3 AM

It is quite literally three in the morning and I've just finished an essay so I figured it was time for the standard yearly X Factor commentary blog. Considering I haven't kept a blog in about four years it's hardly an annual occurrence, but I thought I'd give it some legitimacy by making assertions. It's going to be a long winter, so I'll curling up on the couch in pyjamas and immersing myself in the mindless madness in the run up to that date in December that I refused to acknowledge as early as so many commerical outlets.

I managed to escape from work 25 minutes early this evening thanks to a rather customer free final hour. This ensured that I was home with plenty of time to tune in to the first live X Factor show of the season. What a strange experience it was. X Factor has always been known for being something of a 'freak show', but this year actually takes the biscuit (gold grain if you're offering!). Diva Fever had me in stitches and I was quite surprised by the strong vocal from the guy in the pink spandex shorts. Cheryl's Mr. Motivator reference actually stirred a fond feeling toward her in me - this will not be occurring again any time soon so it is probably necessary to document it. Wagner... well I'll just say nothing on that one. Nice velour jacket though.

Storm Lee gave a surprisingly strong performance: the gimmicks were a little tasteless and unnecessary as he has a very strong voice. Mary Byrne stole the show for many it seems, her vocal was fantastic and she owned the stage, doubtless. Belle Amie left me wanting, I wasn't particularly fond of their song or performance; this was disappointing considering I loved their Boot Camp performance. 1 Direction really surprised me - they tugged at my boy band loving heartstrings, I felt like a cradle snatcher but something about them inspired a 10 second long return to my teeny-bopper days. They really messed up somewhere in the middle but Liam, eager to be Simon's golden boy once more, stepped in and saved the day. The Irish lad seems to be some craic too! It is nice to see some talented Irish people on the show for once.

Treyc Cohen definitely proved her worth on the show, blowing waily Katy Waissal out of the water; you could tell she wasn't playing that piano. Danii's wild card choice was spot on - Paije was fantastic. Then again you can't go wrong with the Fugees. Nicolo's Gaga wasn't the best, but it wasn't bad either. He needs to find a niche in the competition and then he'll sail through for a few weeks at least.

Cher Lloyd was rather underwhelming in my opinion. I'm probably biased because I can't help but want to scrape the make-up off her face. Behind that hair and plaster is most likely an incredibly pretty 16 year old girl. I wish she'd let it show instead of hiding behind the foundation. Nevertheless her style of performance just really doesn't appeal to me. FYD were slightly forgettable, doubtless a consequence of performing first on the night: they also took on hot new Glee boy's version of Billionaire... it's not use unless it's sung by new blond Glee boy guys, sorry. I really hope John Adeleye gets through, his vocal was spot on, his song choice wasn't.

Rebecca's vocals and style were spot on but her stage presence was non existent. Matt & Aiden were awesome - I'd love to see a guy win it again this year.

Performance of Week 1: Aiden, Matt & Mary
Easily Forgotten: FYD
Who should go? Katy, Wagner.
Who do I want to go? Katy, Cher.
Who will go? You decide.