‘The X Factor’ UK review: Justin Peng, Joseph Whelan, Andrea Magee close audition rooms
The final stage of “The X Factor” UK audition rooms has arrived, and it actually did so with some talent! Unfortunately, we also had some duds, some utter selfishness on the part of a former group, and at least one act get through that really had no business doing so. We hate it when this show gives some people the expectation of false hope, and that’s what we think happened in the very end.
The good
Justin Peng – A nice surprise here, and his voice actually reminds us of Heejun Han from “American Idol.” His phrasing isn’t always perfect, but there is a certain sweetness to his voice that is incredibly endearing to listen to. Plus, he’s completely adorable.
Sam Callahan – First of all, hats off for making “You’re Beautiful” into something that was not completely depressing. On the opposite side of the coin, there was not a single thing about him that we have not seen already from a different singer / guitar player on any other talent show. Won’t remember you.
Paul Akister – A great, soulful singer who just needs to realize that there is more to performing than just standing in one place and belting out some big notes. If he is able to get that together, then he could be a serious force to be reckoned with.
Joseph Whelan – Remember him from bootcamp last year? Well, you’ll be seeing him back there this year. His voice is incredibly powerful and there is the possiblity for him to do something rock-related here in a way that we have not seen on the live shows in recent memory.
Hannah Sheares – This one was interesting. She auditioned in a group called the Daisy Chains that was just terrible, but she was really good. It was almost like MK1 last year, even down to the point where one of the other band members was not too thrilled about not being included. But you have to take advantage of this opportunity, and know that if you’re good enough, you can hire your friends to do backup after (after some vocal lessons, anyway).
Jayson Newland – We dig this non-sappy story. Despite working all night and coming in exhausted, the call-center worker totally nailed this audition with a booming, super-impressive voice.
Andrea Magee – Why didn’t we see more of her? We really wish we did for so many reasons. She has a smooth, soulful voice, and there was just so much to appreciate here. Why didn’t she get more screen time over some of the crazies? It is one of the many mysteries when it comes to this show.
Lorna Thompson – A good singer, but “I Have Nothing” is something that we are completely numb to at this point. Please try to sing something more surprising later on.
The Nostalgics – Why in the world did these senior citizens go through? It seems foolish to set them up for false hope, since there’s no way at all that they can win. They are just going to get these people to the stage tomorrow and suddenly act like they are not right for the show, and it’s unfair and completely silly.
The terrible
Duplex – What in the world was with these two? Anytime that you have a pair of contestants who are so close that they finish each others sentences, you know that there is a problem. Nobody should be that close and audition on this show together.
Green Boots – Auditioning in a group is the new thing for delusional people to do. It gives them an opportunity to fail with someone else rather than just fail on their own! Watching this couple just sit there and sing to each other wasn’t just bad; it was awkward. They are the two who show up to a party and everyone leaves.
Of course, this article is not just about what we think. We also want to hear from you below! Meanwhile, click here if you want to see even more scoop related to the show, and we’ll be back tomorrow to give you our full take on that stage of the competition.
Photo: ITV