[Red Moon]

X Factor Review MEN Arena Saturday, February 28

THERE is just no end to the X Factor phenomenon.

Although the show ended months ago, the public's appetite for it remains as strong as ever.

Sellout audiences are filling the biggest arenas in the country to watch the finalists of last year's series which include Bolton's outstanding vocal talent, Laura White.

The 21-year-old from Atherton was one of eight performers who produced a stunning two-hour set on Saturday night which had all the unique X Factor experience, entertaining and excitement.

She brilliantly sung two songs - Fallin' and Somebody Else's Guy - in the first half which also featured an opening song by runners-up JLS (helped by Britain's Got Talent runners-up, infectious dancing duo Signature), Rachel Hylton, Daniel Evans, Ruth Lorenzo and Diana Vickers.

The second half is dominated by the top three from the show, Eoghan Quigg, JLS and winner Alexandra Burke.

The latter provided a sensational climax with five songs culminating with her Christmas number one hit, Hallelujah.

Like it or loathe it, you have to hand it to X Factor for being able to turn unknowns into superstars.

The crowd was whipped up into an almost manic state by the mere appearance of singers who would probably never have got further than performing in pubs and clubs without the show.

There is no shortage of real talent either, with JLS proving themselves vocally the best boy band ever while Ruth Lorenzo proved in her sadly all-too brief appearance that she was one of the few - JLS and Alexandra being the others - who could be a star in her own right.

A total of 26 songs are sung during the show, including two group performances.

The highlights were Ruth's brilliant rocking rendition of I Love Rock 'N' Roll, Rachel's It's A New Dawn, Diana's Call Me and Alexandra's ultimate number, Hallelujah.

The show gives X Factor addicts their fix by trying to replicate the TV version with a host, Jeff Brazier, doing the upbeat presenter bit, the familiar volume-turned-full-on theme tune and visual graphics, pyrotechnics and dancers.

Music purists might put down the X Factor, but it puts bums on seats. And that's entertainment.

Source: Bolton News