We’ve rarely had cause to doff our caps to TPTB this series, so it’s nice to have an opportunity to do so – the sequence of the first three VTs on Saturday had us chuckling. The common theme was going on a night out. First up, Brendan met his cousin in a near-empty pub (was that Sophie Habibis in the background?), and nobody else paid him any attention. Next, Danny met his sister in a near-empty pub, and nobody else paid him any attention.
Then Dalton met… the Duchess of York, at a charity gala, wearing a gold dinner jacket, and was the centre of attention. It was a hilarious use of the contrast principle, and a VT that seemed to indicate that producers are expecting Dalton to win and positioning him for this to reflect well on the franchise – much like the way Louis Walsh used to helpfully say “that sounds like a number one hit record” after whichever version of the winner’s single they were about to release. That seemed to be backed up by the comments – a “megastar” from Robbie, a Michael Buble comparison from Cowell.
After that, though, the weekend became significantly more confusing, and not just because of the random “X Factor gets drunk and does Abba karaoke” session. Scarlett’s pimp slot for the zeitgeisty ‘This Is Me’ seemed intended to make sure she finished above Anthony. The Liverpudlian traded at a three-figure price at one point, as punters and Sofabet commenters assumed that the thinking was to enable Acacia and Aaliyah to make the final. Instead, the twosome were sent home after their fourth consecutive singoff, enabling Scarlett to join Dalton and Anthony in the final.
But despite Scarlett’s pimp slot, TPTB hardly went in for the kill on Anthony. Yes, ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’ hasn’t always been intended helpfully (Sophie Habibis! We were just talking about you) – but he was in the penultimate slot in the running order, and the VT and comments were far from a hatchet job. If they’d really wanted rid of him, surely they could have rustled up a relative for him to take to a near-empty pub?
Mixed messages aplenty, then, as we head into the final weekend, and both Dalton and Anthony have their believers in the Sofabet comments section. If we were producers we’d want Dalton winning, if only because it wouldn’t be a great look for the franchise to have the black guy beaten by the clearly less talented white guy. But, as we’ve been saying for weeks, this has been the strangest of seasons. Last year we were in awe of how TPTB had the voting public on a string, seemingly able to get acts to the top or bottom of the vote at will every week. This year, they just don’t seem to have been that bothered.
It’s all been very odd, and it means we find it hard to summon up much confidence about what to expect. Do continue to let us know your expectations below.
Anthony Russell and Scarlett Lee just had their homecomings.
Anthony had a small crowd in a street whilst Scarlett performed at Hyde Park with a 10x bigger crowd. Pending Dalton’s, Scarlett has won the homecoming battle.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-6434135/X-Factors-Anthony-Russell-enjoys-heros-homecoming-Liverpool.html
https://mobile.twitter.com/CowellOnline/status/1067429615180730369
Great spot, but this could be read both ways….
– anthony topping the vote and needing a deramp
– scarlet needing a big leg up to get in the final 2 (suggesting she is below either and receiving the vote transfer to the win)
A bit concerned about cowell being on stage, could possibly provide an end of journey moment.
Or it could be neither and people decide to turn up or they don’t.
I think Anthony is topping the vote or is *very* close to. As Stoney has said, he is the people’s champion. Don’t forget that. I’d say that Scarlett is a lost cause now, even with Louisa style pimping she still couldn’t escape the bottom two.
Here’s my prediction:
1. Anthony
2. Dalton
3. Scarlett
Dalton maybe ahead on the Saturday but the people’s champion brings home the floating voters and the prize. The greatest voice doesn’t always win and Anthony ticks so many boxes.
I don’t really understand why Anthony was ignored on here pre-Eye of the Tiger, his singing ability isn’t great but that’s never stopped people before. Anthony is the act people remembered, they knew his story, it’s heartwarming and memorable. Despite all his problems he came back fighting. This is drummed into people’s heads with the constant Rocky Balboa references.
His place in the final was booked from day one. He’s this series’ ‘main character’, he’s the one you hear about in the news, he’s the act like you, a normal person. He’s the epitome of the “normal person auditioning and going on to win as a superstar” X Factor trope. If he could get this far, so can you,
It was his to lose, and perhaps by accident on the producers’ part, I don’t think he’s lost it. This is not a one horse race,
Dalton seems like a fairly normal person to me too. One with a really good voice and stage presence. One that people might actually pay to see. Unlike Anthony.
“One that people might actually pay to see”. I take your point, but in fact both singers are in work. As I’ve said before, they used to say, “cruise ship”, and now they say “pub singer”, in order to denigrate the act. I have friends in the music business who love a cruise ship gig, and also make reasonable, usually cash in hand, earnings from pub gigs. So they’re both earning a living, but have been persuaded to go on X Factor, maybe in this case by producers having a drink in a pub or hotel somewhere. I hope it doesn’t alert the taxman to their activities when the 15 minutes of fame ends.I think both Anthony and Dalton can bring in an audience to the right venue.It’s ironic that we are criticizing Anthony’s vocals when on the same show we had Little Mix lip-syncing, having to hold giant microphones in front of their mouths and have no side shots because they weren’t very good at it.
Hmm more sob story’s about Dalton, clearly TPTB are getting desperate to push him for the win.
Could be a shocker on Saturday end up being a Anthony Scarlett final on Sunday
https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/7840376/dalton-harris-x-factor-poor-steal-books/
That’s another story with a sting in the tail. Classic tabloid. Being labelled as a thief is not nearly as positive, certainly not in Jamaica, where the majority of ordinary people are religious to an extent people here don’t understand. I used to visit regularly as I had relatives who lived there until they returned to the UK, and I would say most Jamaicans don’t have the Guardian reading social worker approach to these things. I’m not sure this story is nearly as positive as one might think. Bit like the gay/not gay story. It makes sense if they are trying to take down the Jamaican vote. Either way, whether it’s an attempt to de-ramp or bolster up an act, the odds look stupid.
Not every story about The X Factor can be planted by the production team.
This story came from words Dalton said himself to The Sun, and the gay story came from social media reaction to a photograph and Dalton’s own reaction.
Yes, it’s classic tabloid, but it doesn’t prove anything about the producers’ intentions. If anything, it could have been them encouraging him to speak to journalists about his sad childhood to gain sympathy (and just get the show in the press).
You’re clutching at straws if you think they are using a story about a poverty-stricken child stealing a colouring book to make people think Dalton is a thief, in order to help Anthony win the show.
Ben
You’re putting words into my mouth. I would hardly be “clutching at straws” as I put both sides of the stories and I placed my bets ages ago. This is a betting site, I thought, not a fanzine. All avenues of potential producer intention should be discussed. My point about the story being negative only works if you believe Dalton has a substantial Jamaican support. Personally I don’t believe they are that bothered, and they probably don’t read the Sun anyway. However I would caution against this trend towards fandom as it is a great way to lose money. But you said you hadn’t any bets on the show anyway, so you can be as much of a fan as you like. I only watch X Factor for the betting, so I am completely dispassionate. There’s no-one in this season’s X Factor, including Dalton and Anthony, I would cross the road to see.
We are discussing it. You’re entitled to believe whatever you like but I will continue to poke holes in your theories. 🙂
Just because I haven’t put any money on it doesn’t mean I can’t see things objectively. If anything it’s the opposite because I’m not going to lose anything if I’m wrong.
@Alan
Are you deluded,
Dalton comes Across as a Pre-Madonna he even said that heshould already have a record contract in his VT. He is also a cry baby he was visibly piseed off on Sunday during Robbies derail Comment Dalton has a boring vocal warbles actually sounds like the singer in sexual chocolate from coming to America
On the other hand Anthony comes across as totally genuine one of the lads, fun caring andAnthony has a great vocal, he sings upbeat songs that we actually want to hear
I know who I would actually pay to see!
Si I don’t think Alan is “deluded”. He just has a different opinion from yours. Technically Dalton is a better singer. It’s not something I personally would listen to, as I don’t like over-singing, but the typical X Factor audience likes that sort of stuff. In actual fact, doing twiddles over a note is a way of disguising that you didn’t get the right note in the first place. No need for it in real life, because you have autotune etc. Classic singers like Peggy Lee never did that, because they always got the right note, but you can’t blame Dalton for doing what the X Factor audience and production crew expect him to do. I suspect if you asked him to sing a classic pop song without ornamentation, he would do ok. The only example of what I’m talking about that comes to mind is Lemar, when he was in Fame Academy, did all the vocal pyrotechnics, but once he got the record contracts he dropped the over-singing or “warbling” as you call it. Just a thought.
@Ben Cook
I take your point. But the fact that you are not putting money on it means you don’t really need to bother about shifts in opinion that alter the betting. We’ve seen huge movements in odds on the basis of news stories before, so I think it’s worth airing the theories. Yes, they are just theories, and I am happy to own them, right or wrong. The point of this site, I think, is for people to challenge or support certain theories so as to make good betting decisions. I am always happy to be persuaded that I am wrong, especially if there are betting opportunities in it. You are a Dalton supporter, as am I – that doesn’t make me ignore the very real opportunity of a value bet on Anthony. I nearly always bet against England for example, because I know the sentimental patriotic money alters the odds. I’d bet against my dearest lover if it made me some money. Things change when money is involved.I think you are under-estimating Anthony’s chances. Just my point of view.
I can definitely see why people think Anthony is in with a shout, and have always respected his chances of making the final. I think it’ll be closer than the odds would suggest – though I’d still be amazed if he actually got over the line.
I enjoy the conspiracy theory chat, and a lot of it I agree with – but I just don’t believe that Dalton has been one of the producers’ targets. Anyway, we’ve done that to death now!
For fun, and since I’ve got no money on it, I reckon the share of the vote (at the first freeze) will look something like this.
45% Dalton
33% Anthony
22% Scarlett
If that percentage was true at vote freeze it would be curtains for Dalton. He will need around 60% to stave off the floating voters.
Yes, agreed. I believe Dalton will be ahead at the freeze and likely the Semi-Finals as well but I think Anthony will pull it ahead Matt Terry-style on day 2.
43% Dalton
35% Anthony
22% Scarlett
Anthony wins around the 51-56 mark.
HOWEVER, Scarlett’s transfer votes should be considered. I don’t think they’d go to Anthony.
Why?
To overturn a 12% lead would take the biggest swing between final 3 and final 2 in X factor history (of the years we have data). Not impossible, just quite unlikely.
Matt Terry went from 33% to 48% on the final Sunday.
Should probably revise that I forgot that you could win without 50% somehow.
Matt went from 2% behind to 8% ahead, 10% relative change to Saara. The biggest swing was Sam Bailey who went from leading by 6% to leading by 17% an 11% change. If Dalton leads 45%-33% he probably won’t be caught.
Not to mention swings can go both ways and be unpredictable, in most years the contestant leading increases their lead, not starts to get caught. How many people before hand it that predictable Sam Bailey would pick up Luke Friends vote?
An interesting and relevant read I think: https://sofabet.com/2013/01/07/x-factor-2012-review-part-1-how-many-people-vote-on-x-factor/
Maloney fans didn’t go anywhere in the final weeks they just got swamped by casual voters.
Thanks for the feedback Si P. I know that black people generally age well but I’m pretty sure Dalton is “post” rather than “pre”-Madonna.
Alan
I like your rather witty comment, but it nudged something in my memory. Pre-Madonna is actually a thing, although not the same thing being referred to by Si P I imagine. If it is, it would be worth further analysis – is Dalton drawing on early Madonna performances for inspiration? If so I will have to factor in the gay vote for Dalton even more than I already did.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pre-Madonna
@ Ben Cook. Totally agree with your first paragraph. Anthony in with a better chance than odds suggest but don’t think public or TPTB will let him win.
I would still bet that dalton has been hammering the vote with Anthony and Scarlett switching places for second.
It’s clear that they tried desperately to get Scarlett into the top two on Saturday and the one they thought they could get her above was Anthony – that’s why his treatment on Sat was a bit stunted, Daltons was strong as ever.
This weekend I think we’ll see Dalton win – second is up for grabs, remember a lot more people vote in a final than at any other time, and those casual votes tend to go the the ‘singers’ in this case Scarlett or Dalton. Anthony’s fan base is solid, but I don’t see it picking up many from those who just tune in and vote on the night.
I would agree that Dalton has probably been far ahead in most weeks, but the vote tends to get closer as weeks go on, especially in the final. And yes I’d expect more casual voters to go for Dalton over Anthony too.
Historically does the vote change much in the final weeks? I’m not sure it will change much now so would expect Scarlett to finish third.
I know the X Factor doesn’t exactly have a lot of credibility left, but am I alone in feeling that it would be pretty embarrassing for Anthony to win and be considered the ‘greatest new talent’ to be found in the UK? As far as I’m concerned he’s just an OK singer who is really unlikeable, and without his rehab sob story and friendship with Louis he wouldn’t have made it past 6CC.
I’m fairly sure he’ll win it next weekend though and it wouldn’t surprise me if he’d been topping the vote all the way
I see the wednesday night drift on Anthony has hit full steam, just like last weekend. I guess they have lumbered him with another crap set of songs.
I guess they arent taking any chances here.
Tom, that was a year when it was extremely close between the top 3 though. He was only 1.9% behind Saara on the Saturday and there were plenty of votes up for grabs after 5AM left.
Ben
Don’t remind me of Saara. She’s lost me money several times. Or should I say my expectations of her performance lost me money. But it reminds us that it is possible that the “foreigner” may be nobbled at the last minute. That’s why I’m hypersensitive to signs of de-ramping Dalton – TPTB have some form on this.
I imagine that this story trumps Dalton stealing crayons from school. It won’t bother Scousers, but it might influence others.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/x-factor-finalist-anthony-russell-13660030
So we have had sex pest stories and now friends of known gangster stories. No wonder Anthony’s odds are changing.
I can’t understand why TPTB released this story on Anthony as it will only strengthen his already bad boy image and imo gain him votes like with frankie crcosia years ago it’s not going der-rail him it’s playing upto his image.
We don’t know for certain that they had anything to do with this particular story…
Though I do think it would put a lot of people off.
Ive heard some theories in my time. But seeing someone thinking this story can be a positive for Anthony is one of the most far fetched ive ever seen.
Soon we will see that his song choices are hideous and id expect another story to come out on Saturday just to make sure he doesnt pick up any of the floating voters from last weekend.
What I dont understand, is that if dalton is apparently racing away with it… why the need for any intervention at all?
I think it is close. Maybe the only way anthony doesnt win is by ensuring he is out on the saturday.
Assume Dalton is running away with it and you have a negative story about Anthony, what they incentive to keep it to yourself? It’s free media about the show and you aren’t damaging the winner.
Probably because Scarlett and Anthony are close in the vote and want Scarlett in the top 2. That’s what I think they were hoping for last week with Anthony’s treatment last Saturday.
It’s also possible that The Mirror found the story on their own.
Jessica. That’s quite possible. The tabloids pay well for these stories. I have a friend whose daughter is a producer on a low rent daytime reality show, and they have deliberate publicity leaks and ones that come out because the tabloids pay good money, and if you are a trainee or researcher on very little money, it’s tempting. Actually even the producers aren’t exactly on big money. Must irritate them when they do all the work and a bunch of tossers get to take home millions.
Ooft. They’re going nuclear. If this is the work of TPTB then I doubt that Anthony is a distant second in the vote.
This reflects badly on the show as a whole. They wouldn’t want this out for publicity.
The guy he was talking to posted a screengrab on facebook. Anyone who knows him might have sold the story on. He might even have told them himself once Anthony reached the final.
A source said: “He set up a Facebook profile under a fake name so he can use it while in prison. He’s a well-known burglar in Bootle.”
There’s no benefit for the show in this story apart from the “any publicity is good publicity” angle. It’s not a story that will inspire people to watch the final and if they want to wreck his chances there are much more effective ways than this.
They could just give him Candy or get him to sing with Rod Stewart.
I’ve changed my theories a bit. I think the pinching crayons story on Dalton was meant to make people sorry for him and then they read that it might instead do the opposite, so they get to add yet another story to the sex pest one about Anthony. Make sure he’s de-ramped after Robbie’s (off script?)remarks about Dalton last week. I know Ben likes my theories (!). I agree with Stoney that it’s far-fetched to say this is a positive story and the odds reflect this. This is a big feature in the Sun and Mirror, and having done a straw poll with my female friends and household members, it’s not gone down well. Yes, he’s captured the scally vote, but on the whole women don’t like sex pests who are pals with prolific burglars. Especially very short sex pests, as nearly all the women I know are very sizeist about their men. If they are into “bad boys” the men rarely look like Anthony.
Something for fans and historians of the show to argue about.
All the finalists ranked from 1 to 45.
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2018/nov/29/x-factor-contestants-ranked-little-mix-one-direction-leona-lewis
Anthony has just posted on Instagram that he is heading back to Liverpool to perform at Everton Football Club tonight. That’s gona be a huge audience of scouse voters for him to re instate there faith in him
Can’t resist this…will they be singing this song?
https://www.fanchants.com/media/chants/full/download/rob-yer-houses-fanchants-free.mp3t
Anthony is the classic, journey, feelgood winner.
Any news on where dalton has been filming?
@superTV247
“The 3 #XFactor Finalists will perform duets on Saturday;
Dalton & Emeli Sande
Scarlett & Robbie Williams
Anthony & Tom Walker
THEN the top 2 will perform ANOTHER duet, as their winners single;
Dalton & James Arthur
Scarlett & Leona Lewis
Anthony & Ricky Wilson”
Not taking any chances with Anthony; but is it too late? I’m not sure.
Perhaps he was in the middle of the pack before Eye of the Tiger, but he topped or came close to the top in week 4; and with a relatively worse performance the following week he still polled very well; alerting TPTB who attempted to derail him in week 6.
Shame they’re doing the duets for the singles again. The winner’s single should be all about them. And although James has the most selling power at the moment, Dalton & Leona might have been more interesting.
At least Rak-Su’s wasn’t ruined by Wyclef’s rap last year, but Paloma destroyed Roots.
Anthony and Tom walker. Jesus christ. Is that the least known act ever to be booked for a duet. The song is pretty dire too. Went down like a lead balloon a few wks ago.
Scott Walker? Wow.
Are they doing “The Impossible Dream”?
https://youtu.be/2fc9w4gANlU
I know he isn’t a household name but Leave A Light On has been a decent sized hit and actually could see Anthony doing a song like that. Could have been someone much worse!
Stoney Well you did predict it earlier today! Anthony, don’t leave the light on.
I still think he beats Scarlett. If he beat her last weekend he beats her this wkend. The same treatment for both of them isn’t likely to change that.
I can’t remember Robbie Williams being a successful partner for anyone duet wise. As much as we all love a bit of Angels, it is still a drunken karaoke song.
That’s true Stoney, but he’s done a few duets with already established acts that aren’t too bad.I quite like King of the Bongos. Just not likely to work with X Factor hopefuls.
I think it’s obvious with the winners singles that Dalton is going to win. They are hoping getting an established artist on the single, it will boost the sales. James Arthur is the only artist that will do that because he has quite a big fan base and is still getting top 40 hits. Ricky Wilson and Leona are not exactly big single sellers now, more album sellers if that and are past their best. So this weekend it’s a fight for 2nd place between Anthony and Scarlett I would say.
Is Anthony performing at Everton a way of halving the Liverpool vote? ie the red half of the city no longer feeling inclined to support a blue.
That’s exactly how I read it too. I would have said that Anthony was your stereotypical red, and would have had more backing from Liverpool supporters than Everton supporters up to now.
Anthony supports Everton and Everton have been tweeting there support of him, as a scouser myself who supports Liverpool I can clearly say that music has no boundaries and him being a blue has no effect on me voting for Anthony he is doing this for the whole city there is billboards up and local shops are in full support we strongly believe he is going to win
Ill be honest, I can’t see any way Anthony wins this and have pulled away the majority of my stakes.
Even back in the days when there were upsets such as Leon winning they didn’t gun the threats down as much as they do now. He was still given Kyle as a partner.
This is the reason no one watches it anymore. Even the sofa bet team have given up with there usual final review of each contestant.
Ill be amazed if I watch a single episode of next series.
I haven’t watched it at all this year. Hasn’t even occurred to me to watch it. No plans to watch the final either. I see the adverts and just think yeuch! and I used to love it.
All 3 acts will be performing their winners single on Sunday night now. So no acts leaving tommorrow night
https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/7868741/simon-cowell-x-factor-schedule-none-of-final-three-axed-saturday/
Oh dear. They are definately worried about vote transfer then.
Those saying Dalton is miles ahead and the vote is going just the way they want may be barking up the wrong tree.
Make your mind up mate.
I had my mind made up until this last minute change of plans.
Its closer than you predicted.
Anthony never the winner in a million years I think you said?
You would think if the votes been really close, they would of made this decision earlier in the week. Then again they were probably rehearsing the duets today and got worried Anthony’s could be a big moment for him. The song he is singing is about drug addiction and does suit his voice.
I believe it’s close. After the song choices I think Dalton is going to win, albeit very narrowly.
You’ve told us you’ve withdrawn your stake on Anthony at least twice.
And no I said the producers didn’t want Anthony to win in a million years. Totally different to saying he can’t win. I’ve never said that.
MAJORITY of my stakes. Ive made no secret of the fact strictly is my bread and butter in gambling. Couldnt really care who wins to be honest. Im stating my opinion based on the information presented. I still think Dalton will edge it. But with every single bit of help in Cowells power.
Looks like tomorrows papers are going to hand Anthony the hammer blow with a story of him posing with a murderer friend. Last weekend’s vote must have been a shocker.
That’s the sort of photo ad story any paper would run if they got hold of it. It doesn’t mean that it’s a leak from TPTB, although of course it might be. Don’t they the finalists to tell them about any potentially damaging secrets that “might leak out”?
Seems strange everything is coming out this week. Id be surpised if its not coming from the X factor. They’ve probably been aware of the stories since the very beginning, keeping them for when needed.
Agree that’s possible too, but the two stories about his facetime with the burglar and the photo with the murderer probably come from the same source (which might or might not be tptb).
It’s in the mirror, which is not usually tptb’s leaker of choice. The other story was in the mirror too. Quite possible that they were sold the pictures by a “friend” or acquaintance of his.
I’m not saying tptb don’t do this sort of thing. On the contrary I think they’re comfortable doing it, but I think it’s worth considering other possibilities too. The show often seems too incompetent to plot anything.
I haven’t watched the show at all this year. If Dalton going to be a much better winner for them? Is he likely to sell records. Is there a good reason for him to be favoured?
Having said all that, now it’s out they definitely won’t want him to win.
jesus https://twitter.com/DailyMirror/status/1068636851613908992
My lord. I think this is probably some of the worst publicity an X Factor contestant has ever gotten. Had this happened earlier I believe he would’ve been disqualified. I wouldn’t put it past them but as I’ve said before, this damages the show, I doubt this was TBTP’s doing… Anthony will leave tomorrow/come third on Sunday.
I think they would have nuked him as soon as possible if they found out about this, not saved it in case it came in handy. Apart from anything else it might have leaked from another source and as Tom says, it doesn’t do the show any favours. They don’t want to be associated with the words “beating a teenager to death”.
Agree. There’s no way they would’ve allowed him to make the final if they’d known about it.
Worth remembering that The Sun is not liked on Merseyside. Stick that story in The Sun and it might firm up the Scouse vote (and The Sun themselves might be reluctant to run the story).
I cannot believe the X Factor doesn’t do its homework on an act it’s going to pimp (if not with the intention of him winning). So I think he’s been doing very well, but this will probably be enough to stop him winning.
Piresistable
That makes a lot of sense. You have to have spent time in Merseyside, as I have, to know how the Sun is hated, and the Hillsborough Inquiry news is very recent so will have brought it all back. Blues and Reds agreeing totally on that, and I don’t blame them. Also worth remembering that journalists do share stories if their own paper can’t run them for one reason or another. Years ago I acted as a press officer for an organisation and we would sometimes send releases to one paper and find they had been covered in a completely different paper supposedly under different ownership. Later on you’d find out that the original paper’s legal screening team had got nervous about the release and had passed it on.
It could be all that. Or it could be that someone from Liverpool who knows Anthony sold or gave the story(ies) to The Mirror.
Yes Jessica There’s no real loyalty among criminals, and both the Sun and the Mirror make it quite explicit they will pay for stories. I tend to favour the deliberate TPTB leak story, but that’s because I’m a conspiracy theorist.
I don’t.
I think if they knew about it before this week they would have dumped him and if they only just found out they would have kept it quiet.
If it came out after the final then there’s a year for people to forget about it and there are plenty of other ways to dampen a vote.
Songs from justsimoncowell.com / TellyStats.com
Anthony:
Let It Be
Leave A Light On (with Tom Walker)
Winner’s single: I Predict A Riot (with Ricky Wilson)
Dalton:
A Song For You
Beneath Your Beautiful (with Emeli Sandé)
Winner’s single: The Power Of Love (with James Arthur)
Scarlett:
Your Song
Angels (with Robbie Williams)
Winner’s single: One More Sleep (with Leona Lewis)
Disappointing we’re back to covers for the singles, though as performances they suit the three of them I think.
One More Sleep and I Predict A Riot aren’t going to sell very well as they have already been hits for Leona and Kaiser Chiefs. James Arthur hasn’t recorded The Power Of Love before so that’s the only song that could do well in the charts.
As a Dalton backer I’m happy with the song choices.
If I remember correctly singing the ‘Power of Love’ was one of the weeks that catapulted James Arthur to the win. Interesting.
Still think the fight is for second. Scarlett’s being given a really good shot at it and the press this week for Anthony has been appalling. Saying that his base vote is very strong, we know that.
It’s never over til it’s over. I anticipate the vote stats eagerly in Sunday!
Yes James did a great version of The Power Of Love. On paper it looks like it will be the best of the 3 singles, though I really like One More Sleep too.
I’ve now put my money where my mouth is and put a modest bet on Dalton to win to make it a bit more interesting. I didn’t think it was worth bothering at such short odds but I just can’t see any other result so I’m willing to risk it.
Anthony on first, what a shocker.
To be fair there – I don’t think he’s been first at all, where as the other two have.
Very end of journey VT for Anthony.
Anthony damned with faint praise, but perhaps he has a sympathy vote?
Is Scarlett going to be pimped or is it the 2011 put Amelia Lily last tactic so the chosen one is on last on Sunday?
At least LMA got to know how it feels to be the first choir in the finals.
It’s the former. Dalton is getting what I thought Anthony was….
Anthony mentioned in a relatively bad light during DALTON’S comments…
One hell of a reaction in the arena.
Interesting to see if that reflects the public reaction.
Not a fan of the ‘cage of light’ but I don’t think there’s much they can throw at him at the mo that makes much difference.
Oh dear. I hate it when a beautifully understated song like ‘your song’ gets the kitchen sink Xfactor treatment.
They’re pushing Scarlett for the win. Will it be enough? Anthony’s out for the count imo.
Dermot dissing Fleur, oof.
Bit of a dig at fleur East there?!
Eating worm juice. Love it.
I can’t help but feel that everyone is talking about the dig to Fleur rather than Scarlett’s performance, way to go sabotaging your own act!
If the duets remain consistent with round 1 then I’m not even sure what they’re trying to achieve…
Trying to make the remaining 3 performances last the hour…
Looks like the full pimp for Anthony. What are they playing at? Turns out the song is suitable after all….farewell pimp?
Poor Dalton. Never got to show his vocal ability, I think we’re in for a shock tomorrow, Jamaican flags too…
Scarlett with an ad break and a guest preceding her performance.
Dalton “You’ve just made a dream come true” “He’s already a winner” End of journey speech? Scarlett must be the chosen one. They can’t want Anthony to win, surely?
Must’ve thought that Dalton couldn’t beat Anthony in a final 2. Has Dalton not been rocking the vote as expected?
Personally I think Anthony’s duet was weak. His whole night has been end of journey IMO.
Daltons was good – but not his best performance. I’m not sure it matters.
Scarlett and Robbie – lets see! She needs a push to
pull into second, will she get it?
If Dalton wins this it’s for his performances across the series. I don’t think tonight has been great for him
I thought “Song For You” was technically the best vocal he’s ever done. Loved it.
“Beneath Your Beautiful” is a great song though admittedly once Emeli came on he felt a bit like her backing singer (which is the nature of the song.. Labrinth does on the original too)
There you go. Scarlett wins?
I think she might now get second.
Still think Dalton wins – especially if they do a ‘song of the series’ tomorrow night.
“Angels” was very good and yes might push her up to second I think.
Not sure there will be a “song of the series” tomorrow as all that’s been announced is the winner’s single duets. I suppose with the show being 90 minutes and 3 acts on the Sunday they’ll just be doing the one song.
Dalton is my only red so he’s bound to win. Don’t think I’ve ever had a successful overall winner bet.
Are they going to announce the 3rd placed act tomorrow or are there going to be 3 at the final result?
Maybe they don’t want a vote transfer…
It’s that if you believe Anthony is close to Dalton, and if he’s not, it’s just that they wanted all 3 duet winner singles to be heard.
Surely that have to eliminate one otherwise we’ll have that weird situation like with Strictly where we don’t know who’s second? Until the vote reveal of course.
I wish they wouldn’t mess and had just chucked one out tonight!
I think they’ll bring all 3 on stage for the result and announce who’s come 3rd, who then leaves the stage and Dermot then announces the winner.
Some Twitter stats, for what they’re worth:
https://twitter.com/TellyStats/status/1068983280815546368
Struggling with this a bit.
Dalton – I’ve not really liked him from the start. He doesn’t make eye contact, he has his head down and he collapses to the floor far too much. I don’t see my nan voting for him. He can sing but tonight was a below par performance. He isn’t the text book winner to warrant odds of 2/7.
Scarlett on the other hand I have a connection with, she is likeable, the underdog and a good singer. My nan would vote for her. My family stayed quiet through her whole song but talked through Daltons.
Also a lot has been said about vote transfer but the assumption maybe wrong. From what I’ve read it’s suggested TPTB are concerned Scarlett’s vote would transfer to Ant. For me the most likely vote transfer is the Louis vote. If Ant went tonight then #teamlouis would be100% behind Dalton. If Dalton went then 100% behind Ant.
If Dalton is not clear of Ant in the vote and they don’t want Ant to win then this is a huge worry to TPTB.
I just have a feeling they want to keep the Louis vote split to give Scarlett the best chance. I think she is the chosen one.
Bet Fred have cut her to 4/1. Northern money starting to show it’s self?
I certainly agree with you about the #teamlouis bit, but I would like to point it out that we can’t be sure how much that is. Most of Louis’ fans are ‘foreigners’ (not British) and while it is possible to go around the voting (and a type of thing many of Louis’ fans would try) it is hard to guess the exact quantity. Still, it is certainly a part of the vote transfer that shouldn’t be forgotten.
Totally agree with the comments about Dalton. Haven’t really watched the Saturday shows this series but thought he came across badly in the first VT. Is he always like that? A bit dull and boring and certainly not charismatic. Then he barely has anything to say when Dermot puts a mic in front of him and he looks at the floor all the time making no connection to the audience.
He only really comes alive when he sings but the staging of the first song wasn’t great with the cage of lights and I didn’t think the duet gave him much chance to shine. I really don’t feel like he had a great night. Not the sort of night I was expecting at least.
Judges comments after the first song were amazing but other than that it didn’t really feel like TPTB were pushing him to the win. Fact he is foreign got countless mentions.
Wouldn’t be surprised by any outcome now.
Only just catching up now. Surprised nobody has mentioned all the Union Jack flags at the beginning for what seemed like no particular reason.
Phil
Thanks for pointing that out. It feeds into my “Dalton is a foreigner” theory that has attracted so much derision on this site. It seems as though TPTB are toying with us.
Playing devil’s advocate – what if they don’t care who wins as long as they put on a good show?
On the basis of last night’s show, who do you think is going to win?
Disclaimer: I didn’t watch it.
My money’s on Scarlett to win. She got the most sympathetic treatment and she comes over as a decent person. Dalton is technically the best, but they gave him a rotten song again. Anthony was given good treatment as well, so they are hoping for the vote to be divided and Scarlett to come through as the winner. My hunch is that Scarlett (chav background) and Anthony (actual chav) have a similar voter base. Dalton is easily the best singer, however, it shouldn’t really need saying, but how many of the X Factor winners have been the best singers in their year?
Agreed. I’m pretty sure Dalton hasn’t been rocking the vote like we thought, and the producers must’ve figured that in order to stop Anthony they had to pimp Scarlett, a good singer who is also relatable. I still think her only chance is if the Louis vote is sufficiently split tbh.
My worry with the Scarlett to win theory is that she couldn’t beat Dalton or Anthony last week and she was pimped to high heaven then.
Looking at social stats/ polls/ bookies/ YouTube/ Xfactor socials comments – they ALL show the same thing – Dalton.
That’s a lot to ignore.
My mum who’s sixty watched last night thinks he has it sown up.
The mum comment by the way isn’t ‘evidence’ – just an interesting POV from someone who watches from a more ‘innocent’ stand point.
A few times last night it was mentioned that Dalton is the winner. At one point it was a builder in London meeting Dalton on the street. My worry for Dalton backers is voter apathy.
I’m on Dalton and make him fav but have now invested on Scarlett to the point where she’s my biggest winner.
If Dalton was likeable there would be no debate
I’m an old cynic with a heart of stone, but even I raised a smile at Scarlett and Robbie’s duet. It’s a song that’s been done to death and that everybody knows, but the performance and the chemistry between them was brilliant. The bit where she got the giggles, just like she did on Big Band Week, was hugely endearing. Not sure she’s done enough to win, however you could argue she’d be the one to benefit from those who only vote in the final.
Let’s not forget to listen out for the “whatever happens tonight” comments from the judges tonight.
Scarlett is currently 9/2. Yesterday she was 10/1. Money must be going in. Anthony’s odds holding quite well, despite the negative press. Dalton’s odds drifting out.
I’m with Jessica. I dont think they care too much who wins. They’ll all be a commercial disaster and get dropped as soon as possible anyway.
I’ve said for years that they’re nowhere near as worried about the result as some people give them credit for. Some years they have a clear agenda and force an act down our throats – Louisa Johnson, Raksu etc – other years there’s no one that they’re that bothered about – Matt Terry. This year has had “not bothered” written all over it from day one.
If anyone other than Dalton won, it would surely be the biggest upset in reality TV history wouldn’t it? I can’t imagine even Gareth Gates was 1/6.
Anthony’s price has halved since this morning 9/2 at Hills
Ive had to jump back in at 7s.
Anthony has to have the best of tonight’s duets for me.
Could be a clincher if the vote is close.
On Betfair Anthony and Scarlett level pegging at 6/1.
Dalton 1/5.
The drift in odds is weird, but odds always reflect money going in and out. It’s not like horse racing where the on course bookies can swing things on a relatively low number of bets.
I still favour Scarlett as the value bet.
The market is clean. Last weekend proved that. Anthony 1/3 to be eliminated and finished at least second.
If we go on the theory of the act that finished 3rd last week (scarlett) having a chance then it would have to have been very close last week between the top 3. Which again is feasible.
I just have to think that the over night voting is going to favour Anthony. His support are way more likely to actually spend money voting outside of the free app allowance.
Stoney
Yes I think this market is clean. In a way, for betting purposes, I prefer the ones that aren’t clean, at least when you can spot what’s going on.
My prediction for tonight is:
3rd Scarlett
2nd Dalton
1st Anthony
I think Anthony is going to sneak the win but it will be close between the 3 of them.
Honestly, I have no idea, but I’ll try anyways.
3, Anthony
2. Scarlett
1. Dalton
Dalton sneaks it in an incredibly close contest.
Scratch that, the Baby Shark performers have it in the bag.,.
1. Anthony
2. Dalton
3. Scarlett
I’m struggling with third but will go:
1st Dalton
2nd Scarlett
3rd Anthony
We’ll know soon enough!
Goulding endorses Dalton.
Ellie Goulding has name checked Dalton plus he’s on last – has he sewn it up?
It’s been a perplexing series. I hope Anthony wins it. Yes I have a betting interest in him at 10/1 from about a month ago but I can take losing a few quid if necessary.
Scarlett is a great singer and likeable and would also be a worthy winner but she has done the same thing every week.
I have never understood the love for Dalton. Stares at the floor, falls to his knees and over sings. No charisma.
Anthony is so likeable. He loves the stage and is a performer and has a good voice. The weakest voice of the three but the one I connect with. He is a fighter, an underdog, has strived for success and is humble. The country will rejoice as he becomes the people’s champion.
3rd Scarlett
2nd Dalton
1st Anthony
1. Dalton
2. Anthony
3. Scarlett
Scarlett getting winner’s comments…
My prediction was Anthony but starting to think Scarlett now
They have mood killed Scarlett’s vote
I reckon Scarlett is 3rd after that. End of journey, look how far you have come, you are a winner in your Dad’s eyes. No need to vote.
I can’t believe too many people are voting now; most would have voted after last night’s show.
Oh absoutely. The winner was probably decided last night. The only thing you can try and work out is from the judges comments. No give aways yet. What they do tonight singing wise wont make a blind bit of difference.
1. Dalton
2. Anthony
3. Scarlett
Both endorsements for Dalton. Youd have to think he’s got this in the bag.
They’re toying with us; still think Dalton has it.
But, we’ve just had the “no matter what happens tonight” from Robbie.
And then Simon says Power of Love should be the winning single. The producers must read this and decide to spice things up a bit! 😀
It’s over Dalton has this
No contest. That was phenomenal.
‘Whatever happens’ from Robbie
But Simon bigging up the song as if its won.
Mixed messages again
Robbie – What ever happens tonight….
Is it over? I’m not so sure.
Up there as one of the best ever duets
Final call: Dalton
Well… that’s Anthony out.
A two horse race now.
Aaaannn it Daltons. Nice little earner from 10-1.
There we go. At least this weekend it was tense. Congratulations Dalton.
Just waiting for those voting stats now (for what they’re worth…)
They’re out. It turns out that until the end it was actually a 2 horse race between Dalton and Anthony.
Yep, no one else was anywhere near those two.
As predicted Anthony was doing well in the vote. Didnt think hed have won 90% of the live shows.
The last minute change of plan to the weekend schedule done to protect the chosen one Dalton.
Im not sure why they release the figures because it just shows how manipulated the whole thing continues to be. Which puts off more people from watching and decent singers from entering.
He won 3 weeks out of 7 – though that’s more than I would’ve expected! I would’ve guessed he started off well but would’ve peaked around week 4, or whenever it was he did Eye Of The Tiger.
Interesting to see the vote freeze often motivated Anthony’s supporters but in the latter weeks it was Dalton’s to lose.
It’s hard with a short run to see how else it may have played out – definitely a two horse race, apart from in the last couple of weeks where Scarlett and Anthony battled for second.
I feel it was a strong series overall – with the best singer winning in the end.