The X Factor UK debuted tonight on ITV1 with an almost all-new judges panel. Sitting on the panel with Louis Walsh are newbies Kelly Rowland (from Destiny’s Child), Tulisa Contostavlos (N-Dubz) and Gary Barlow (from Take That).
So far the panel seems solid. Gary is sitting in Simon’s seat and is playing the devil’s advocate. Since Simon was nowhere near as “mean” on X Factor as he was on Idol, there’s no real need for Gary to go too negative. Kelly Rowland is very likable in her role. She brings an across-the-pond vibe to the proceedings. Her reaction to hopeful, Frankie Cocozza, pulling his pants down to reveal the girls name’s he had tattooed on his butt was hilarious (I Love the UK!!!). Yes, that happened. On British television.
The best of tonight’s talent was certainly the 16 year old chanteuse, Janet Devlin. Hailing from a Northern Ireland cow town, her unaffected, yet emotional style was both unique and arresting. Really looking forward to hearing more from her. She seems a fragile young thing–hopefully she holds up.
Kitty Brucknell came off daffy and annoying, so of course I wasn’t expecting much. But then she belted out an amazing a capella version of Lady Gaga’s “Edge Of Glory” and I became a believer. She’s going to be very polarizing. While she can sing her face off, her manic personality is going to wear thin pretty fast.
The above mentioned Frankie was so cheeky and charming, his mediocre singing didn’t matter much. Put him through! Goldie Cheung, the 48 year old Tai Chi instructor was both appalling and fascinating. I kinda got why Louis, Tulisa and Kelly put her through, and also why Gary said NO.
The only real waste of space tonight, was George Gerasimou, a reject from a couple of years ago whose tired schtick the producers figured was ripe for recycling. Uhm. NO. I smell a plant!
Check out the videos below:
Janet Devlin – Your Song (Elton John)
Kitty Brucknell – Edge of Glory (Lady Gaga)
Frankie Cocozza – Valerie (Zutons)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHjOYt5tlLY
Goldie Cheung – Copper Bell, Proud Mary (Ike & Tina Turner)
George Gerasimou – Give Me Everything (Ne-Yo)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmB8-UeD_wk
