‘The X Factor’ UK review: Reggie ‘n Bollie, Louisa Johnson, Che Chesterman face off
Anyway, this particular article is all about the performances! Refresh throughout the night for some more on how the final three did as the show progresses.
Che Chesterman, “In the Air Tonight” – We gotta admit, the first performance sort of crept up on us! Che was introduced almost like he was starting in a pro basketball game, but then went right into the performance. We feel like he really didn’t start to get it going until he hit the stage.
Louisa Johnson, “Fighter” – Why are these so short? We feel like this wasn’t Louisa’s best, and she seemed almost distracted until she got back up on the stage. Then, she got really into it, and we were reminded why she’s a finalist. Why didn’t get she get more upbeat songs like this all season?
Reggie ‘n Bollie, “Jump” – This wasn’t their best, either, but a big assist here to Louisa! She was still dancing on the stage throughout their performance, and we love how into it she was! If nothing else, a great introduction to what is coming up.
Round two – longer performances (thankfully)
Che, “Valerie” – Love the song choice, and we’d agree with Simon that he was a bit nervous. Yet, at the same time we’re so grateful to see something a little bit more fun and upbeat from him, given the sole fact that so many of his performances have been of the “stay in one spot and sing” variety.
Reggie ‘n Bollie, “Spice Up Your Life / Boom Boom Boom” – This is about as random a mash-up as you’re going to get. Vocally, they’re still not great, and they never will be. The crowd LOVES them. Rita Ora is a little right with her critique about the lack of free-rhymes and some of what makes them special; yet, couldn’t there also be some gamesmanship in here given she’s mentoring Louisa?
Louisa, “I Believe I Can Fly” – Seriously Jordan Smith – “The Voice” US vibes here. Easily the best performance of this round, but also the one given the most opportunity to be genuinely good. Look at it this way. Che got dancing hamburgers. Reggie ‘n Bollie had people gyrating in weird 1990’s clothing. Louisa had a massive choir and beautiful staging. She’s probably the most talented of the group, and the show seems to really want to tip the scales in her favor.
Round three – duets
Che with Rod Stewart, “First Cut is the Deepest” – This was … decent? It was a little awkward, just as most of them have been. This was mostly just boring.
Reggie ‘N Bollie with Fuse ODG and Craig David, mash-up – Love this. It may be our favorite performance with a celebrity guest over on the show. The energy was incredible, and it never felt like the guests were doing them a favor.
Louisa Johnson with Rita Ora, “And I Am Telling You I Am Not Going” – Wonderful vocals. Terribly boring song choice that’s been done a billion times. We think that Louisa is the odds-on-favorite to win, but we’d say that for the third round, we’re giving Reggie ‘N Bollie the win.
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