‘The X Factor’ UK review: Ben Haenow, Scarlett Quinn, Kerrianne Covell, Steph Nala hit the stage
The latest wave of “X Factor” UK arena auditions took place on Saturday, and they were a mixed bag. It’s clear that most of the personalities are coming from the women this season, and unless you want more of the same, the men (with one exception tonight) could be easily forgotten. Maybe this is just editing, since the show tends to favor the men in the live shows.
If this is your first review that you’ve caught from us, then be aware that we’re only focusing on the good. The rubbish acts already got enough attention on the show.
Chloe Jasmine – We discussed her in our preview video, and we still feel like she is a contender. Her struggle will be simple: Trying to find songs that suit her style. She doesn’t have a voice for the typical big ballad.
Fleur East – What a strange performance this was, but also one that we understand when it comes to why the judges liked it. She’s been here before (albeit forever ago), and we could see her last for many more weeks.
Raign – A complete train-wreck. The only reason she made it this far was because she was so dramatic and that makes for fun TV. She can sort-of-sing her own stuff well, but can she do anything else. We don’t know.
Emily Middlemas – We really like Emily. She has a very pleasant stage presence, and reminds us a little of Janet Devlin from a few seasons ago. She may not have the biggest range, but she can make up for it with personality.
Steph Nala – We actually wish that the Luminites stuck together. Steph’s voice is pretty good, but we miss the band around her. Still, she could go very far in this competition, and we do wonder whether or not her past could be a huge edge in the live shows.
Kerrianne Covell – Kerrianne was famous through the first round of the show for having Simon Cowell call her boss to allow her to keep her job. We really feel like she could be a contender to win the entire competition.
Scarlett Quinn – She has a signature style, and her personality will carry her for a certain distance. The song choice here was not good, though; she can sing better than this, and with something a little more urban pop than a big Christina Aguilera track.
Ben Haenow – His voice got better and better the whole time he sang “Wild Horses.” He went in this performance from yet another generic male singer to a contender. One of the most interesting guys in the competition, and a great way to close the show.
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Photo: ITV