‘The X Factor’ UK review: Did Andrea Faustini, Paul Akister, Jake Quickenden dominate?

There are going to be two separate parts of our “X Factor” review tonight, mostly because there are two different groups that we are focusing on during this awkward Six-Chair Challenge. For this one, we’re focusing on the Boys, who are mentored this year by none other than Mel B. She is tough, but that’s exactly what some of these guys need. They’ve probably been coddled and told their entire lives that they are great, and this is a reality check.

The following six singers were the ones Mel chose to advance into the Judges Houses phase in the competition.

Jake Quickenden – He was the first decent singer to come on the show tonight, and he had the pressure of following up a series of pretty-awful people who Mel basically told were the weakest link and goodbye. His “A Thousand Years” was sweet, but we haven’t seen anything yet that signals to us he will be special in the music industry.

Jordan Morris – We didn’t really think that he was that great, but with many of the weaker guys in the early going, it felt assured he would get a seat.

Danny Dearden – Who? To be honest, we barely remember him at all.

Jack Walton – A decent singer / guitar player, but he still seems like fodder.

Andrea Faustini – Probably the best pure singer among the guys, and we also love that he loves pugs. Such a likable dude, and we hope he sticks around a long time. The funny thing is that he replaced Hayden, who in turn replaced Charlie Brown.

Paul Akister – To us, it feels almost like Jake, Paul, and Andrea are going to be the three finalists from the boys, and you can just go ahead and pencil that in. Maybe some of these other guys can go and be a band.

Who was your favorite from this round of “The X Factor”? Share with a comment, and head over here to get some further news on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter.

Photo: ITV