[Red Moon]

The X Factor: the second live show
Saturday night's programme was fantastic entertainment.

So matinee idol Daniel was the loser on The X Factor on Saturday, getting a deserved boot off the show.

But who were the winners? Housewife superstar Niki, bench press record holder for Wales Rhydian, Aussie import judge Dannii and - I have no shame in admitting this - this week's uber mentor, Celine Dion.

For Celine was the real surprise of Saturday night's programme and I say that in the clear knowledge that it will win me few friends. My Guardian colleagues have already chastised me - with feeling - as being "out of the club" and "beyond forgiveable" - and if you know anything about this place it's pretty strong stuff from them.

My previous exposure to Celine had been to her unmissable Titanic song My Heart Will Go On and it was literally unmissable, to anyone who was alive in 1997. Then there was what I like to think of her pole-cats-on-heat duet with Barbra Streisand - Tell Him.

Anyway, on Saturday night in her role as uber-mentor I thought Celine hit the right note. She proved an encouraging if not exactly discriminating tutor. She was upbeat when she needed to be (okay, all the time) but c'mon it's what the kids live off - criticism that is constructive.

But Celine did go slightly into orbit on the live show, when Dermot asked her which acts she liked she would have named them all if they hadn't had to go to a commercial break.

As the great lady put it:

"It's an amazing thrill for me to back in the UK, I'm very glad I'm not a judge because when you meet those kids...they all have something special."

In other news:

Sharon was back after her "walkout" (why is that not a surprise?) that heart of petrified silicon apparently cracking at the thought that she was abandoning her young charges. But if their performances were anything to go for it looks like Emily and Alisha will soon be abandoning her.

Louis lost his act Daniel, punished for choosing what many thought was a dud song. I don't agree that Build Me Up Buttercup was a dud, but it certainly showed up the limitations of too-cool-for-school Daniel, clearly unable to rise to the challenge. We shan't be hearing from him again.

Simon had the unmitigated termerity to rate Hope as the best group to grace The X Factor stage. Hello?! Has he forgotten G4? I can't see Hope selling more than 1m albums like they did.

The judge that is doing the best job in my opinion is Dannii. Best comments, real enthusiasm and mentoring for her acts but most of all for leaving her ego at the door. (Simon, Sharon, Louis -are you reading this?!!?)

X Factor contestant round up:

Hope: Some talent, some sex appeal and can hold a tune.

Leon: Nerves will be his undoing.

Beverley: Good but not good enough.

Alisha: Talent is there somewhere but she is falling apart.

Same Difference: Bizarre but have got something.

Rhydian: As Celine said: "I'm stunned. He's got an amazing voice, you are brilliant, you moved me."

Emily: Nice and safe but not going to cut the mustard.

Futureproof: See above comment for Hope.

Andy: Sang Staying Alive with difficulty. Needs to pull his socks up.

Niki: The performance of the night. Again.

Source: The Guardian (Blog)

[Indierock&roll]

andy sang staying alive amazingly considering the amout of words in that song! 3 people are ment to sing that song and he did it briliantly with his amazing voice! and dance moves

[Spike]

Originally posted by AndyToWin
andy sang staying alive amazingly considering the amout of words in that song! 3 people are ment to sing that song and he did it briliantly with his amazing voice! and dance moves

He didn't sing it amazingly it was a very dull performance with poor vocals.

[Indierock&roll]

:/
it was sang amazingly imo!
But yes was the wrong choice of song!

louis said hes talented and he really is! not dull i love his voice its a nice tone

[Shaun]

He's got an OK voice, but he doesn't really perform well.

[Indierock&roll]

he did the first show!
he worked the cameras around him and his eyes make you fal in love with him! and the second show was great with the dance moves

[Wasted]

There's been nothing outstanding we've seen from Andy yet, not even in his earlier auditions. If he wants to win, he needs to do something impressive and memorable. So far I think he's only getting votes for the good looks and puppy dog eyes.

[Indierock&roll]

i think he will improve throughout the show!
but on his myspace he sounds great on the song " last request"

http://www.myspace.com/andywilliamsxfactor