‘The X Factor’ UK rankings: Where Lauren Platt, Andrea Faustini, Ben Haenow, Fleur East stand

We’ve made it to the top nine now on “The X Factor” UK, and while it seems like the favorites have separated themselves somewhat from the others, the good news is that there is still a little bit of movement possible here. A few contestants have more to give, and a few longtime favorites seem a little bit vulnerable.

With these rankings, we are of course basing them on overall performance quality, show edit, and voting history, both this season and in past ones.

9. Stereo Kicks – Two appearances in the bottom three at least now for the boys, and that doesn’t bode well. With this many people, they are not going to suddenly come out and be incredible Saturday.

8. Paul Akister – A big drop for Paul this week, orchestrated mostly by Simon Cowell’s comments about him and the somewhat-smug way in which he responded. Paul doesn’t seem like he is open enough to enjoy this experience, or at least it is not translating.

7. Stevi Ritchie – Stevi had a wonderful moment in “Music of the Night,” and we’re not ashamed to admit to watching it three or four times. Still, we feel like he’s being set up for a fall. It also may benefit Stevi to go home within the next two weeks, before the outcry about him being in the competition starts. His future is in television more than music, and he needs to preserve the likability.

6. Only the Young – We love them, but we’re nervous to place them too high based on that bottom-two placement not that long ago. They really need another breakout performance or two.

5. Fleur East – Consistently good, but we still feel like she is destined to go out earlier than she deserves unless she really has big “moments” week after week now. Plus, she needs to focus a little more on singing.

4. Ben Haenow – He wasn’t in danger despite performing first last week, and that is a good sign that he could be around for a long time still. He is almost perfectly what “X Factor” voters like.

3. Jay James – You could say the same thing about James, who is arguably the show’s most-artistic contestant since James Arthur. Luckily, he is not bringing any of the negatives of James Arthur with him.

2. Lauren Platt – “Dark Horse” was a great moment for her, and we feel like being the only remaining member of the Girls category benefits her somewhat. She stands out more, and we could see her being a star if she gets a year or two in the Simon Cowell School of Making the Right Album.

1. Andrea Faustini – While we feel like Lauren is probably going to be a bigger star in the long-term, Andrea may be the best winner for the show now, and despite that odd performance last week, he still has to be the favorite. He’s still got that huge voice, the big personality, and the originality factor.

Who is your favorite from the top nine? Vote in our poll below, and head over here to get some further “X Factor” scoop right now! you can also sign up if you want to gather some further scoop on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo via ITV.)