‘The X Factor’ UK review: Only the Young, Andrea Faustini, Chloe Jasmine rule top 16

With tonight being massive, 150-minute episode of “The X Factor” UK, we’re doing something completely different and doing a live review. It may be a little more fun to dive into this from the get-go, and open up the comments early to anyone who has their own pointed thoughts. We want to hear from you!

So with this in mind, refresh the article throughout for more of our specific take on the show. At the end, we’ll let you know who was the best on the night, and who will / should go home among this massive group of 16.

Paul Akister, “Ghost” – Of course, there was just as much here about Louis Walsh not putting Paul through as there was his actual singing. Oh judges, always making this about you when it’s really not. Still, we enjoyed the performance. A good bit of stage presence, and Paul of course hits every note.

Lola Saunders, “Stay With Me” – How awkward does it have to be to sing for a mentor who originally sent you home? Go look up Josh Kaufman to hear how this performance really should be done. She sang it pretty well, but we didn’t feel the heartache and pain we wanted. It was almost too pretty and put-together; also, the key change is something that needs to be avoided at ALL costs.

Overload Generation, “I Kissed a Girl” – First of all, this new name is horrendous. Seriously, who thought that was a good idea? It sounds like something that would be on a Disney Channel show. Otherwise, a great look (we dug the guy in the glasses), and they picked a song that was edgy … though should we really be that shocked that five young guys kissed a girl and they liked it? Did they all kiss the same girl? So many questions, and so little time.

Jay James, “Changing” – Our feeling is that you never want to sing something on a talent competition that includes the lyrics “I’ve been here for too long.” Typically, that means trouble. We couldn’t understand Jay’s versus at all, even if we liked the confidence and the signature tone in his voice. The fact that he sounds different than everyone else is a plus. Also, Louis’ comments of him as a “young Kevin Costner” is hysterical.

Stephanie Nala, “Everything I Own” – We like the vibe, but somebody needs to turn that backing music down a little bit! She has a lovely voice, but her stage presence really screamed “I’m not confident enough.” Her dance moves were a little too subtle, and our second-funniest moment of the night came when Simon tried to challenge Louis on his modern chart knowledge and got completely school in the process.

Jack Walton, “Only Girl” – At least Jay and Stephanie did something very different with their songs. This was boring in the way that a middle act is at a concert, where you go up to get a drink or a bucket of popcorn. The whole “changing the Rihanna lyrics up” thing was not something we liked when One Direction did it years ago. Feels loo much like shameless pandering.

Chloe Jasmine, “Toxic” – We understand completely while Chloe is easy to be annoyed by, since she does have a demeanor that can make her appear very conceited. However, it’s undeniable that she has talent and originality for months. She is so talented and so original, she blows almost everyone on the show so far out of the water.

Stereo Kicks, “Roar” – We got into a lengthy discussion on the name over here, but for now we’ll say that it’s fine. What wasn’t fine is throwing the eight guys on stage and giving them such a bland arrangement and a song that has no meaning to them. One week in, and we’re already starting to question if Louis is phoning it in. Plus, he’s got a band with perhaps too many people in it. Who is going to take the time to get to know all of them?

Stevi Ritchie, “Livin’ La Vida Loca” – The first half of this was actually not bad, then about halfway through, poor Stevi ran out of breath and it felt like he needed to recharge the batteries onstage. He’s completely insane, but there is something about him that is so fun that you cannot help but love him. The fact that Simon gives zero (bleeps) about whatever he does as his mentor is even funnier.

Lauren Platt, “Happy” – Excellent. Lauren came out tonight and proved that she could be the show’s next Ella Henderson. We question if the arrangement was really happy enough, but all of the vocals were downright amazing. Also, great staging, great outfit choice, great choreography. This felt like what a girl her age should be singing and doing onstage.

Blonde Electra, “Kids in America” – Let this be a lesson that if you put enough background vocalists on the stage, a performance can actually sound much better than it does in another way. Smart move. This entire performance may also be the next episode for “American Horror Story: Freak Show.”

Ben Haenow, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” – Ben is a guy that looks rather ordinary, but then comes on stage and just comes completely alive. This is a guy who has quite possibly one of the best voices of the entire competition. We actually find this to be one of our favorite songs, and therefore not boring in the slightest.

Jake Quickenden, “She’s the One” – Jake reminds us quite a bit of some other past guys, who come on the show based on their look and their style but don’t really stack up with the vocals. It felt like the guy and the voice were two different things. He needs to sound tough and gritty; this won’t get him anywhere other than a couple of weeks on the show.

Fleur East, “All About That Bass” – Not the best song choice for Fleur. It just didn’t fit her at all, especially since for a song all about booty, the performance and the style didn’t really work. What we will give her credit for, though, is actually doing a pretty good job with the vocals of the song. It at least sounded like the original.

Only the Young, “Jailhouse Rock / Twist and Shout” – According to Mel B, Elvis Presley isn’t cool. We actually really enjoyed this. The vocals and the harmonies were spot-on, and while it may have been a little “Glee,” that’s okay when you are actually honoring the classics.

Andrea Faustini, “Earth Song” – The best pure singer in the competition hands-down, and a very likable guy to boot. It would be interesting to see him do something a little more upbeat, but this was so intense and so musical. We wonder if the British public will vote for him … but we’ll find out tomorrow!

Best of the Night – Andrea, with Chloe in second place.

In danger – Jack Walton, Blonde Electra, and Stereo Kicks.

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