X Factor Final 2013 Duets: Sam, Nicholas and Luke’s Partners Named

Sam Bailey's X Factor duet partner, Nicole Scherzinger - Photo by Alison Martin (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Sam Bailey’s X Factor duet partner, Nicole Scherzinger – Photo by Alison Martin (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Sam Bailey, Luke Friend and Nicholas McDonald’s X Factor duet partners for the 2013 final have now been revealed, along with their respective song choices. If you love tuning into to see the absolute greatest stars in music, perform alongside the UK’s X Factor finalists, then prepare to be disappointed.

Lady Gaga, Celine Dion and Justin Timberlake, just three of the artists you won’t see duetting at Wembley this weekend.

Gone are the times when Simon Cowell could wangle a big name, international superstar like Michael Buble, Beyonce or Rihanna for the X Factor duets. These days things seem to be organized rather in-house, and perhaps more to the guests benefit than the contestants.

This years final will see Sam pair-up with act-less judge Nicole Scherzinger, to sing ‘And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going‘ from the musical/movie, Dreamgirls. Does Nicole see the series 10 favorite as a future star, and want to be able to say she sang with Sam Bailey?

Celine Dion - Photo by Anirudh Koul (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Celine Dion – Photo by Anirudh Koul (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Though ITV didn’t manage to book Celine Dion herself, they were able to get a look-a-like in, as dark horse Luke will perform with Ellie Goulding on her song ‘Anything Can Happen‘. This in particular seems a strange choice of vocal partnership, with Friend being a high energy, full blast kind of singer. While Goulding is more about her pleasant tone, with little power to her voice. Won’t Luke simply drown out the singer-songwriter?

Meanwhile Louis Walsh’s 17-year-old finalist Nicholas, will be performing ‘Flying Without Wings‘ with ex-Westlifer Shane Filan, who’s currently managed as a solo artist by Louis Walsh. This live performance at Wembley for the X Factor 2013 final, will surely be Filan’s biggest TV appearance since the breakup of Westlife.

During past series, the duets used to be one of the best parts of the X Factor final. Watching someone who was recently a complete unknown, singing with one of the most famous people on the planet. Nothing against this years three guests, but this lineup does feel a little disappointing compared to earlier years.

Saturday and Sunday nights shows will have no shortage of big name guest stars though, unfortunately none of them appear willing to duet. I mean come on, what about Luke Friend performing with The Killers?