Category: 
Well aside from the fact that Diana & Eoghan had us reaching for a bucket on Saturday night, the semi-final turned out to be compulsive viewing.
With Diana now out of the picture, where does that leave Alex, JLS and more importantly Eoghan? Is Alex really an odds-on shot?
Ok, let’s take a look:
Alex
She was always fantastic and we always knew it but she came out of nowhere in the last two weeks to overtake the epitome of cuteness – “DiEoghana” – I couldn’t choose – so I’m counting the two kids as one! The unfortunate thing for Alexandra is she just hasn’t got the likeability factor. Unlike Leona, she’s loud, aggressive almost in her quest for superstardom and her claims that she “needs this” and “won’t go back to the way her life was” I don’t think will go down too well with the voting public.
Verdict: On vocals alone, she deserves to win but it’s the package that counts. We already have a superstar in Leona. Is there room for another? False favourite IMO.
Eoghan
A little birdie tells us that Eoghan topped 6 of the 7 phone votes before December 1st. Whilst I’m not a lover of his hair, Eoghan and his “friendship” with Diana has been one of the most talked about topics this series. His emotional and tear jerking performance on Saturday (and I’m not talking about his singing!) has only earned him more fans. Ask yourself where Diana supporters will turn their attention to! Hmmm, exactly what I’m thinkin’. It depends on the final song choices and depends on the draw. If Eoghan is on stage last on Saturday, you’ve got your answer!
Verdict: Sickingly sweet but a versatile act that can turn his hand to almost anything musically. There are probably dollar signs in Simon Cowell’s eyes as we speak! Like a well orchestrated election, Diana supporters will transfer their votes to Quigg. THE one to watch and the one I have my money on.
JLS:
Okay, here’s where it gets confusing. If I want anyone to win it’s these guys. I have a little saver on them just in case. The momentum for JLS has been growing and growing and they blew me away on Saturday with their rendition of Rihanna’s Umbrella and Westlife’s I’m Already There. Louis is right, there is a gap in the market for them – and it helps that they’re very very easy on the eye. Oh, and did I mention they topped the phone vote on Saturday?! Yup, little birdie tells me they finished above Alex and Eoghan.
Verdict: What a result this would be. I love them. Whether or not they win is solely down to their song choices. If they pull off a big song these guys could go all the way.
I’m not going to nail my colours to any one act (because my prediction would be the ultimate kiss of death judging by my form lately!). All I’m saying is there’s value to be had in JLS and Eoghan. It’s worth remembering that Rhydian was the 2/7 favourite last year, but it was Leon who shocked the nation and won. As Paddy would say – be lucky! 
December 8th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
let’s not forget about alex’s paris hilton moment either sharon!
December 8th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Will this tape have a negative effect on her chances now?
December 8th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
it’s had a positive effect on the her chances of getting a piece of tonton.
that’s all i have to say on the matter.
December 8th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
GO ON THE WEE DUNGIVEN MAN, BACKED HIM AT 8′S AFTER WEEK 2, QUALITY SHOW THIS YEAR
December 8th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
That wee lad is a disgrace, selling his people out like that
December 9th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Lets hope the wee rat gets stuffed, was a disgrace with his tears last week! Playing up to the camera for sympathy and the votes he hopes to get with it - has he no morals at all? Typical of the youth of today!
December 9th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
i’d say knife crime, mugging and happy slapping is more typical of the youth of today spud. eoghan seems like a nice young lad giving it his best shot. a credit to his family and his country. good luck to him!
December 9th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
people label the youth of today shockingly and eoghan is a fantastic role model to young kids and that is why i will be voting for him.What a great recording voice and a versatile artist. EOGHAN TO WIN!!!!!!
December 9th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Actually this has frustrated me greatly, like tonton zola mokouko said there are numerous crimes that are performed by youngsters with hazardous outcomes so you are going to cast it up to him that he is typical of the youth today. Stop branding all young people as hooligans and criminals because that is far from the correct truth. I am from Scotland and show no bias towards Eoghan at all but would love to see him victorious. Alexandra has a similar voice to Leona but Leona’s voice is by far better than Alexandra’s. There’s no space in the market for her at the moment. EOGHAN TO WIN!!!!!!
December 9th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Eoghan or JLS to win - Eamonn gave me a loser at Punchestown…I need out!! lol
December 9th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Dont listen to Sharons garbage lads , a bookie/bookies friend never likes a favourite coming in ………
My verdicts :-
Alex …… Different league to the others, didnt come from nowhere , she was 3/1 favourite at week 1 !! winner
Eoghan…….I agree, he probably can turn his hand to anything musically , cus when he cant reach the notes, they drown him out with backing singers !! 1st out
Jls………. Dont believe they topped Saturdays poll, PP had them as 2nd favourites to go,(where was that little bird then ? )
Aston should sack the other 3 as he is the only decent singer !! runners up
Rhydian ….. Only Wales liked him , so it was only natural for him to get beat .
December 10th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Again Il ask the question who gives a fiddlers fcuk who wins this unadultarated shite.If anyone had any doubts that these programmes are the breeding ground for musical genocide then Leonas wndow pane shattering version of Snow Patrols classic Run is evidence enough.As for sob stories well singing to dead wifes or trying to get da mammy into a mansion and out of the scummy housing estate she reared 7 kids by 7 different fathers by winning the show all this programme does is fill the pockets of Mr Simon Cowell.Roll on the weekend when the men of Ireland can get their tvs back for watching the footy
December 10th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Couldn’t agree more Sully, very well put my son!
December 10th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
not a fan of the music on the show - but in terms of punting, it’s without doubt the best betting event of the year sully!
you’re weighing up the music (if that’s what you can call it), how you think the public will react, what demographics will vote for who and how many will multi-vote and to what extent, how the judges’ ulterior motives will affect their comments, how the comments will impact on the vote, and how votes will transfer from contestants who have been eliminated, amongst other things. it’s mixes music, with PR, marketing and psychology!
frankly, i don’t mind what i bet on, if i think something’s good value it can be the fa cup final and the grand national, or dancing on ice and celebrity love island - i don’t care!
there’s an awful lot of gambling snobbery going on here!
December 10th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Why are you not in the pub on a Saturday evening Sully? Why don’t you tell her she is not watching it just?
December 10th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Yes and have to pay the rent all on my ownsome she who must be obeyed.Off the drink at the mo till xmas but other then that I cant wait for the crap to end.Punting snobbery hardly Tonton just that some guys would bet on anything
December 10th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Gambling snobbery? You bet on what you like to watch and use gambling as something to enhance that experience, if people don’t like the rubbish that passes for TV these days they should not be accused of snobbery - intelligent would be a more concise description!
December 10th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
no spud, get it right - YOU bet on what you like to watch and throw in a bet to enhance the experience, I bet on what i think is a good price and like to make money from it.
and yes sully - i would bet on anything - if i thought it was a good price!
by the way - full steam ahead for celebrity big brother in january. if the rumours are true that ian wright is going in - he must be in with a GREAT chance!
December 10th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Well Sully, at least you have your priorities right by listening to and obeying the Mrs. The boss! Every house should have one
tee hee
Cooooooooooooome on Eoghan!!!!!!
December 10th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
All for financial reasons in these difficult times.Then again Sharon you sound alrite so might not have to worry about her for much longer
December 10th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
JLS 2 Win Alex 2nd and eoughan 3rd the first group to be crowned winners of the x factor hope should have been in the final last year instead of Silly Same Differance they are rubbsih
December 11th, 2008 at 9:39 am
If the wife is going to demand us poor guys to endure Simon Cowell and his melodrama, then we have to have an added interest. C’mon the young lad from Dungiven !!!!!!! at a good price
December 11th, 2008 at 9:49 am
Ask your wife if she will give you your balls back from her handbag and get the football on - Spurs beating Utd followed by Barca hammering Real Madrid and you will be enduring that nonsense, get a life lads!!
December 11th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Hull will get something from Anfield on Saturday I can feel it they wont sit back and will be wnting tio give it a go.Torres less Pool will struggle to break them down.Spud is the highlight of your week the taught of United getting beat coz if it is your left awful disapointed most of the time
December 11th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Nah mate the highlight of my week is sitting on top of the table looking down on the minions trying to keep up with the pace, YNWA!!
December 11th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Apart from this season that dont happen too often either
December 11th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
JLS performing Umbrella with Rihanna - uh oh :O me thinks this week could be closer!! Clooooooooooooseer
December 13th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Just came across this blog. Alex MUST win! Regardless of betting, she is in another class. Her ‘Listen’ from Dreamgirls was nothing less than stellar, she wipes the floor with the other cheesetastic little boys. Eoghan I could live with, I can see why he’s popular. But as for JLS. Twee little peaheads. And who said easy on the eye? Please! Only one singer out of four and he bobs up and down on his little stick legs like he’s on springs. I am out for dinner tonight (tragic planning), if JLS win I will vomit it straight back up again.
December 13th, 2008 at 10:13 am
alex is actually pretty average. sings all her songs about half an octave lower than the originals, has zero charisma and looks like denver the last dinosaur.
go on the wee man!!!!
December 13th, 2008 at 10:14 am
X Addict , well said , enjoy your dinner, but please make sure you get your vote in to ensure justice is done
December 13th, 2008 at 11:13 am
good morning lads im going to the pub now .i should be well langers by the time X factor starts alex should look quiet handsome by then i have a ton at evens. I got a call from a munster player lastnite he said theyll be dissapointed if they dont win by 15pts.come on ya goodthing someone has to pay for the drink.
December 13th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Eoghan 2 win
December 14th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
fair play to alex - the best singer won on the night.
she’s destined for mediocrity i feel though.
and as for the hideous winner’s song - all i can say is that it’s musical heresy!
December 14th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
hello lads didnt see x factor lastnite i had to wait till this morning .everything went to plan got pissed as a coot went home and fell asleep ;fair play to alex but the theatrics at the end were over the top what is it with women and crying couldnt they just get out of there and make a langer load of dosh.i wouldnt mind being in that so called tape with her though.
December 14th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Well Halleluia she won. And the dinner stayed down. Apart from a momentary heave when my evil sister first texted me that jls had won. Watched the rerun today, yes the blubbin was certainly full on - but I was so hungover myself that even I was bloody cryin! Fantastic telly whatever way you look at it.
December 14th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
OMG. Have just caught that JLS guy’s losing ‘quote’. Who does he think he is - Barack Obama? Sums them up in all their cringe-worthiness for me.
JLS - no you can’t.
December 16th, 2008 at 11:03 am
That song is one of the finest songs ever written its a pity that teenyboppers all over the world are never going to hear the true version that of the late Jeff Buckley,At lesat this tosh is over for another year