[Ruth]

By the way, although I do think that Shayne's looks definitely helped him in this competition, I didn't mean to imply in my previous post that he had no talent. I do think he has talent, although no more talent than either Andy or Journey South. Admittedly he will definitely appeal to a wider audience than Andy would have done, but that's a whole different issue to talent. As for Journey South, I honestly think that out of all three finalists, they are the act with the best chance of longevity. Latest news I heard is that they have been given a record deal (which was inevitable), so maybe we'll be able to come back and compare notes in a year or so!

To be honest, I did think that Andy performed That's My Goal better than Shayne on Saturday night, although I did only have half of each song to compare, because halfway through each rendition, I got so bored of the song that I fast forwarded through to the end. I ended up feeling relieved on behalf of Journey South that they don't have to release that drivel as their first single.

Apparently Shayne has said that he is happy to release whatever Simon wants him to, and if Simon wants him to release an album of cover versions he will be happy to do so. Well of course he would be - he's a 20(?) year old lad who believes that he has just been given the ticket to a better life. I honestly wish him well. However, I do hope that Simon doesn't send him down the route of syrupy ballads and un-necessary cover versions, because if he does, I think in a year's time, we will all be saying, "Shayne who?" But with the right song choices, he has a chance of success.

I did want Journey South to win, because I thought that they were the most talented act in the competition. However, previous competitions of this ilk have shown that it isn't always the winner who does best out of it. Lemar, Girls Aloud and Liberty X all came second (third in Lemar's case) and all have subssequently done better than the acts who beat them (don't ask me to explain how Girls Aloud manage to have continued success - I think they are one of the least talented acts I have ever had the misfortune to hear).

So I guess only time will tell what lies in store for the three finalists. I doubt we will hear much from Andy, which is a shame, because when he was good he was excellent. Shayne could do well, providing that Simon gives him some good songs to sing, and Journey Sout - I'm optimistic for them!