely nothing for her. Sacrilege! This woman is gorgeous, sack the stylist quick Kel, before all your good work so far is lost!

As for the boys, well Louis looked his usual elf like self, while Gary exuded a kind of sexiness which only a very secure man can do in tweed.

So, onto the contestants and my verdict on this year's final 16...

Amelia: Opening the show with a belter tune, it was good but not great and I fear she may be going home tonight, as the other gals nailed it. Bad peach hair and rough styling also let her down last night.

Johnny: Oh wow, diva alert. The public have really taken to him and I think Louis will put him through just for the sheer comedy value. Gary's right though, his voice was better than the song and as long as Louis realises he can actually sing and isn't another Wagner, he should be in it for the long haul.

Nu Vibe: No vibe more like it! God, they sounded horrendous despite being so beautiful. Think it's time to pack your bags, lads.

2 Shoes: Aww bless them. I do like these ladies a lot but they are not going to win this show. Points taken off for bad lipstick application as well- must do better next week.

Misha B: She is the front runner at the moment and will be in the final as long as the public keeps supporting her. I can definitely see her as a credible artist in the charts and boy, the girl has got fierce style to back it up.

The Risk: Oh, how I loved these boys last night. They were my favourites by a mile and they actually made my boyfriend sit up and stop twiddling his thumbs. Love them!

Sophie: Nice voice, but too bland for me. NEXT!

Frankie: I do not get the obsession with this guy. Maybe it is because I'm not a horny teenager, but he just hasn't got enough talent in my opinion to go all the way. That said, teenager girls will vote in their droves.

Craig: Awww this was a surprise for me, as I didn't think he would be interesting enough to keep my attention. Well, attention held most definitely- the best vocal of the night and a thoroughly nice chap.

Kitty: I have never warmed to her and I don't think the live shows will make me feel any differently. Lady Gaga she ain't and her attention seeking props and performances will only turn the public off more.

Rythmix: Interesting girl group here- they are very current and don't pose a threat to other girls, therefore they are likely to get the votes. Clever move, Tulisa.

Sammi: What a travesty this lady nearly missed out on a place in the live finals- Louis, what were you thinking! Great voice, but with Louis as a mentor I don't know how far she will go.

Janet: I'm not her biggest fan, but no doubt she closed the show beautifully. I'm still sore that Jade missed out on a place, but Janet's talent is undeniable. If only she would stop being so nervy and believe in herself, she'd be a favourite of mine.

James: I had to think about which one he was, which means an impression wasn't made. Sorry James, you are not in my top 5!

Jonjo: Gutted for him really. Louis should have given him a better song when he realised it wasn't working. The vocal was off and he was far too nervy- if it was the public vote tonight then he would get through on sympathy, as it isn't, he's the obvious one to go.

Marcus: That smile could light up a room. What a nice fellow and great vocal too. Can he go all the way? Hummm... remains to be seen.

What do you think? Am I on the money, or have I totally got it wrong? Let me know...