X Factor boss Simon Cowell, who sparked outrage with last week’s Lucie Jones v Jedward ‘deadlock’ decision, ditched plans for a dance theme this week in favour of a tribute to rock group Queen.
And it was a case of We Will Rock You for the seven acts still competing for The X Factor title.
First up in Queen night was Jamie Archer, one of Simon’s three remaining Over-25s with Live Aid rock anthem Radio Gaga. But would the judges go gaga over his performance?
Louis certainly didn’t, telling him that he was "a good singer" but "not a great singer." And that while it was "a crowd pleasing song," he felt Jamie was totally out of his depth. He added: “You’re an ordinary singer with a small voice and big hair.” Jamie’s hair - more curly than frizzy this week - also came in for some attention from Cheryl (she didn’t like it, preferring it more “messy”). She said it was tough being the first act up and that he “kicked off the show well.’’
Dannii told Jamie: “You really know how to get the crowd going.’’ She was torn over the song choice, saying “in some ways that was the best song choice for you because what you do is rock the crowd. And that really worked. In other ways it didn’t show off your vocal ability to what I know you can do.”
Then it was Lloyd Daniels' turn to impress with Queen live staple and their first US No.1, Crazy Little Thing Called Love. In the VT clip, Lloyd admitted when he met Queen’s guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor he didn’t know who they were. (Ouch guys, how many million records have you sold again?!)
Dannii told Lloyd: “You’ve now arrived. That was your best performance yet.” Louis admitted he didn’t rate Lloyd much last week but that this was, “so much better than last week. You looked like you were having a good time. Much improved.”
Simon agreed on the fun factor Lloyd brought to the stage saying it was better because he was starting to lighten up. But he still managed a sideswipe comparing him to “a puppy taking part in the Grand National,” adding that “the song was too big for you.”
A proud Cheryl said she’d really seen Lloyd come into his own this week and it was the experience he needs. She added: “I really feel that the penny dropped for you this week and I’m excited to see what we can do further on.”
After that it was Olly Murs, who revealed he’d been in the wars this week having broken his finger while mucking around with a punchbag (no Louis, not X Factor host Dermot O’Leary).
So would old snake-hips' normally energetic, physical performance be affected by the injury? Not a bit of it - and the judges agreed as they watched him belt out 1979 Queen hit, Don't Stop Me Now.
Dannii was first with the thumbs up. She complimented Olly on being “absolutely the best performer we have in the show by far. Your dance moves are incredible.” Although she felt that musically the song swallowed up his vocals warning him: "Just be careful the track doesn’t take over."
Louis called Olly’s performance “electrifying,” told him he was the act everybody had to beat, and even went as far as saying he reminded him of Robbie [Williams], Gary Barlow and Will Young. “But probably better,” he added. Crikey!
Cheryl told Olly he was one of the contestants she most looked forward to seeing each week as, “I can’t wait to see what you’re going to come up with. You’ve that cheeky little edge to you. I think you’re in for the long haul, I really do.”
Simon agreed with Louis that there was a touch of Robbie Williams about Olly telling him: "You’re always entertaining, give 150% every time. You’re growing in confidence every single time. You did great tonight.”
Geordie Joe McElderry was next up backed by a choir for gospel tinged rock ballad, Somebody to Love from Queen album Day At The Races.
Dannii was first out the traps gushing: “Somebody to love? If that is a question, the answer is Joe McElderry. Brilliant.”
Louis said it was a “big song for a little guy from the North of England,” adding that Joe did “a great job. I love your stagecraft. But I think the choir helped you an awful lot.”
Simon said Louis was “nitpicking” about the choir but told Joe: “I think you sang better last week. It was very good but at the beginning you lost your way a bit.” He also thought the song “overwhelmed” him but declared that Joe would be “safe as houses for next week.”
Cheryl told her charge: “That was absolutely fantastic. You are, technically, you’re the best singer in this competition.” She also told him: “it’s irrelevant what they [the judges] say. People at home have all got ears. That song is a vocal rollercoaster and you sang it to a T.”
With the clock ticking down, it was now Grimes twins John and Edward’s turn to see if they could convince the judges with Queen and David Bowie hit Under Pressure - with Vanilla Ice’s Ice, Ice Baby thrown into the mix for good measure.
A bemused Dannii wanted Louis to explain where Vanilla Ice fitted in with Queen night and claimed even some of the rapping “was out of time.” Cheryl told the lads she was so happy to hear the crowd “cheering Jedward for once” and made a point of reminding people that we forget John and Edward are 17-year-old lads with an opportunity - “and you’re running with it. Good for you.”
Simon admitted he couldn’t judge John and Edward in the real world anymore. He said: “I have to judge you in Jedward land wherever that planet exits. And if I take myself there, I would say that was your best performance. If people like you, they like you.” He also praised them for the way they’d conducted themselves. “You haven’t whined, you’ve just got on with it.”
Louis told them: “This was your best performance; the most authentic performance. You looked like pop stars. Kids love you. They identify with you.”
Next it was Queen of Dagenham Stacey Solomon’s turn to tackle Queen’s back catalogue with the signature tune from the movie Highlander, Who Wants To Live Forever.
Dannii promised that with this week’s song choice, “Stacey wasn’t going anywhere.”
As the only remaining girl in the competition “under pressure” was how Stacey said she felt. But she needn’t have worried as the judges indulged in a bit of a Stacey love-in.
Louis called Stacey’s performance “incredible,” Cheryl thought it was “stunning. You sang your socks off ,” while Simon described it as “the best performance of the night.” He added: “We’ve got you back again.” Mentor Dannii told Stacey that when Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor heard her sing they told Dannii: "Don’t change anything." She added: “You’ve made me so proud. Let’s just say we’re not judging you in your own world or any other world. We’re in a singing competition and you deserve to be here.” Stacey then went and gave her mentor a high-five and a cuddle. (Aw bless.)
As host Dermot reminded us last week, Danyl Johnson lost his hair and found his confidence and this week closing act Danyl admitted he was trying to find a middle ground to avoid coming across as cocky when he got up to sing We Are The Champions.
Dannii told him: “I absolutely think that was your best performance in the live shows.” Louis told him: "There’s nothing wrong with being arrogant and confident if you’ve got the talent to talent to back it up-and tonight you proved that you’ve got it all.” Cheryl said she wasn’t sure when the song started off but that, “you totally won me over by the end,” She also flirted: “You look really handsome by the way.” Simon kept it plain and simple, telling Danyl he thought his performance was: “absolutely fantastic. That was not a karaoke performance - you sang as if you meant it. You acted the song. Outstanding. Loved it.”
