Going into the first X Factor Sunday night results show of 2013, we already knew one of the contestants to be taking part in tonight’s sing-off. Saturdays Flash Vote saw Shelley Smith poll the fewest votes after her rendition of Hearts ‘Alone’, during the 80’s themed opening live show.
Hoping to keep herself in the contest, the Devonshire diva chose to sing the powerful Jennifer Hudson hit ‘One Night Only’ as her save-me song. Performing with emotion and strong vocals, Smith proved once and for all she’s no joke act.
Facing Shelley in the sing-off, after receiving the least calls and texts in the main vote was fellow Over 25 contestant, Lorna Simpson. Meaning Sharon Osbourne was welcomed back to the studio, with the nightmare scenario of having two of her singers up for elimination in week 1.
Lorna, who had struggled to make a memorable, distinctive impression at any stage so far, chose to perform another great song. Singing the Faith Hill ballad ‘There You’ll Be’ with both passion and soul. This surely has to go down as the highest standard of vocals during a week 1 sing-off, in X Factor UK history.
With no chance of deadlock this series. Once focus turns to the judges decision, if the vote is split two each then Shelley would automatically go home. This was predetermined due to her having finished bottom in the initial flash vote.
Understandably Sharon chose to abstain from the process, Louis sent home Lorna, Gary voted out Shelly and finally Nicole sent Lorna home. This resulted in Lorna being the first act to be eliminated from the X Factor 2013 live shows.
Refreshingly this years live shows appear to feature no true joke act. As pleasant a change as this is, one of its effects is, the question of who should go out on any given week is far more debatable. Given us a much more competitive and positive competition.
In theory each Sunday night for the rest of the series, will see a high quality singer being eliminated from the show.