‘The X Factor’ UK: Spice Girls were considered for 5 After Midnight duet

The closer and closer we get to the finale for “The X Factor,” the more certain things are starting to change in terms of the duets. This happens almost every year: We hear about this huge A-list collaborations, but eventually we find out that not all as it seems.

As of right now, the only collaboration we feel particularly good about is seeing Saara Aalto sing with Adam Lambert — that’s been widely reported, and it makes sense given his connection with the Australian version of the franchise and creator Simon Cowell. Also, he just posted on Twitter earlier today that he is in London (see below). Saara’s spent some time revisiting Finland ahead of the final this weekend, but she’ll be back for rehearsals.

Meanwhile, 5 After Midnight was paired with The Weeknd, but it seems not that his presence for the final is meant more to be as a performer of his own music rather than duet partner. Per The Sun, they are now performing with reigning champ Louisa Johnson and Clean Bandit after hopes to pair them with the Spice Girls fell through. Mel B, ironically the one person who has the closest connections to the series as a former judge, is busy in rehearsals for “Chicago.”

Ultimately, we don’t think duets really matter all that much unless they are out of this world, which may have helped Louisa last year after performing with Rita Ora — though we did also really enjoy Reggie ‘N Bollie collaborating with Fuse ODG and Craig David.

We’ll give you some more updates on all things “X Factor” and the big final as we get a little bit closer to it airing. Stay tuned! Also, be sure to head over to the link here to get some other news when it comes to the show. (Photo: ITV.)