A much stronger show this week, better than the big band last week.  It opened well with Niki and finished on a high with Rydian.

Even Dermot was entertaining this week (goodness did I really just say that!).

• Niki was back where she belonged this week with a Kelly Clarkson song.  No silly dance routines, just belting out a good performance.
• Leon’s confidence is improving, but I think Dannii should get Leon to just stand still to sing a song.  His ‘dancing’ is not natural, very wooden and pulls his performance down.
• Same Difference.  Another effervescent routine.  You just can’t help grinning when they’re on.  I could see them in a ‘Grease’ type show.
• Hope.  This was so much better than last week, a really good performance.  When Simon said it was going to be an Amy Whinehouse song I was whittering, let it be ‘Back to Black’.  And yes, it was.  I can’t believe Phoebe who sings the lead is only 15.
• Alisha.  I still don’t think Sharon is getting it right with her songs, but the one last night did suit her voice.  I think she has much more to give and a power song would be great to hear from her.
• Andy.  Again a weak performance from Andy.  I think it was right he was voted off this week.  Despite wearing a rock t-shirt, he still didn’t look strong enough.  He has no emotion in his singing and no personality is coming through.  Yet, I think given the right song he too has power in his voice that we’ve only seen glimpses of.  Dannii again, although giving him a really popular song, still didn’t give him something to get his teeth into.
• Beverley.  This was a good song, although I did think it was a bit ’shouty’ this week.  I really like Beverley and want her to do well.  I think she is a great stage personality.
• Rhydian.  Again, I thought he was the best act this week.  They definitely saved the best til last.  I really can’t wait for them to bring out an album for him!

I think the judges were in bitch mode this week.  Louis made himself look like a spoiled child and for the first time during this show I disagreed with some of Dannii’s comments early on in the show.