Wembley Arena, London
If you've ever wondered what The X Factor would be like if you removed the judges and just focused on the musical acts, then wonder no more. This two-hour long showcase of the top nine finalists from last year's series starts like every episode; the opening titles are shown on the big screens and Carl Orff's O Fortuna whips the crowd of excitable pre-teens and middle-aged mums into a frenzy. You half expect Dermot to walk on and do a piece to camera.
It makes for a stilted and constantly interrupted live experience. Still, no one seems to mind as 17-year-old opener Cher Lloyd bounces around the stage dressed like a mini version of her mentor Cheryl Cole. She's one of the few acts tonight with star quality, and a stripped-down version of Shakespeare's Sister's Stay is genuinely touching. Other highlights include runner-up Rebecca Ferguson's sophisticated dance diva transformation, while Aiden Grimshaw's angst-ridden Mad World is just the right side of emo.
The highlights are too fleeting, however, and a run of songs midway through finds Mary Byrne confusing volume with emotion on a wretched mauling of Could It Be Magic, whileKatie Waissel croaks her way through Help!. The noise levels go beyond human hearing capabilities for One Direction, an old-school boyband who only ever seem to harmonise by accident.
The final five songs ? bar a lacklustre ensemble encore of David Bowie's "Heroes" ? are given over to Matt Cardle, last year's winner. A rousing version of Katy Perry's Firework soon gives way to four turgid ballads. If the aim of The X Factor is to find someone with that certain indefinable something, then it has failed spectacularly. Watching Cardle beam cheekily on a revolving platform above the stage, you can't help but feel that he should enjoy it while it lasts.
Minka Kelly Carol Grow Erika Christensen Emilie de Ravin Tara Reed
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