[Red Moon]

X Factor favourite Rhydian closes in on Christmas number one

X Factor contestant Rhydian Roberts has already recorded the single he hopes will be a Christmas number one as bookmakers said the TV show was now a one-horse contest.

The 24-year-old opera singer was in the studio last week recording a version of Mariah Carey's When You Believe, which is likely to sail to the top of the charts if it is released as planned on December 17.

Bookies gave him odds of 4-11 to steal the top title, putting him in an even stronger position than last year's winner Leona Lewis at the same point in the competition.

Ladbrokes spokesman Nick Weinberg said: "That is despite the field being stronger a year ago.

"Rhydian has talent but he also benefits from the weakness of his rivals. He has had things all his own way in recent weeks."

The singer, from Powys, Wales, is already said to be considering offers of a record deal, understood to be worth a six-figure-sum.

Behind him is Leon Jackson, an 18-year-old shop assistant from West Lothian heralded by judge Simon Cowell as the British Michael Buble.

He was given odds of 4-1, with school cook Niki Evans, 34, from Birmingham, in third place at 7-1.

Together with the bands Same Difference and Hope - the latter of which was voted off on Saturday - all five recorded the Mariah Carey single in the hope that one would get to release it when they win.

But it was Roberts who won unanimous praise from the judging panel when he performed Somebody To Love and I Vow To Thee My Country on Saturday.

Judge Louis Walsh described his performance as "powerful, engaging and amazing" while Cowell said he was "outstanding".

Source: Daily Mail

[XxShortyxX]

Go Rydian. I really hope he wins. And I really hope Leon don't win

[Riz]

oh god i dont know why he is already topped to win :barf:

[beanny]

Same Difference To Win Now That Hope Are Out X

[CassetteFinger]

SD or Rhydian must win.

[natjake2504]

i really wanted hope but now i want leon or nicky - hate rhydian

[Z]

I really hope one of the other three remaining acts wins it. Not a fan of Same Difference or Leon, but they're a damn sight better than Rhydian. Gaaah, words can't describe how irritating I find him - this is only made worse when people proclaim how great he is! He is not good at all. You will all get bored of hearing his operatic voice.

[Ruth*Star]

Originally posted by XxShortyxX
Go Rydian. I really hope he wins. And I really hope Leon don't win

My thoughts exactly.. I would buy his single if he won....

[Z]

If we're speaking about boring, I wouldn't buy Rhydian or Leon's records, probably not even Niki - Same Difference are the only act left who look like popstars.

[BigSister]

I dont like it when people start saying oh so and so is going to def win- people get complacent and dont vote. Leona is probably the only 1 who bucked that last year in winning when she was odds on to win. i just hope people dont vote. Even though I dont like Rhydian i think he is the best left but i would pick niki or SD to win

[SairBabi92]

Go Rhydian