Ever get a feeling of déjà vu while you're watching The X Factor? That's because after 11 series and hundreds of contestants, the live shows have seen a whopping 728 tracks performed so far. But like a wedding DJ reaching for his failsafe party anthems CD, the top five most popular songs have been dusted off and rolled out over 33 times between them.
Our geeky rules state that we're counting all live show performances and group songs, but not repeat performances from the same act in the same series.
=5. 'Feeling Good': 6 performances
Performed by: Beverley Trotman, Rachel Hylton, Stacey Solomon, James Arthur, Rebecca Ferguson, Andrea Faustini
Made famous by Nina Simone, this classic usually pops up in the traditional 'Big Band Week', and is a good excuse for an act to show off their sultry side. Stacey had a go with Michael Bublé in 2009, while Andrea tried out a more powerhouse version last year.
Our geeky rules state that we're counting all live show performances and group songs, but not repeat performances from the same act in the same series.
=5. 'Feeling Good': 6 performances
Performed by: Beverley Trotman, Rachel Hylton, Stacey Solomon, James Arthur, Rebecca Ferguson, Andrea Faustini
Made famous by Nina Simone, this classic usually pops up in the traditional 'Big Band Week', and is a good excuse for an act to show off their sultry side. Stacey had a go with Michael Bublé in 2009, while Andrea tried out a more powerhouse version last year.
- 9/12/2015
- Digital Spy
Two Overs in The X Factor Grand Finale. Who'd-a-thunk it?
Fleur East and Ben Haenow have beaten off Jack Walton, Stereo Kicks and Stevi Ritchie (oh, behave!) to make it to Wembley tonight.
And although we won't be seeing Andi Peters at the CD printing press (more for shame), we can expect more Louis Walsh, celebratory sausages and One Direction.
Crack out the eggnog and join Digital Spy as we await the news of whether Fleur or Ben will follow the illustrious steps of Shayne Ward, Steve Brookstein and Leon Jackson to take The X Factor crown.
Even more exciting than that, we're also hoping for an update on whether Labrinth ever had his wisdom teeth out...
22:01Anyway, that's it everyone! With one last plug for the tour, we're over and out. Goodnight all!
21:59There are too many X Factor finalists there with shaved sides of their heads.
Fleur East and Ben Haenow have beaten off Jack Walton, Stereo Kicks and Stevi Ritchie (oh, behave!) to make it to Wembley tonight.
And although we won't be seeing Andi Peters at the CD printing press (more for shame), we can expect more Louis Walsh, celebratory sausages and One Direction.
Crack out the eggnog and join Digital Spy as we await the news of whether Fleur or Ben will follow the illustrious steps of Shayne Ward, Steve Brookstein and Leon Jackson to take The X Factor crown.
Even more exciting than that, we're also hoping for an update on whether Labrinth ever had his wisdom teeth out...
22:01Anyway, that's it everyone! With one last plug for the tour, we're over and out. Goodnight all!
21:59There are too many X Factor finalists there with shaved sides of their heads.
- 12/14/2014
- Digital Spy
Two Overs in The X Factor Grand Finale. Who'd-a-thunk it?
Fleur East and Ben Haenow have beaten off Jack Walton, Stereo Kicks and Stevi Ritchie (oh, behave!) to make it to Wembley tonight.
And although we won't be seeing Andi Peters at the CD printing press (more for shame), we can expect more Louis Walsh, celebratory sausages and One Direction.
Crack out the eggnog and join Digital Spy as we await the news of whether Fleur or Ben will follow the illustrious steps of Shayne Ward, Steve Brookstein and Leon Jackson to take The X Factor crown.
Even more exciting than that, we're also hoping for an update on whether Labrinth ever had his wisdom teeth out...
22:01Anyway, that's it everyone! With one last plug for the tour, we're over and out. Goodnight all!
21:59There are too many X Factor finalists there with shaved sides of their heads.
Fleur East and Ben Haenow have beaten off Jack Walton, Stereo Kicks and Stevi Ritchie (oh, behave!) to make it to Wembley tonight.
And although we won't be seeing Andi Peters at the CD printing press (more for shame), we can expect more Louis Walsh, celebratory sausages and One Direction.
Crack out the eggnog and join Digital Spy as we await the news of whether Fleur or Ben will follow the illustrious steps of Shayne Ward, Steve Brookstein and Leon Jackson to take The X Factor crown.
Even more exciting than that, we're also hoping for an update on whether Labrinth ever had his wisdom teeth out...
22:01Anyway, that's it everyone! With one last plug for the tour, we're over and out. Goodnight all!
21:59There are too many X Factor finalists there with shaved sides of their heads.
- 12/14/2014
- Digital Spy
Christmas came early for X Factor fans as the final four - Andrea Faustini, Lauren Platt, Fleur East and Ben Haenow - got into the festive spirit in the semi-final showdown.
However, for one unlucky act, Santa Cowell Claus will be delivering a lump of coal rather than a record contract.
The X Factor: What did the judges say about semi-final week?
The X Factor: All the best reactions to Saturday's semi-final
The X Factor semi-final live blog: Lauren, Andrea and Ben do battle
This evening, we will find out the 2014 Final 3 and who is heading back home for a glum festive season.
Join us from 8pm when we'll be bringing you all the action live as it happens on ITV.
21:02That's all for tonight folks. I'm off to see if I can catch a lift home on Lauren's Battle Bus. There must be plenty of spare seats.
However, for one unlucky act, Santa Cowell Claus will be delivering a lump of coal rather than a record contract.
The X Factor: What did the judges say about semi-final week?
The X Factor: All the best reactions to Saturday's semi-final
The X Factor semi-final live blog: Lauren, Andrea and Ben do battle
This evening, we will find out the 2014 Final 3 and who is heading back home for a glum festive season.
Join us from 8pm when we'll be bringing you all the action live as it happens on ITV.
21:02That's all for tonight folks. I'm off to see if I can catch a lift home on Lauren's Battle Bus. There must be plenty of spare seats.
- 12/7/2014
- Digital Spy
The X Factor tension reached a fever pitch on Sunday (November 30) as the final five became the final four.
After guest performances from Union J, Ella Henderson and Queen + Adam Lambert, Stereo Kicks were sent home at the end of a sing-off with Lauren Platt.
Stereo Kicks' elimination garnered a lot of buzz on Twitter, so Digital Spy rounded up the reaction to the night's events, as they unfolded!
1. Queen performed on the X Factor stage. Was Adam Lambert a worthy replacement for the late Freddie Mercury?
Queen on the X factor ?? pic.twitter.com/Gk6db8k5HD
— Alan (@galvaniseduk) November 30, 2014
Queen giving The X Factor an up-to-date contemporary feel...
— Kevin O'Sullivan (@TVKev) November 30, 2014
Good Gawd ! @DrBrianMay What a knockout performance from Queen and @adamlambert I was on my feet applauding.Class,pure class.
— John Challis (@BeingBoycie) November 30, 2014
Can we ignore the rest of #xfactor and just let...
After guest performances from Union J, Ella Henderson and Queen + Adam Lambert, Stereo Kicks were sent home at the end of a sing-off with Lauren Platt.
Stereo Kicks' elimination garnered a lot of buzz on Twitter, so Digital Spy rounded up the reaction to the night's events, as they unfolded!
1. Queen performed on the X Factor stage. Was Adam Lambert a worthy replacement for the late Freddie Mercury?
Queen on the X factor ?? pic.twitter.com/Gk6db8k5HD
— Alan (@galvaniseduk) November 30, 2014
Queen giving The X Factor an up-to-date contemporary feel...
— Kevin O'Sullivan (@TVKev) November 30, 2014
Good Gawd ! @DrBrianMay What a knockout performance from Queen and @adamlambert I was on my feet applauding.Class,pure class.
— John Challis (@BeingBoycie) November 30, 2014
Can we ignore the rest of #xfactor and just let...
- 11/30/2014
- Digital Spy
Know your Christopher Maloneys from your Eoghan Quiggs? Can you remember every song Chico ever performed? Are you the ultimate X Factor fan?
If the answer was 'yes' to any of those questions, why not have a punt at the 33 brainteasers below that should be enough to test even the biggest X Factor addicts?
1. How many acts from the series one Live Shows can you remember?
The Answer is...
Tabby Callaghan, Cassie Compton, Roberta Howett, Steve Brookstein, Verity Keays, Rowetta Satchell, 2 to Go, G4, Voices With Soul.
2. Can you remember every one of The X Factor's 20 judges - including guest panellists at the Live Shows and Auditions?
The Answer is...
Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne, Dannii Minogue, Cheryl Cole, Tulisa Contostavlos, Kelly Rowland, Nicole Scherzinger, Gary Barlow, Mel B, Paula Abdul, Brian Friedman, Geri Halliwell, Natalie Imbruglia, Katy Perry, Pixie Lott, Alexandra Burke, Leona Lewis, Rita Ora and Anastacia.
If the answer was 'yes' to any of those questions, why not have a punt at the 33 brainteasers below that should be enough to test even the biggest X Factor addicts?
1. How many acts from the series one Live Shows can you remember?
The Answer is...
Tabby Callaghan, Cassie Compton, Roberta Howett, Steve Brookstein, Verity Keays, Rowetta Satchell, 2 to Go, G4, Voices With Soul.
2. Can you remember every one of The X Factor's 20 judges - including guest panellists at the Live Shows and Auditions?
The Answer is...
Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne, Dannii Minogue, Cheryl Cole, Tulisa Contostavlos, Kelly Rowland, Nicole Scherzinger, Gary Barlow, Mel B, Paula Abdul, Brian Friedman, Geri Halliwell, Natalie Imbruglia, Katy Perry, Pixie Lott, Alexandra Burke, Leona Lewis, Rita Ora and Anastacia.
- 10/7/2014
- Digital Spy
Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Louis Walsh, Mel B and Simon Cowell have spoken... The 12 final X Factor acts have been picked and will be performing at the Live Shows starting this Friday.
A few of the finalists' faces are familiar, so here's where you may have seen some of the final 12 acts before below:
Cheryl's Girls:
Chloe Jasmine
We watched Chloe Jasmine take part on Sky Living modelling reality TV series The Face during which she was mentored by supermodel Naomi Campbell. She impressed all three model judges including Campbell, Caroline Winberg and Erin O'Connor but gracefully exited the show after ranking in tenth place.
She also auditioned on The X Factor back in 2006, with Cowell describing her as "too over the top" and "every parent's nightmare... She doesn't want to work for a living, 'I want it all now'".
The X Factor press team has just confirmed that Chloe Jasmine...
A few of the finalists' faces are familiar, so here's where you may have seen some of the final 12 acts before below:
Cheryl's Girls:
Chloe Jasmine
We watched Chloe Jasmine take part on Sky Living modelling reality TV series The Face during which she was mentored by supermodel Naomi Campbell. She impressed all three model judges including Campbell, Caroline Winberg and Erin O'Connor but gracefully exited the show after ranking in tenth place.
She also auditioned on The X Factor back in 2006, with Cowell describing her as "too over the top" and "every parent's nightmare... She doesn't want to work for a living, 'I want it all now'".
The X Factor press team has just confirmed that Chloe Jasmine...
- 10/6/2014
- Digital Spy
Everyone knows that the best week of X Factor every year is Judges House. Don't talk to us about Six Chair Challenges, this is the real deal.
Blending heartbreak, tears, Sinitta dressed in only some palm leaves and ludicrous Louis Walsh decisions, it's a microcosm of the entire show squeezed into one handy bite-size chunk of weekend telly.
But who deserves to make the cut and who should be going home on an EasyJet flight from Barbados with nothing more than a Dermot O'Leary hug to comfort them?
Here are the Top 12 acts who we believe must make the Live Shows.
The Boys
1. Andrea Faustini
First name on the team sheet. This Italian pug-lover simply has to be in Mel B's Top 3. His rendition of 'I Didn't Know My Own Strength' at Boot Camp left us a blubbering wreck and he's also the No.1 contestant we would most like to give a cuddle.
Blending heartbreak, tears, Sinitta dressed in only some palm leaves and ludicrous Louis Walsh decisions, it's a microcosm of the entire show squeezed into one handy bite-size chunk of weekend telly.
But who deserves to make the cut and who should be going home on an EasyJet flight from Barbados with nothing more than a Dermot O'Leary hug to comfort them?
Here are the Top 12 acts who we believe must make the Live Shows.
The Boys
1. Andrea Faustini
First name on the team sheet. This Italian pug-lover simply has to be in Mel B's Top 3. His rendition of 'I Didn't Know My Own Strength' at Boot Camp left us a blubbering wreck and he's also the No.1 contestant we would most like to give a cuddle.
- 9/30/2014
- Digital Spy
Who thought we'd ever reach the day that we'd be watching The X Factor and wonder, 'Seriously, I'd love to hear what Louis Walsh thinks.'
The X Factor's club mascot has barely been seen in the first five episodes of the new series, reduced merely to giggling and guffawing on the sidelines at every Simon Cowell one-liner, as if the high-trousered one is the lovechild of Eric Morecambe and Tommy Cooper.
If Walsh has barely been noticable, Dermot O'Leary has been like a TV version of Where's Wally. There hasn't even been room for his famous bulge to spin its way onto the screen.
On the Live Shows, he may be more slick than scintillating, but he's not even had the chance to wheel out his usual monster hugs at the auditions this year. Poor old Derm's been reduced to a role shorter than James Arthur's record career.
The X Factor's club mascot has barely been seen in the first five episodes of the new series, reduced merely to giggling and guffawing on the sidelines at every Simon Cowell one-liner, as if the high-trousered one is the lovechild of Eric Morecambe and Tommy Cooper.
If Walsh has barely been noticable, Dermot O'Leary has been like a TV version of Where's Wally. There hasn't even been room for his famous bulge to spin its way onto the screen.
On the Live Shows, he may be more slick than scintillating, but he's not even had the chance to wheel out his usual monster hugs at the auditions this year. Poor old Derm's been reduced to a role shorter than James Arthur's record career.
- 9/13/2014
- Digital Spy
Simon Cowell has described last year's X Factor as "predictable".
With a judging panel featuring Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh, Nicole Scherzinger and Sharon Osbourne, the competition was won by prison guard Sam Bailey.
Speaking to Weekend magazine, he said: "It's the talent that really defines the show. Last year, it was Ok, but it wasn't my favourite year.
"I think it was very predictable right from the get-go who was going to win and once the live shows started Sam Bailey was in a different league to everybody else."
Cowell also said that the final, which was contested by Bailey, Luke Friend and Nicholas McDonald, could have been more exciting.
"Cheryl and I said if we had been mentoring Tamera Foster we would have got her into the final and that would have made it more exciting," he added.
Speaking about the coming season, Cowell said that Mel B and...
With a judging panel featuring Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh, Nicole Scherzinger and Sharon Osbourne, the competition was won by prison guard Sam Bailey.
Speaking to Weekend magazine, he said: "It's the talent that really defines the show. Last year, it was Ok, but it wasn't my favourite year.
"I think it was very predictable right from the get-go who was going to win and once the live shows started Sam Bailey was in a different league to everybody else."
Cowell also said that the final, which was contested by Bailey, Luke Friend and Nicholas McDonald, could have been more exciting.
"Cheryl and I said if we had been mentoring Tamera Foster we would have got her into the final and that would have made it more exciting," he added.
Speaking about the coming season, Cowell said that Mel B and...
- 8/23/2014
- Digital Spy
Sam Bailey voted for Nicholas McDonald six times to make sure he would get into 'The X Factor' final. The 36-year-old brunette triumphed over the 17-year-old Scot in Sunday night's (15.12.13) finale of the ITV talent show, but has sensationally admitted she put her own place in the last stage of the competition at risk by voting for the teenager because she was desperate for him to get to the final. She said: ''I voted six times on semi-final night for Nicky because I wanted him to be in the final. Afterwards I thought, 'What if there was only six...
- 12/17/2013
- Virgin Media - TV
Nicholas McDonald has hit out at X Factor mentor Louis Walsh for praising winner Sam Bailey.
The 17-year-old singer finished in second place on Sunday's (December 15) live final at Wembley Arena.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Nicholas explained that he was unhappy with the attention given to Bailey.
"I was disappointed with Louis saying, 'Vote for Sam and her single everyone'. It felt like Sam was getting all the love," he said.
Nicholas also slammed rival judge Gary Barlow, who he felt was heavily critical of his performances.
He said: "Gary had a problem with me throughout the whole show. He never seemed to like me and whenever I gave a good performance he would pick up on the smallest things in the world."
His mother Eileen also criticised Barlow for remaining seated after her son's performance, despite the other judges standing.
"It was completely unprofessional, Gary refusing to stand after Nicholas's song,...
The 17-year-old singer finished in second place on Sunday's (December 15) live final at Wembley Arena.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Nicholas explained that he was unhappy with the attention given to Bailey.
"I was disappointed with Louis saying, 'Vote for Sam and her single everyone'. It felt like Sam was getting all the love," he said.
Nicholas also slammed rival judge Gary Barlow, who he felt was heavily critical of his performances.
He said: "Gary had a problem with me throughout the whole show. He never seemed to like me and whenever I gave a good performance he would pick up on the smallest things in the world."
His mother Eileen also criticised Barlow for remaining seated after her son's performance, despite the other judges standing.
"It was completely unprofessional, Gary refusing to stand after Nicholas's song,...
- 12/17/2013
- Digital Spy
Sam Bailey pulled in the most votes for eight weeks of 'The X Factor'. Newly-released figures show the 36-year-old prison officer topped the public vote for eight out of 11 live performances before being crowned the winner on Sunday night's (15.12.13) final at Wembley Arena in north London. The competition had been a tight race between Sam and eventual runner-up Nicholas McDonald, with the 17-year-old star taking a strong lead in the first two weeks with more than 20 per cent of the Sunday night vote, before returning to the top of the leader board in week six with 31.4 per cent. However,...
- 12/16/2013
- Virgin Media - TV
London, Dec 16: Sam Bailey has been crowned the winner of the tenth season of British singing reality show "The X Factor".
The 36-year-old, who won after he got over a million votes, competed with Nicholas McDonald, 17, to win the finale, held at the Wembley Arena here, reports mirror.co.uk.
As part of her victory, Bailey won a recording contract and she will also support pop star Beyonce Knowles on the British leg of the latter's Mrs Carter world tour in February.
The star-studded finale saw performances by One Direction, Elton John and Katy Perry. Gary Barlow, who is one of the judges of the show, also took to.
The 36-year-old, who won after he got over a million votes, competed with Nicholas McDonald, 17, to win the finale, held at the Wembley Arena here, reports mirror.co.uk.
As part of her victory, Bailey won a recording contract and she will also support pop star Beyonce Knowles on the British leg of the latter's Mrs Carter world tour in February.
The star-studded finale saw performances by One Direction, Elton John and Katy Perry. Gary Barlow, who is one of the judges of the show, also took to.
- 12/16/2013
- by Meeta Kabra
- RealBollywood.com
Sharon Osbourne's act Sam Bailey was crowned X Factor 2013 winner last night (December 15).
The Overs singer beat Nicholas McDonald in the head-to-head final at Wembley Arena, with an ecstatic Osbourne crying with joy and falling to the floor following the result.
To celebrate both Bailey and Osbourne's victory, we take a fond look back at Sharon Osbourne's best bits on The X Factor this year below:
You messed your pants?!
Sharon Osbourne couldn't hold back her delight at a line from Busted's 'Air Hostess' recited by this X Factor hopeful. "You messed your pants?! That's quite fabulous," Osbourne spluttered as tears of laughter began to roll down her cheeks.
"It's a yes from me!" she added before falling to the floor in a hysterical heap. It immediately reminded us how wonderful it was to have Sharon back.
Separated at birth?
Sharon Osbourne came face to face with...
The Overs singer beat Nicholas McDonald in the head-to-head final at Wembley Arena, with an ecstatic Osbourne crying with joy and falling to the floor following the result.
To celebrate both Bailey and Osbourne's victory, we take a fond look back at Sharon Osbourne's best bits on The X Factor this year below:
You messed your pants?!
Sharon Osbourne couldn't hold back her delight at a line from Busted's 'Air Hostess' recited by this X Factor hopeful. "You messed your pants?! That's quite fabulous," Osbourne spluttered as tears of laughter began to roll down her cheeks.
"It's a yes from me!" she added before falling to the floor in a hysterical heap. It immediately reminded us how wonderful it was to have Sharon back.
Separated at birth?
Sharon Osbourne came face to face with...
- 12/16/2013
- Digital Spy
Sam Bailey won 'The X Factor' for her dead dad. The 36-year-old star triumphed on the talent show last night (15.12.13) ahead of Scottish runner-up Nicholas McDonald, and she believes her late father Ronnie, who died of mouth cancer in 2008 aged just 58, was watching over her as she clinched victory. She told the Daily Mirror newspaper: ''I believe my dad is helping me out and looking over me. I don't think I would have got this far without him. All this is for him. ''I can't believe this, it is a dream come true. One of my biggest...
- 12/16/2013
- Virgin Media - TV
Sam Bailey has won The X Factor's 2013 grand final over fellow contestant Nicholas McDonald.
The Overs singer garnered more than 1 million votes from the public, and will now receive a recording contract and the opportunity to open for Beyoncé on the UK leg of her 'Mrs Carter Show World Tour'.
Digital Spy presents a selection of the social media reaction to Sam Bailey's X Factor win below:
Congratulations Sam. We'll deserved. And I love your version of skyscraper. Happy Xmas. Simon.
— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) December 15, 2013
I am so blessed to have been a tiny part of @SamBaileyREAL's victory tonight on @TheXFactor. Thank you. #XFactorFinal
— Sharon Osbourne (@MrsSOsbourne) December 15, 2013
Congrats @SamBaileyREAL totally deserved it from Day 1 love your Kings x
— Kingsland Road (@KingslandRd) December 15, 2013
A Big Congratulations to @SamBaileyREAL well done!!
— Rough Copy © (@RoughCopyUK) December 15, 2013
Just want to thank everyone so much for everything the support has been overwhelming...
The Overs singer garnered more than 1 million votes from the public, and will now receive a recording contract and the opportunity to open for Beyoncé on the UK leg of her 'Mrs Carter Show World Tour'.
Digital Spy presents a selection of the social media reaction to Sam Bailey's X Factor win below:
Congratulations Sam. We'll deserved. And I love your version of skyscraper. Happy Xmas. Simon.
— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) December 15, 2013
I am so blessed to have been a tiny part of @SamBaileyREAL's victory tonight on @TheXFactor. Thank you. #XFactorFinal
— Sharon Osbourne (@MrsSOsbourne) December 15, 2013
Congrats @SamBaileyREAL totally deserved it from Day 1 love your Kings x
— Kingsland Road (@KingslandRd) December 15, 2013
A Big Congratulations to @SamBaileyREAL well done!!
— Rough Copy © (@RoughCopyUK) December 15, 2013
Just want to thank everyone so much for everything the support has been overwhelming...
- 12/16/2013
- Digital Spy
The X Factor is over for another year.
The 2013 series of the ITV singing competition drew to a spectacular close tonight (December 15), as Sam Bailey beat Nicholas McDonald to be crowned this year's champion.
Sir Elton John, Gary Barlow, One Direction and Katy Perry also took to the stage at Wembley Arena in front of a 10,000-strong crowd.
If you missed out on tonight's drama or simply want to relive it, you can check out our live blog here.
The 2013 series of the ITV singing competition drew to a spectacular close tonight (December 15), as Sam Bailey beat Nicholas McDonald to be crowned this year's champion.
Sir Elton John, Gary Barlow, One Direction and Katy Perry also took to the stage at Wembley Arena in front of a 10,000-strong crowd.
If you missed out on tonight's drama or simply want to relive it, you can check out our live blog here.
- 12/15/2013
- Digital Spy
The X Factor 2013 voting statistics have been made available in full by ITV, as is tradition at the end of a series.
The figures show that Sam Bailey and Nicholas McDonald were the only two contestants to ever lead the public vote, with Bailey maintaining her status at the top of the pile from Week 7 until her victory earlier on Sunday evening (December 15).
The X Factor: Judges' winner predictions revealed
McDonald led voting on the first Sunday of the Live Shows, both nights of week two and week six, with Bailey leading all other weeks.
The statistics also show that there was just 0.4% separating Rough Copy and Luke Friend during the week of the quarter finals, when Friend ended up in the sing-off and Tamera Foster was eliminated.
On four occasions, the contestant who was eliminated did not finish bottom of the public vote - Lorna Simpson in week one,...
The figures show that Sam Bailey and Nicholas McDonald were the only two contestants to ever lead the public vote, with Bailey maintaining her status at the top of the pile from Week 7 until her victory earlier on Sunday evening (December 15).
The X Factor: Judges' winner predictions revealed
McDonald led voting on the first Sunday of the Live Shows, both nights of week two and week six, with Bailey leading all other weeks.
The statistics also show that there was just 0.4% separating Rough Copy and Luke Friend during the week of the quarter finals, when Friend ended up in the sing-off and Tamera Foster was eliminated.
On four occasions, the contestant who was eliminated did not finish bottom of the public vote - Lorna Simpson in week one,...
- 12/15/2013
- Digital Spy
The release details for X Factor winner Sam Bailey's debut single have been revealed.
Bailey will release a cover of Demi Lovato's hit song 'Skyscraper' as her winner's single, following her victory over Nicholas McDonald in tonight's (December 15) final.
Bailey's 'Skyscraper' is now available to download from iTunes in the UK and will receive a physical release on Wednesday (December 18).
The CD single will feature recordings of three of Bailey's best X Factor performances - 'The Power of Love', 'Make You Feel My Love' and 'No More Tears'.
On her victory, Bailey said: "I'm still in shock but all my dreams have come true tonight. I'm overwhelmed by all the support I've received and wish I could thank everyone individually for making this such a special moment for me.
"I love my single and with the proceeds from it going to such great causes, I really couldn't be happier.
Bailey will release a cover of Demi Lovato's hit song 'Skyscraper' as her winner's single, following her victory over Nicholas McDonald in tonight's (December 15) final.
Bailey's 'Skyscraper' is now available to download from iTunes in the UK and will receive a physical release on Wednesday (December 18).
The CD single will feature recordings of three of Bailey's best X Factor performances - 'The Power of Love', 'Make You Feel My Love' and 'No More Tears'.
On her victory, Bailey said: "I'm still in shock but all my dreams have come true tonight. I'm overwhelmed by all the support I've received and wish I could thank everyone individually for making this such a special moment for me.
"I love my single and with the proceeds from it going to such great causes, I really couldn't be happier.
- 12/15/2013
- Digital Spy
The predictions that the X Factor judges made earlier in the series have been revealed.
The Xtra Factor hosts Caroline Flack and Matt Richardson revealed the acts that Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh, Gary Barlow and Nicole Scherzinger had predicted would go all the way in this year's competition.
Walsh predicted that either Sam Bailey or Luke Friend would win the competition, meaning he correctly guessed two of this year's final three.
Scherzinger, Barlow and Osbourne all opted for Bailey, correctly guessing that she would win the support of the public this year.
It is the first time that all four judges have correctly guessed the identity of the show's winner.
Meanwhile, host Dermot O'Leary also predicted Bailey's victory.
Xtra Factor's Caroline Flack tipped Hannah Barrett to win this year's series, while Matt Richardson backed Tamera Foster.
Sam Bailey beat Nicholas McDonald in tonight's grand final to win a recording contract...
The Xtra Factor hosts Caroline Flack and Matt Richardson revealed the acts that Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh, Gary Barlow and Nicole Scherzinger had predicted would go all the way in this year's competition.
Walsh predicted that either Sam Bailey or Luke Friend would win the competition, meaning he correctly guessed two of this year's final three.
Scherzinger, Barlow and Osbourne all opted for Bailey, correctly guessing that she would win the support of the public this year.
It is the first time that all four judges have correctly guessed the identity of the show's winner.
Meanwhile, host Dermot O'Leary also predicted Bailey's victory.
Xtra Factor's Caroline Flack tipped Hannah Barrett to win this year's series, while Matt Richardson backed Tamera Foster.
Sam Bailey beat Nicholas McDonald in tonight's grand final to win a recording contract...
- 12/15/2013
- Digital Spy
Simon Cowell has congratulated Sam Bailey following her X Factor victory tonight (December 15).
Cowell - who created The X Factor and is currently judging on the Us version of the show - revealed that he 'loves' Bailey's version of 'Skyscraper'.
Bailey beat 17-year-old Nicholas McDonald to be crowned the 2013 champion earlier this evening, and will now release 'Skyscraper' as her debut single.
Cowell tweeted: "Congratulations Sam. We'll deserved. And I love your version of skyscraper. Happy Xmas. Simon."
Cowell is widely tipped to make a return to the UK version of The X Factor in 2014, following the departure of Gary Barlow.
Former judges Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue have also been rumoured to be returning to the judging panel next year.
Louis Walsh - who has featured on every series of the show since its launch in 2004 - previously suggested that he will leave the programme, but it is currently...
Cowell - who created The X Factor and is currently judging on the Us version of the show - revealed that he 'loves' Bailey's version of 'Skyscraper'.
Bailey beat 17-year-old Nicholas McDonald to be crowned the 2013 champion earlier this evening, and will now release 'Skyscraper' as her debut single.
Cowell tweeted: "Congratulations Sam. We'll deserved. And I love your version of skyscraper. Happy Xmas. Simon."
Cowell is widely tipped to make a return to the UK version of The X Factor in 2014, following the departure of Gary Barlow.
Former judges Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue have also been rumoured to be returning to the judging panel next year.
Louis Walsh - who has featured on every series of the show since its launch in 2004 - previously suggested that he will leave the programme, but it is currently...
- 12/15/2013
- Digital Spy
The X Factor's Gary Barlow has revealed that he would like to write material for Sam Bailey.
Bailey was crowned champion of the 2013 series tonight (December 15), after beating Nicholas McDonald in the final at Wembley Arena.
Asked on The Xtra Factor if he would consider writing songs for Bailey, Barlow said: "Oh, absolutely. I think the whole world will be looking at Sam right now as a great vehicle to be able perform their song with that kind of emotion and the kind of technical ability that she's got. It's incredible.
"I would be excited as a songwriter to write for her voice."
The Take That star then confirmed that he fully intends to work with Bailey in her post-X Factor career.
X Factor host Dermot O'Leary revealed that Bailey received over 1 million votes from the Great British public this weekend.
She will now release her debut single,...
Bailey was crowned champion of the 2013 series tonight (December 15), after beating Nicholas McDonald in the final at Wembley Arena.
Asked on The Xtra Factor if he would consider writing songs for Bailey, Barlow said: "Oh, absolutely. I think the whole world will be looking at Sam right now as a great vehicle to be able perform their song with that kind of emotion and the kind of technical ability that she's got. It's incredible.
"I would be excited as a songwriter to write for her voice."
The Take That star then confirmed that he fully intends to work with Bailey in her post-X Factor career.
X Factor host Dermot O'Leary revealed that Bailey received over 1 million votes from the Great British public this weekend.
She will now release her debut single,...
- 12/15/2013
- Digital Spy
Sam Bailey has won 'The X Factor' 2013. The former prison warden beat Nicholas McDonald in the reality TV final tonight (15.12.13) to be crowned winner of the ITV series in its 10th year. Sam's heartfelt rendition of track 'Skyscraper' - originally by Demi Lovato, which will be released as her winner's single - brought judges Nicole Scherzinger and Sharon Osbourne to tears. After a tense moment before it was revealed she had won, the 36-year-old mother-of-two said: ''In the time that I've been in this competition I've grown not only as a person but in my music. ''There's one person...
- 12/15/2013
- Virgin Media - TV
Sam Bailey has won The X Factor 2013.
The Overs singer beat Nicholas McDonald to be crowned this year's champion following tonight's (December 15) head-to-head final at Wembley Arena in London.
Tonight's result gives Sharon Osbourne her first victory as a mentor, following her return to the series earlier this year.
Dermot O'Leary revealed that the 36-year-old received over 1 million votes from the public this weekend.
Bailey said: "I don't know what to say. I just want to say that I love that boy [Nicholas] to pieces and he needs to get an album out as well. He's got an amazing voice and I love him to death."
"I can't believe this. I'm so grateful to everybody. I really am appreciative, thank you," she added.
McDonald told O'Leary: "If I was going to get beaten by anybody it was going to be Sam. Sam is a hard one to beat, but I just...
The Overs singer beat Nicholas McDonald to be crowned this year's champion following tonight's (December 15) head-to-head final at Wembley Arena in London.
Tonight's result gives Sharon Osbourne her first victory as a mentor, following her return to the series earlier this year.
Dermot O'Leary revealed that the 36-year-old received over 1 million votes from the public this weekend.
Bailey said: "I don't know what to say. I just want to say that I love that boy [Nicholas] to pieces and he needs to get an album out as well. He's got an amazing voice and I love him to death."
"I can't believe this. I'm so grateful to everybody. I really am appreciative, thank you," she added.
McDonald told O'Leary: "If I was going to get beaten by anybody it was going to be Sam. Sam is a hard one to beat, but I just...
- 12/15/2013
- Digital Spy
Sam Bailey has won The X Factor 2013.
The Overs singer beat Nicholas McDonald to be crowned this year's champion following tonight's (December 15) head-to-head final at Wembley Arena in London.
Tonight's result gives Sharon Osbourne her first victory as a mentor, following her return to the series earlier this year.
Dermot O'Leary revealed that the 36-year-old received over 1 million votes from the public this weekend.
Bailey said: "I don't know what to say. I just want to say that I love that boy [Nicholas] to pieces and he needs to get an album out as well. He's got an amazing voice and I love him to death."
"I can't believe this. I'm so grateful to everybody. I really am appreciative, thank you," she added.
McDonald told O'Leary: "If I was going to get beaten by anybody it was going to be Sam. Sam is a hard one to beat, but I just...
The Overs singer beat Nicholas McDonald to be crowned this year's champion following tonight's (December 15) head-to-head final at Wembley Arena in London.
Tonight's result gives Sharon Osbourne her first victory as a mentor, following her return to the series earlier this year.
Dermot O'Leary revealed that the 36-year-old received over 1 million votes from the public this weekend.
Bailey said: "I don't know what to say. I just want to say that I love that boy [Nicholas] to pieces and he needs to get an album out as well. He's got an amazing voice and I love him to death."
"I can't believe this. I'm so grateful to everybody. I really am appreciative, thank you," she added.
McDonald told O'Leary: "If I was going to get beaten by anybody it was going to be Sam. Sam is a hard one to beat, but I just...
- 12/15/2013
- Digital Spy
X Factor finalists Sam Bailey and Nicholas McDonald have each performed their potential winners' singles.
Each of the two remaining hopefuls performed a different track during the show's grand final at Wembley Arena tonight (December 15).
So who's it gonna be? @SamBaileyREAL Or @nickymcdonald1 ? #xfactor @thexfactor pic.twitter.com/VFOjpBvHNk
— Mark Sidaway (@marksidaway) December 15, 2013
McDonald, taking to the stage first, performed Five for Fighting's 'Superman', which was also recorded by 2009 X Factor champion Joe McElderry for his debut album Wide Awake.
Bailey followed, performing Demi Lovato's 'Skyscraper' - a track previously recorded by Union J and which appeared on their self-titled debut album.
Whoever wins The X Factor tonight will have their song released immediately after the show for download, with a physical release to follow later in the week.
The single will benefit Great Ormond Street Hospital and Together for Short Lives.
Bailey has been tipped for victory...
Each of the two remaining hopefuls performed a different track during the show's grand final at Wembley Arena tonight (December 15).
So who's it gonna be? @SamBaileyREAL Or @nickymcdonald1 ? #xfactor @thexfactor pic.twitter.com/VFOjpBvHNk
— Mark Sidaway (@marksidaway) December 15, 2013
McDonald, taking to the stage first, performed Five for Fighting's 'Superman', which was also recorded by 2009 X Factor champion Joe McElderry for his debut album Wide Awake.
Bailey followed, performing Demi Lovato's 'Skyscraper' - a track previously recorded by Union J and which appeared on their self-titled debut album.
Whoever wins The X Factor tonight will have their song released immediately after the show for download, with a physical release to follow later in the week.
The single will benefit Great Ormond Street Hospital and Together for Short Lives.
Bailey has been tipped for victory...
- 12/15/2013
- Digital Spy
Way way back in August, James Arthur seemed like a pretty nice bloke, Busted and McFly were two separate entities and mugs weren't terrified of Huey Morgan.
A lot can change in four months. Who'd have thought that the two final acts standing on The X Factor 2013 would be a 36-year-old mum-of-two and a wee Scottish lad with as much charisma as Shane Filan?
But heck, you voted for 'em! So join Digital Spy for the final time from 7.30pm, as we kill time before Sam Bailey wins watch nervously to see whether Sam or Nicholas McDonald will be crowned your champion...
21:29Anyway, that's all, folks! Hope you enjoyed this series, and we'll be back at the same time, same place next year. Goodnight!
21:29Come 2014, we should try and remember that Bailey's isn't just for Christmas. Sam is talented and lovely enough to get a proper career outta this,...
A lot can change in four months. Who'd have thought that the two final acts standing on The X Factor 2013 would be a 36-year-old mum-of-two and a wee Scottish lad with as much charisma as Shane Filan?
But heck, you voted for 'em! So join Digital Spy for the final time from 7.30pm, as we kill time before Sam Bailey wins watch nervously to see whether Sam or Nicholas McDonald will be crowned your champion...
21:29Anyway, that's all, folks! Hope you enjoyed this series, and we'll be back at the same time, same place next year. Goodnight!
21:29Come 2014, we should try and remember that Bailey's isn't just for Christmas. Sam is talented and lovely enough to get a proper career outta this,...
- 12/15/2013
- Digital Spy
The X Factor's live final weekend kicked off this evening (December 14), as the remaining three acts took to the stage in a bid to progress through to tomorrow night's show.
Luke Friend finished in third place, meaning Sam Bailey and Nicholas McDonald will now go head-to-head to win this year's series.
Ellie Goulding, The Killers and Tom Odell performed in front of the crowd at Wembley Arena, while former X Factor acts Wagner, Rylan Clark, Jedward and more returned for a special medley.
If you missed out on tonight's drama or simply want to relive it, you can check out our live blog here.
The X Factor 2013 Live Final Part 1...
Luke Friend finished in third place, meaning Sam Bailey and Nicholas McDonald will now go head-to-head to win this year's series.
Ellie Goulding, The Killers and Tom Odell performed in front of the crowd at Wembley Arena, while former X Factor acts Wagner, Rylan Clark, Jedward and more returned for a special medley.
If you missed out on tonight's drama or simply want to relive it, you can check out our live blog here.
The X Factor 2013 Live Final Part 1...
- 12/14/2013
- Digital Spy
The X Factor's live final weekend kicked off this evening (December 14), as the remaining three acts took to the stage in a bid to progress through to tomorrow night's show.
Luke Friend finished in third place, meaning Sam Bailey and Nicholas McDonald will now go head-to-head to win this year's series.
Ellie Goulding, The Killers and Tom Odell performed their hits in front of the crowd at Wembley Arena, while former X Factor acts Wagner, Rylan Clark, Jedward and more returned for a special medley.
If you missed out on tonight's drama or simply want to relive it, you can check out our live blog here.
The X Factor 2013 Live Final Part 1...
Luke Friend finished in third place, meaning Sam Bailey and Nicholas McDonald will now go head-to-head to win this year's series.
Ellie Goulding, The Killers and Tom Odell performed their hits in front of the crowd at Wembley Arena, while former X Factor acts Wagner, Rylan Clark, Jedward and more returned for a special medley.
If you missed out on tonight's drama or simply want to relive it, you can check out our live blog here.
The X Factor 2013 Live Final Part 1...
- 12/14/2013
- Digital Spy
The X Factor's Nicole Scherzinger has tipped Sam Bailey to win tomorrow night's (December 15) head-to-head final.
The judge described Bailey as the "winner" of this year's series following their duet on tonight's live show.
Scherzinger and Bailey took to the stage to perform 'And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going' from Dreamgirls.
Speaking on The Xtra Factor, Scherzinger said: "The first time we saw her and she sang 'Listen' in the small room, she brought tears to my eyes and I was like, 'She's going to win this competition'.
"It was beautiful tonight, she came out crying and she said, 'I've been waiting 20 years for this'. So, good for her."
Luke Friend was eliminated at the end of tonight's show, leaving Bailey and Nicholas McDonald to compete for the show's recording contract prize.
It was revealed earlier today that this year's champion will open for Beyoncé on the...
The judge described Bailey as the "winner" of this year's series following their duet on tonight's live show.
Scherzinger and Bailey took to the stage to perform 'And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going' from Dreamgirls.
Speaking on The Xtra Factor, Scherzinger said: "The first time we saw her and she sang 'Listen' in the small room, she brought tears to my eyes and I was like, 'She's going to win this competition'.
"It was beautiful tonight, she came out crying and she said, 'I've been waiting 20 years for this'. So, good for her."
Luke Friend was eliminated at the end of tonight's show, leaving Bailey and Nicholas McDonald to compete for the show's recording contract prize.
It was revealed earlier today that this year's champion will open for Beyoncé on the...
- 12/14/2013
- Digital Spy
The X Factor final two have been revealed.
Luke Friend was eliminated from the competition at the end of tonight's (December 14) live show, meaning that Sam Bailey and Nicholas McDonald will now go head-to-head in a bid to be crowned this year's winner.
Asked by Dermot O'Leary how he felt making it to the final, Luke said: "It was actually really mental. I know everyone thought I was the underdog sometimes, but I got here!
"This is absolutely amazing, I mean I'm going to keep writing music and doing something I love. I'm going to write music for you guys."
Louis Walsh added: "He's got something unique; he's going to have an amazing career. Watch this space."
Luke thanked Walsh for his support as mentor, saying: "I just love you so much, man. You've been a great mentor. Thank you, thank you."
The final three performed two songs each to...
Luke Friend was eliminated from the competition at the end of tonight's (December 14) live show, meaning that Sam Bailey and Nicholas McDonald will now go head-to-head in a bid to be crowned this year's winner.
Asked by Dermot O'Leary how he felt making it to the final, Luke said: "It was actually really mental. I know everyone thought I was the underdog sometimes, but I got here!
"This is absolutely amazing, I mean I'm going to keep writing music and doing something I love. I'm going to write music for you guys."
Louis Walsh added: "He's got something unique; he's going to have an amazing career. Watch this space."
Luke thanked Walsh for his support as mentor, saying: "I just love you so much, man. You've been a great mentor. Thank you, thank you."
The final three performed two songs each to...
- 12/14/2013
- Digital Spy
The X Factor final two have been revealed.
Luke Friend was eliminated from the competition at the end of tonight's (December 14) live show, meaning that Sam Bailey and Nicholas McDonald will now go head-to-head in a bid to be crowned this year's winner.
Asked by Dermot O'Leary about how he felt making it to the final, Luke said: "It was actually really mental. I know everyone thought I was the underdog sometimes, but I got here!
"This is absolutely amazing, I mean I'm going to keep writing music and doing something I love. I'm going to write music for you guys."
Louis Walsh added: "He's got something unique; he's going to have an amazing career. Watch this space."
Luke thanked Walsh for his support as mentor, saying: "I just love you so much, man. You've been a great mentor. Thank you, thank you."
The final three performed two songs each...
Luke Friend was eliminated from the competition at the end of tonight's (December 14) live show, meaning that Sam Bailey and Nicholas McDonald will now go head-to-head in a bid to be crowned this year's winner.
Asked by Dermot O'Leary about how he felt making it to the final, Luke said: "It was actually really mental. I know everyone thought I was the underdog sometimes, but I got here!
"This is absolutely amazing, I mean I'm going to keep writing music and doing something I love. I'm going to write music for you guys."
Louis Walsh added: "He's got something unique; he's going to have an amazing career. Watch this space."
Luke thanked Walsh for his support as mentor, saying: "I just love you so much, man. You've been a great mentor. Thank you, thank you."
The final three performed two songs each...
- 12/14/2013
- Digital Spy
Forget advent calendars, Coca-Cola ads and John Lewis's blooming hare and bear. The one true sign that Christmas is upon us is the arrival of the X Factor final. Someone pass us the eggnog!
Over two nights, viewers will decide this year's champion and whoever they pick from Nicholas McDonald, Sam Bailey or Luke Friend will most likely be this year's Christmas number one.
It hasn't been a vintage year for The X Factor, but we're sure ITV, Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh are planning to pull out all the stops and some final twists to remind us why we come back year after year.
Stick with Digital Spy from 8pm when we'll be covering all the action live.
22:00So here are our X Factor Final 2. Sam Bailey and Nicholas McDonald. Hardly the most inspiring pair of singers, but heck, you voted for them.
21:58And we can't...
Over two nights, viewers will decide this year's champion and whoever they pick from Nicholas McDonald, Sam Bailey or Luke Friend will most likely be this year's Christmas number one.
It hasn't been a vintage year for The X Factor, but we're sure ITV, Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh are planning to pull out all the stops and some final twists to remind us why we come back year after year.
Stick with Digital Spy from 8pm when we'll be covering all the action live.
22:00So here are our X Factor Final 2. Sam Bailey and Nicholas McDonald. Hardly the most inspiring pair of singers, but heck, you voted for them.
21:58And we can't...
- 12/14/2013
- Digital Spy
Louis Walsh is "worried" about X Factor finalist Nicholas McDonald's health.
The 17-year-old is on medication for a rare heart condition known as Long Qt syndrome.
"I am worried about the stress and strain on Nicholas," Walsh told The Sun. "He has this serious heart condition. I worry about that for the weekend, honestly.
"There is nothing we can do. He is working really hard — we are just going to give him some time off. I think his family are worried but we want him there in the final."
Asked how serious his concerns were, Walsh added: "You just don't know. When somebody dies, they're dead."
Speaking to Digital Spy recently, Walsh said that Simon Cowell will "definitely" return to The X Factor UK.
The manager said: "Simon's coming back, I'm pretty certain of that. Simon, I think, is definitely coming back to X Factor.
"He's having some new faces on the panel.
The 17-year-old is on medication for a rare heart condition known as Long Qt syndrome.
"I am worried about the stress and strain on Nicholas," Walsh told The Sun. "He has this serious heart condition. I worry about that for the weekend, honestly.
"There is nothing we can do. He is working really hard — we are just going to give him some time off. I think his family are worried but we want him there in the final."
Asked how serious his concerns were, Walsh added: "You just don't know. When somebody dies, they're dead."
Speaking to Digital Spy recently, Walsh said that Simon Cowell will "definitely" return to The X Factor UK.
The manager said: "Simon's coming back, I'm pretty certain of that. Simon, I think, is definitely coming back to X Factor.
"He's having some new faces on the panel.
- 12/14/2013
- Digital Spy
Sam Bailey pulled in the most votes for eight weeks of 'The X Factor'. Newly-released figures show the 36-year-old prison officer topped the public vote for eight out of 11 live performances before being crowned the winner on Sunday night's (15.12.13) final at Wembley Arena in north London. The competition had been a tight race between Sam and eventual runner-up Nicholas McDonald, with the 17-year-old star taking a strong lead in the first two weeks with more than 20 per cent of the Sunday night vote, before returning to the top of the leader board in week six with 31.4 per cent. However,...
- 12/14/2013
- Virgin Media - TV
The winner of The X Factor will join Beyoncé for the UK leg of her world tour, it has been confirmed.
The 'Run the World' singer will be supported by either Sam Bailey, Luke Friend or Nicholas McDonald when she reaches the UK and Ireland in 2014.
X Factor executive producer Mark Sidaway revealed the news on Twitter, writing: "We just supersized our prize. Winner also gets to join Beyoncé in the UK leg of her world tour."
The 'Mrs Carter Show World Tour' will see Beyoncé play ten concerts in February and March, performing in cities including London, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham and Dublin.
This week, Beyoncé released her fifth album, which sold over 80,000 copies in just three hours in the Us.
Each of the album's 14 tracks has its own music video and other bonus video content. A physical release is expected before Christmas.
The X Factor Final airs on Saturday...
The 'Run the World' singer will be supported by either Sam Bailey, Luke Friend or Nicholas McDonald when she reaches the UK and Ireland in 2014.
X Factor executive producer Mark Sidaway revealed the news on Twitter, writing: "We just supersized our prize. Winner also gets to join Beyoncé in the UK leg of her world tour."
The 'Mrs Carter Show World Tour' will see Beyoncé play ten concerts in February and March, performing in cities including London, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham and Dublin.
This week, Beyoncé released her fifth album, which sold over 80,000 copies in just three hours in the Us.
Each of the album's 14 tracks has its own music video and other bonus video content. A physical release is expected before Christmas.
The X Factor Final airs on Saturday...
- 12/14/2013
- Digital Spy
Digital Spy readers have tipped Sam Bailey to win The X Factor 2013.
Ahead of this weekend's final, the former prison officer took over half of the 43,000 votes cast by readers.
Bailey took 56.64% of the vote, beating Luke Friend into second place with 31.76%, and Nicholas McDonald into third with 11.59%.
Bailey is favourite to win the competition, although Gary Barlow and Dermot O'Leary are concerned that viewer complacency could result in Bailey finishing behind her rivals.
Bailey will perform Dreamgirls number 'And I Am Telling You' with X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger during tonight's show.
Fellow judge Gary Barlow, Sir Elton John, Katy Perry, One Direction, The Killers and Tom Odell will also perform during the two-day final.
The X Factor Final airs on Saturday and Sunday at 8pm on ITV.
The X Factor Final: Sam v Nicholas v Luke - All you need to know
Catch up on all the latest...
Ahead of this weekend's final, the former prison officer took over half of the 43,000 votes cast by readers.
Bailey took 56.64% of the vote, beating Luke Friend into second place with 31.76%, and Nicholas McDonald into third with 11.59%.
Bailey is favourite to win the competition, although Gary Barlow and Dermot O'Leary are concerned that viewer complacency could result in Bailey finishing behind her rivals.
Bailey will perform Dreamgirls number 'And I Am Telling You' with X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger during tonight's show.
Fellow judge Gary Barlow, Sir Elton John, Katy Perry, One Direction, The Killers and Tom Odell will also perform during the two-day final.
The X Factor Final airs on Saturday and Sunday at 8pm on ITV.
The X Factor Final: Sam v Nicholas v Luke - All you need to know
Catch up on all the latest...
- 12/14/2013
- Digital Spy
Digital Spy readers have tipped Sam Bailey to win The X Factor 2013.
Ahead of this weekend's final, the former prison officer took over half of the 43,000 votes cast by readers.
Bailey took 56.64% of the vote, beating Luke Friend into second place with 31.76%, and Nicholas McDonald into third with 11.59%.
Bailey is favourite to win the competition, although Gary Barlow and Dermot O'Leary are concerned that viewer complacency could result in Bailey finishing behind her rivals.
Bailey will perform Dreamgirls number 'And I Am Telling You' with X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger during tonight's show.
Fellow judge Gary Barlow, Sir Elton John, Katy Perry, One Direction, The Killers and Tom Odell will also perform during the two-day final.
The X Factor Final airs on Saturday and Sunday at 8pm on ITV.
The X Factor Final: Sam v Nicholas v Luke - All you need to know
Catch up on all the latest...
Ahead of this weekend's final, the former prison officer took over half of the 43,000 votes cast by readers.
Bailey took 56.64% of the vote, beating Luke Friend into second place with 31.76%, and Nicholas McDonald into third with 11.59%.
Bailey is favourite to win the competition, although Gary Barlow and Dermot O'Leary are concerned that viewer complacency could result in Bailey finishing behind her rivals.
Bailey will perform Dreamgirls number 'And I Am Telling You' with X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger during tonight's show.
Fellow judge Gary Barlow, Sir Elton John, Katy Perry, One Direction, The Killers and Tom Odell will also perform during the two-day final.
The X Factor Final airs on Saturday and Sunday at 8pm on ITV.
The X Factor Final: Sam v Nicholas v Luke - All you need to know
Catch up on all the latest...
- 12/14/2013
- Digital Spy
Sam Bailey won 'The X Factor' for her dead dad. The 36-year-old star triumphed on the talent show last night (15.12.13) ahead of Scottish runner-up Nicholas McDonald, and she believes her late father Ronnie, who died of mouth cancer in 2008 aged just 58, was watching over her as she clinched victory. She told the Daily Mirror newspaper: ''I believe my dad is helping me out and looking over me. I don't think I would have got this far without him. All this is for him. ''I can't believe this, it is a dream come true. One of my biggest...
- 12/13/2013
- Virgin Media - TV
Sharon Osbourne joined her X Factor act Sam Bailey on stage for a duet during Bailey's homecoming celebration in Leicester last night (December 12).
The former prison guard returned to her hometown ahead of the show's final this weekend, where she was reunited with her husband Craig and their two children Brook and Tommy.
Bailey and X Factor mentor Osbourne then headed to her local men's working club and performed a karaoke rendition of 'The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss)' in front of friends, family and fans.
Addressing the crowd after their performance, Osbourne enthused: "I would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your support for Sam."
She added: "Listen, Sam Bailey is going to put Leicester on the map. I hope you all have a very happy Christmas. The only thing Sam Bailey can give me is a platinum album.
The former prison guard returned to her hometown ahead of the show's final this weekend, where she was reunited with her husband Craig and their two children Brook and Tommy.
Bailey and X Factor mentor Osbourne then headed to her local men's working club and performed a karaoke rendition of 'The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss)' in front of friends, family and fans.
Addressing the crowd after their performance, Osbourne enthused: "I would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your support for Sam."
She added: "Listen, Sam Bailey is going to put Leicester on the map. I hope you all have a very happy Christmas. The only thing Sam Bailey can give me is a platinum album.
- 12/13/2013
- Digital Spy
The X Factor Grand Final is this weekend. *Pulls party poppers, gets out Wagner bongos, does Rough Copy dance.*
Sam Bailey, Nicholas McDonald and Luke Friend are battling for the title, there are rumours of Wagner making an appearance and there's also the possibility that Louis Walsh may spontaneously combust with glee if one of his boys wins. So it's well worth a watch.
In case you haven't been keeping up with the series (tut tut), here's a Bluffer's Guide to the Final 3.
Luke Friend
Age: 17.
Distinguishing features: A head of hair that looks like it might smell of gravy and could possibly be housing a flock of pigeons.
Cringeworthy Louis Walsh moment: "You're like a little Johnny Depp."
Best Moment:
Sob story: He was a busker in Devon six months ago. And he's been mentored by Louis Walsh for the last three months. Give the guy a break.
Debut album will be.
Sam Bailey, Nicholas McDonald and Luke Friend are battling for the title, there are rumours of Wagner making an appearance and there's also the possibility that Louis Walsh may spontaneously combust with glee if one of his boys wins. So it's well worth a watch.
In case you haven't been keeping up with the series (tut tut), here's a Bluffer's Guide to the Final 3.
Luke Friend
Age: 17.
Distinguishing features: A head of hair that looks like it might smell of gravy and could possibly be housing a flock of pigeons.
Cringeworthy Louis Walsh moment: "You're like a little Johnny Depp."
Best Moment:
Sob story: He was a busker in Devon six months ago. And he's been mentored by Louis Walsh for the last three months. Give the guy a break.
Debut album will be.
- 12/13/2013
- Digital Spy
Sam Bailey has won 'The X Factor' 2013. The former prison warden beat Nicholas McDonald in the reality TV final tonight (15.12.13) to be crowned winner of the ITV series in its 10th year. Sam's heartfelt rendition of track 'Skyscraper' - originally by Demi Lovato, which will be released as her winner's single - brought judges Nicole Scherzinger and Sharon Osbourne to tears. After a tense moment before it was revealed she had won, the 36-year-old mother-of-two said: ''In the time that I've been in this competition I've grown not only as a person but in my music. ''There's one person...
- 12/13/2013
- Virgin Media - TV
Louis Walsh has said that Simon Cowell will "definitely" return to The X Factor UK.
The long-running judge revealed that he expects Cowell to take back his place on the panel, which he held until 2010 before leaving to launch the Us version of the ITV show.
Speaking to Digital Spy and others, Walsh said: "Simon's coming back, I'm pretty certain of that. Simon, I think, is definitely coming back to X Factor.
"He's having some new faces on the panel. I'd say I'm 70% certain he'll come back."
Walsh - who recently admitted he was having a change of heart about his planned departure from the show - said that he was having "the most fun" ever with the current judging lineup of Gary Barlow, Nicole Scherzinger and Sharon Osbourne as it's "the first time in X Factor history that the judges get on".
He also said that he has tried...
The long-running judge revealed that he expects Cowell to take back his place on the panel, which he held until 2010 before leaving to launch the Us version of the ITV show.
Speaking to Digital Spy and others, Walsh said: "Simon's coming back, I'm pretty certain of that. Simon, I think, is definitely coming back to X Factor.
"He's having some new faces on the panel. I'd say I'm 70% certain he'll come back."
Walsh - who recently admitted he was having a change of heart about his planned departure from the show - said that he was having "the most fun" ever with the current judging lineup of Gary Barlow, Nicole Scherzinger and Sharon Osbourne as it's "the first time in X Factor history that the judges get on".
He also said that he has tried...
- 12/12/2013
- Digital Spy
The X Factor finalists have been given portraits - made out of Christmas food.
Luke Friend, Sam Bailey and Nicholas McDonald's faces have been painstakingly made out of turkey and sprouts by Britain's Got Talent star Nathan Wyburn, who previously wowed audiences with his toast and marmite picture of Simon Cowell.
He has now used two kilos of turkey, 144 slices of ham, 89 sprouts, 168 carrot batons, five large Christmas puddings and some mince pies to create stunning likenesses of the X Factor finalists.
The close-up shots of the pictures show pigs in blankets making up Friend's famous dreadlocks and sprouts, peas and carrots creating a rather fetching green jacket for McDonald.
The images were commissioned by Hotpoint, who are promoting their new range of small appliances, and took 36 hours to create.
The X Factor finalists have already shown that they are in the Christmas spirit, as they recently got together...
Luke Friend, Sam Bailey and Nicholas McDonald's faces have been painstakingly made out of turkey and sprouts by Britain's Got Talent star Nathan Wyburn, who previously wowed audiences with his toast and marmite picture of Simon Cowell.
He has now used two kilos of turkey, 144 slices of ham, 89 sprouts, 168 carrot batons, five large Christmas puddings and some mince pies to create stunning likenesses of the X Factor finalists.
The close-up shots of the pictures show pigs in blankets making up Friend's famous dreadlocks and sprouts, peas and carrots creating a rather fetching green jacket for McDonald.
The images were commissioned by Hotpoint, who are promoting their new range of small appliances, and took 36 hours to create.
The X Factor finalists have already shown that they are in the Christmas spirit, as they recently got together...
- 12/12/2013
- Digital Spy
The X Factor duet partners for Sam Bailey, Nicholas McDonald and Luke Friend at this weekend's final, as well as their song choices, have been confirmed.
Bailey will perform Dreamgirls number 'And I Am Telling You' with X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger, while McDonald will sing Westlife's 'Flying Without Wings' with the band's frontman Shane Filan, and Friend will join Ellie Goulding for a performance of 'Anything Can Happen'.
Scherzinger said: "I'm so excited to be singing with the beautiful and talented Sam Bailey. We're going to have so much fun and scha-diva it out this weekend on the X Factor stage! Stay tuned."
Goulding said of her duet with Friend: "I'm really excited to perform with lovely Luke He's a crazy talented singer and a good soul and to me that is the perfect combination.
"I love the tone of his voice and his stage presence.
Bailey will perform Dreamgirls number 'And I Am Telling You' with X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger, while McDonald will sing Westlife's 'Flying Without Wings' with the band's frontman Shane Filan, and Friend will join Ellie Goulding for a performance of 'Anything Can Happen'.
Scherzinger said: "I'm so excited to be singing with the beautiful and talented Sam Bailey. We're going to have so much fun and scha-diva it out this weekend on the X Factor stage! Stay tuned."
Goulding said of her duet with Friend: "I'm really excited to perform with lovely Luke He's a crazy talented singer and a good soul and to me that is the perfect combination.
"I love the tone of his voice and his stage presence.
- 12/11/2013
- Digital Spy
The X Factor finalists have got in the Christmas spirit with an acoustic rendition of a festive classic.
Nicholas McDonald, Luke Friend and Sam Bailey came together to perform their take on the Wizzard standard 'I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday'. Watch the video below:
The trio are joined by band The Chaps for the stripped down - but very festive - rendition of the song.
McDonald, Friend and Bailey are all dressed in Christmas jumpers - with Bailey going the extra mile with a Santa hat and Friend donning antlers - and are surrounded by decorations, a tree and stockings.
Meanwhile, Friend is rocking a tambourine and Bailey has some bells to help her out.
Their collaboration comes just days before the X Factor grand finale kicks off on Saturday, and the three finalists' song choices have already been revealed.
The X Factor finals air on Saturday (December...
Nicholas McDonald, Luke Friend and Sam Bailey came together to perform their take on the Wizzard standard 'I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday'. Watch the video below:
The trio are joined by band The Chaps for the stripped down - but very festive - rendition of the song.
McDonald, Friend and Bailey are all dressed in Christmas jumpers - with Bailey going the extra mile with a Santa hat and Friend donning antlers - and are surrounded by decorations, a tree and stockings.
Meanwhile, Friend is rocking a tambourine and Bailey has some bells to help her out.
Their collaboration comes just days before the X Factor grand finale kicks off on Saturday, and the three finalists' song choices have already been revealed.
The X Factor finals air on Saturday (December...
- 12/11/2013
- Digital Spy
X Factor finalist Luke Friend has said that he thinks people don't want him in the final.
The 17-year-old, who knocked out initial favourites Tamera Foster and Rough Copy in recent sing-offs, speculated that viewers have only held back their true feelings because they're not "really rude".
He told Digital Spy: "I like people voicing their opinions. No-one's ever come up to me physically and said, 'You shouldn't be through' - I know people think that, but unless they're really rude [they won't voice it].
"If it was week one and I was in the bottom two with Tamera, I wouldn't have stood a chance. But you've got to think that you're in this for a reason. People like you. You must be doing something right."
Friend claimed not to know which of rumoured duet partners Ellie Goulding and Jessie J he would be performing with this weekend, but said that he would like to have final say.
The 17-year-old, who knocked out initial favourites Tamera Foster and Rough Copy in recent sing-offs, speculated that viewers have only held back their true feelings because they're not "really rude".
He told Digital Spy: "I like people voicing their opinions. No-one's ever come up to me physically and said, 'You shouldn't be through' - I know people think that, but unless they're really rude [they won't voice it].
"If it was week one and I was in the bottom two with Tamera, I wouldn't have stood a chance. But you've got to think that you're in this for a reason. People like you. You must be doing something right."
Friend claimed not to know which of rumoured duet partners Ellie Goulding and Jessie J he would be performing with this weekend, but said that he would like to have final say.
- 12/10/2013
- Digital Spy
Louis Walsh has hit out at James Arthur, saying that he should be more "grateful".
The 61-year-old X Factor judge added to Ok Magazine that he believes the 'Impossible' singer should stop attacking other musicians.
Arthur recently rowed with fellow former contestant Lucy Spraggan over homophobic comments he made while performing a rap. He later gave a live apology for his behaviour following his performance on The X Factor.
"He's a competition winner that got lucky," said Walsh of the 25-year-old. "He came from a little bedsit, he should be a lot more grateful and a lot more respectful to everybody. Don't get me going.
"Nicole worked so hard with him last year - she got him into the final. He doesn't look comfortable in his own skin. He has talent but he's not Bob Dylan.
"You can't be slagging off One Direction, you can't slag off success. I think...
The 61-year-old X Factor judge added to Ok Magazine that he believes the 'Impossible' singer should stop attacking other musicians.
Arthur recently rowed with fellow former contestant Lucy Spraggan over homophobic comments he made while performing a rap. He later gave a live apology for his behaviour following his performance on The X Factor.
"He's a competition winner that got lucky," said Walsh of the 25-year-old. "He came from a little bedsit, he should be a lot more grateful and a lot more respectful to everybody. Don't get me going.
"Nicole worked so hard with him last year - she got him into the final. He doesn't look comfortable in his own skin. He has talent but he's not Bob Dylan.
"You can't be slagging off One Direction, you can't slag off success. I think...
- 12/10/2013
- Digital Spy
Sam Bailey, Luke Friend and Nicholas McDonald. These are our X Factor final three. The most uninspiring bunch of finalists since the grim days of series four, when Rhydian and Leon duked it out to a bore draw.
And even that series had Same Difference to help lighten the mood.
What have we got this year? We'll have to make do with Nicole Scherzinger waffling on about mushrooms and Sam Bailey's "balls".
This weekend's semi-final saw us bid farewell to Rough Copy, the final act in the competition that didn't have the energy levels and personality of a sloth.
Unfortunately, the trio were just a bit too odd for X Factor voters.
From their leather vests, bow-ties and backpack fancy dress combos to the giddy post-performance interviews with Dermot (did anyone think to point out that their "Rc!" chat sounded a lot like "arsey"?), they were never going to...
And even that series had Same Difference to help lighten the mood.
What have we got this year? We'll have to make do with Nicole Scherzinger waffling on about mushrooms and Sam Bailey's "balls".
This weekend's semi-final saw us bid farewell to Rough Copy, the final act in the competition that didn't have the energy levels and personality of a sloth.
Unfortunately, the trio were just a bit too odd for X Factor voters.
From their leather vests, bow-ties and backpack fancy dress combos to the giddy post-performance interviews with Dermot (did anyone think to point out that their "Rc!" chat sounded a lot like "arsey"?), they were never going to...
- 12/9/2013
- Digital Spy
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