Yes, yes, I know it’s popcorn telly but I did watch tonight’s X Factor final. Congratulations to Alexandra Burke who deservedly won. Deservedly, because she clearly (ie. by a mile) has the best voice, the best stage presence, and is the most musical. I tend to think 99% of X Factor singers are shite, but actually her rendition of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’ was quite brilliant – tender, controlled and on the note – that is, until the standard pop song key change with its crude, enforced emotional epiphany and assembled cast of walk-on gospel singers.
Tom Chivers 