Strictly vs X Factor

Little Mix on the X Factor
X Factor has gone right off my Saturday night agenda in recent weeks and that's a real shame, because as you may have gathered from my blogs, I'm a tiny bit addicted.

What's to blame? well, the media insist that it's the lack of Simon Cowell and the poor choice or acts, but actually I think it may just be the format itself.

Every year for the past four years, X Factor has trounced Strictly in the ratings, only this year, for whatever reason, the tables have turned and the BBC1 show popular with grannies is now compulsive viewing.

No judging shake ups, no crazy contestants and yet people are defecting from ITV in their droves.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still favouring X Factor over Strictly at the moment, but at some point Frankie may just make me crack and turn over to avoid his smugness.

Gary is just as bad though; he absolutely pawns over Frankie in a way that makes him so utterly uncool, it's hard to imagine him as the sexy pin up he once was earlier this summer.

Then there's Tulisa, who is still my fave but is losing her edge in my view, while Louis just gets more and more over animated with every passing week.

Kelly's credibility is sinking fast also, especially this week when she was too ill to make an appearance on the show, but was able via skype to boot one of her acts off! Ouch.

I did feel for Sophie, but as I said in week one, she is too dull to hold people's attention. This is a tough business- just look at Matt Cardle, everyone loved him last year and now, well he's struggling to shake off the winner's tag and make the sales at the same time.

My fave acts at the moment are Little Mix, Craig and Janet, with Misha B and Kitty coming close behind purely for the entertainment factor.

I don't know what's in store for the X Factor over the coming weeks, but I highly doubt they will be able to get it back to its peak this series. Roll on next year, I say...

The X Factor: Dannii wows in Grecian gown

Singing for survival again? Copyright ITV
I was a bit bored of X Factor last night. The tantrums, the voting saga and the sniping judges really got on my wick, and that was before any of the contestants came on.

When they did make an appearance, it was only really One Direction and Rebecca who had it in the bag on the night, while the rest just got on with it without really making an impression.

As for the judges, Dannii of course came out on top in a Grecian-style one shoulder white gown, complete with stunning turquoise earrings, while Cheryl squashed up her cleavage in a long gold dress.

It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great and add into the mix a messy ponytail and half-hearted plait at the front and Cheryl is in real danger of losing her style crown forever.

On to the contestants' style this week, and funnily enough this is where Katie excelled. Headscarf, vintage jeans and a leather jacket looked great on the quirky one. So-so song, but lets be honest- she's on her way out this weekend anyway.

Mary too looked great last night in a midnight blue gown, complete with jewel encrusted headband.

Paige was oh-so cute in a bow tie and pink jacket, but even that couldn't save him from a bad performance on the night. Vocally he was off, but that smile wins me over every time.

I can't remember what Matt wore, but that's to be expected- he's very much the singer rather than the style icon. Whereas One Direction manage to get the balance right every time and are my new favourites to win.

They will face stiff competition from the lovely Rebecca though, who is faultless each week in both style and substance. Her beige 60s shift dress was gorgeous and as always classy- you know she'll land a modelling contract at the end of this process.

Cher looked nice as well, with newly regrown eyebrows and less eye make-up. Very pretty despite the space age pants and jacket; god knows what the stylists are thinking each week!

Speaking of crazy styling- Wagner in a gold tail jacket...there are no words.

Lastly, we come to Aiden, who looks good in most things but a silvery jacket? Nope, not even he could pull that monstrosity off.

All in all, a pretty dull week for my usually faultless favourite show. Lets hope they up the ante next week!

X Factor Fashion Watch: Who rocked and who did not...

Rebecca Ferguson: Gorgeous in gold! Copyright ITV
My Saturday night really consists of two things; Wine and X Factor. So with both of them present last night, I settled down to watch the best show on TV for a whole hour and a half.

Yep, this was indeed the first night where it wasn't over two hours long, because now we are down to the final 10, as everyone kept reminding us.

Basically it means these people who we have grown to love and hate in equal measure are the best in the country for musical talent and style. Yeah right.

Rebecca is clearly the most polished and is destined for a career both in the music and fashion industry long after X Factor is finished.

As for her mentor, Cheryl, well I was most disappointed with her fashion offering last night. A tacky black dress complete with what looked like a lopsided pom pom in her hair.

This is the girl who everyone wanted to look like only last year, but now she seems to be a victim of her own success and has very rarely got it right in this series of X Factor.

Dannii on the other hand continues to go from strength to strength, looking elegant and chic in a gold knee-length dress.

Back to the contestants, and Cher looked really quite pretty in her pink biker jacket last night, but that wasn't enough to save her from Simon Cowell's bad comments; she looked like she had swallowed a lemon, when universal praise didn't come her way.

As for Katie, well, I thought she looked fragile rocking head-to-toe leather and a beehive on her head. The performance itself was disappointing, so it's safe to say she may be in the bottom two once again tonight.

Trayc too was a bit dull on the night, but looked stunning in a Grecian style gown and monster bling necklace.

Paige however was all sparkle and smiles with his outfit; a purple tux complete with gold waistcoat and pink bow tie. He's like a little ray of sunshine and his mash-up had everyone dancing; I hope he stays for a few more weeks.

Paige Richardson: Little ray of sunshine! Copyright ITV
One person who doesn't need to worry is Matt of course, who received a standing ovation for his performance- but who the hell styled him?! Camel harem pants with a denim shirt? No, no, no!

Aiden similarly looked a bit of a muddle with an ill-fitting white shirt and black pants, but I loved his song choice. As Simon said, he's back in the game!

Louis may have cause to panic this week though, as Mary failed to deliver last night. Looking tired and stressed, she seemed distant and about to burst into tears at any point- could the Wagner story have anything to do with that I wonder?

Wagner himself performed some Elvis hits in a replica white catsuit (of course) to some clapping and surprisingly, some boos too.

He could finally be heading home this week, but I find it very rude that Cheryl doesn't clap anymore or give any constructive comments. He's in because the public clearly like him, go knows why, but hey, as Louis keeps reminding us- he's entertaining!

Lastly One Direction, aka my new inappropriate crushes, were fabulous jumping around stage to Kids in America with a load of cheerleaders.

One Direction: Every teenage girl's dream! Copyright ITV
Begrudgingly, I admitted last week I was wrong about the boys and I stand by that this week-they can sing, they are entertaining and at this point I think they are destined to come either first or second in the comp.

Don't forget it's the tweens who vote and who ultimately have the power. Why the heck to do you think Justin Bieber is as massive as he is?! Point proven.

I'll be tweeting live when tonight's eviction airs, so don't forget to follow me at whatserenasaw

Rebecca does a Cheryl and dyes hair red!

Rebecca Ferguson on The X Factor: Copyright ITV
I loved The X Factor last night, and I know I've covered it a lot on this blog but honestly, it's the best thing on TV at the moment!

Now that The Inbetweeners has finished, this is literally going to be my life now until Christmas.

Anyway, last night I thought the girls rocked- yes, even Katie impressed me with her 'Wanna be like you' tribute, which closed the show to huge applause.

I still wish she'd sort her hair out though, it looks so straw like. Now, Rebecca on the other hand decided to do a Cheryl last night with her new red 'do and looked sensational.

You know that home dye kits sales are going to soar now that both Cheryl and Rebecca have reached for the red bottle.

Cher even had tinges of red in her massive bouffant- maybe it was a job lot done on all three of them?!

As for the rest of the acts, as usual Mary was wonderful but her hair looks too severe in that tight bun- let her have her hair down next week please!

One Direction, as much as I hate to admit it, are getting better each week and even though I hate boy bands, I could stand to listen to them for a couple more weeks!

As for Matt and Aiden, to me they were very average, although I know the judges thought they rocked.

Votes on who is going tonight? My money's on either Wagner or John...

The X Factor: Live finalists revealed!

Cher and Rebecca are through to the live shows! Copyright ITV

Cher through, Gamu out and crazy Katie in the final three for Cheryl?! Say what?!

Ok, so a website may have already leaked the finalists, but I was still pretty shocked with the results of tonight's show.

Enough rambling though, lets get down to business and see who has made it through to the live finals next week...

Girls: Mentored By Cheryl Cole
Katie Waissel: The girl messed up big style and I totally agree with Cheryl- people may find her annoying; I know I do. Right from the ridiculous eyelashes to the crazy umbrella, she's not done it for me from the start. A brave choice to put through and personally I think Cheryl should have gone with the lovely Gamu.

Cher Lloyd: It's a shame with Cher, because I loved her in the first audition and then bootcamp fell a bit flat for me. I think her nerves got the better of her in front of Cheryl- she didn't even finish the song and burst into tears for heaven's sake! A risk, but I think she'll be a hit.

Rebecca Ferguson: A true star. She can sing and has the wardrobe of an Hollywood screen siren. A sure fire hit with the public, I think she will go all the way.

Groups: Mentored by Simon Cowell
Bel Amie: I loved these girls. Considering they had only been put together in a week, everything was perfect. Great vocals, likeable personalities and a great sense of fashion make them my early faves in this competition.

One Direction: 'Far too young' would have been a better name for these boys, and personally I think we've seen it all before. Yawn.

FYD: Quirky, cool and I'm a big fan of these boys. I think Simon will make them a stand out on the live shows, but they have some tough competition.

Over 28s: Mentored by Louis Walsh
Mary Byrne: From the promo shots I saw tonight, Mary cleans up well! A sleek haircut and clever wardrobe have made this sweetheart into a star. Sing your heart out Mary and you may well go far!

Storm Lee: Yes! I'm made up Louis put this fine fellow through- he needed a break and it seems like he's finally got it. Original and cool, I think he'll divide opinion and I'm loving his whole 'look' and attitude.

John Adeleye: He's not made an impression on me yet, but he seems a nice enough guy. Good trilby collection at least, but he'll need to stand out a hell of a lot more on the live shows.

Boys: Mentored by Dannii Minogue
Aiden Grimshaw: No surprises here ladies, the heart throb with the unusual voice has made it through. He's eye candy, but to be fair he's got the goods to back it up- if he gets the teen girl vote, he'll be a finalist.

Matt Cardle: He's actually the favourite in this competition at the moment, but I'm just not excited about this guy. I'll wait till he gets his super swish makeover before I make judgment on whether he really does have The X Factor.

Nicolo Festa: A grower me thinks. He's arrogant, a diva and bloomin' good fun by all accounts. There's something very upfront about him which I like and he's got good vocals to back it up. I'm a fan, but I don't know if he'll be everyone's cup of tea.

So what do you think? Do you agree with the final 12?