[Kazanne]

X Factor supremo Simon Cowell has said he "genuinely" wants boyband One Direction to win the talent search - but he admitted if he was a betting man his money would be on Matt Cardle.

He said he "didn't have a clue" what will happen this weekend, when the winner will emerge after two separate shows, and told Steve Wright on his Radio 2 show on Friday that One Direction, who he mentors, are "some of the nicest people I've ever worked with".

He said: "They're polite to the crew. You can always tell what an artist is really like if they are polite off camera and the way they treat the crew, the people around them, the fans.

"They're absolutely hilarious, nice people. I genuinely, genuinely want them to win."

But he said he thought the band were joint second favourites with Rebecca Ferguson, and Cher Lloyd was the outsider.

He added: "The favourite to win I think is going to be Matt. If I had to put my money on it, I'd put it on him, because I think he's going to get a big female vote."

The bookmakers seem to agree, with Betfair putting the former painter and decorator at evens to win ahead of Rebecca at 3-1 and One Direction at 4-1.

Cher is the 43-1 outsider.

Betfair's Alex Bake said: "Matt has proved himself to be a versatile performer since the live shows began. He can sing any song and sing it well, that's why the punters think he'll go on and win it."

From Virginmedia

[Mystic Mock]

dirty tactics simon trying to make the matt fans think his safe.

and when ive heard one direction do jokes on the xtra factor there stinkers,and they sound like twats.

[cub]

Simon's never surprised by anything that happens.

[Kazanne]

Originally Posted by jesus christ

dirty tactics simon trying to make the matt fans think his safe.

and when ive heard one direction do jokes on the xtra factor there stinkers,and they sound like twats.

LOL,Jesus,my thoughts exactly I like Simon but that is naughty,Matt is NOT safe so if you are a fan,vote,vote vote.

[Tom4784]

He'll probably win but I'm feeling a Rhydian type situation in the air, I reckon there's a good chance of an upset.

[Z]

Originally Posted by Prezzie

He'll probably win but I'm feeling a Rhydian type situation in the air, I reckon there's a good chance of an upset.

I really hope so. I'd just like to say that, although I'm hoping Matt doesn't win, I'd be pleased for him if he did because he's a great singer, I just think he'll flop as a winner but I'd like to be proven wrong. It's really difficult to pick a winner between Matt, Rebecca and One Direction. I think as far as Cher's concerned, she'll be performing tonight with no pressure because she knows she won't win, so she'll be the most comfortable on stage, which might actually help her cause a slight upset and survive tonight. I'm looking forward to tonight!

[Tom4784]

At my most balanced, I'd say that Matt technically a good singer and I'll give him that BUT he lacks character in his voice and depth and so every performance feels like we're just waiting around for the big note to happen. He's boring at the lower ranges and has to rely on vocal gymnastics to entertain. Pretty voice but that's all really.

While as with Rebecca she's a lot more subtle, she rarely belts because she's understated and she doesn't need to rely on big moments to sell a performance. She's also got more of a niche and as a potential artist she's infinitely more interesting.

Cher's not the best singer and raps too much but she's got some interesting kinks in her voice I quite like. She's more of a performer then an outright singer.

One Direction is....Essentially carried by Liam who's really got the only distinctive voice.

[Z]

I agree with everything you just said. -wishes this was the old forum with the karma system- have an imaginary +1