Journey South X Factor Blog: Final Week

17 December 2007

Journey South

Andy and Carl from Journey South reached the final of X Factor in 2005 and went on to have a half a million selling No.1 album. Their second album ‘HOME’ is in the shops now. Here are their opinions on last Saturdays show.Andy – We were gigging on Saturday night and how hard was it to keep away from the result?Carl – I know I really did not want to know before I watched it as it really spoils it when you can’t watch it live and you already know the outcome.

Andy – Well my prediction was right, I wish I’d had a proper bet now I could have got some good odds on Leon. Carl – I was very surprised I have to say. I thought that on the night Rhydian was amazing, he was completely note perfect and I thought he was head and shoulders above the competition.Andy – I have to agree with you, but I’ve said all along I think Leon has that likeable quality that people vote for. I thought it was a great show though, I really enjoyed it. Carl – It was good and all of the contestants seemed to give it their all and really enjoy being there.

Andy – For all of them it will be one of the most memorable nights of their life. I remember our final, it was so special and I felt so proud and privileged to actually be there.

Carl – I know and apart from us I thought our mam and dad would burst with excitement.

Andy – Yeah I don’t think unless you have been there you could even begin to imagine the adrenalin rush that goes with the live final and although you know you are all in the same boat it doesn’t stop you feeling hugely competitive.

Carl – Yeah you could almost feel the tension. I half expected Rhydian to not be as polite when he found out he was 2nd. I think Simon’s comments about him being world class were absolutely true and when he did ‘O Holy Night’ I thought that alone had won him the votes. It was very classy and emotive and really worked, definitely the performance of the evening.

Andy – I preferred his duet with Katherine Jenkins, they sang really well together. I don’t think that Same Difference ever had a chance really, although having them in the final did at least give it some variety and she did look fit in the santa suit.

Carl – Yeah I think they picked out good songs for them and ‘All I want for Christmas’ is a great fun song and it did open the show really well.

Andy – Actually I think that the song choices for every one of them on Saturday was spot on, which is good considering we have been commenting on bad song choices for the whole series.

Carl – The duets idea is really good as well, although not sure that the Same Difference with Jason Donavan worked that well as it meant the brother standing looking like a spare part for most of the performance.

Andy – And Leon. How lucky is he getting to perform with Kylie?

Carl – If you could choose a duet, who would it be?

Andy – Probably, Oasis would be quite cool, but not sure they would do a show like that, or I think someone that people wouldn’t expect to put with us like Alicia Keys as not only is she very talented, but she’s gorgeous as well.

Carl – I’d just say Jon Bon Jovi, but that is probably a bit obvious, so maybe go for someone like Leona to be a bit different.

Andy – I’m going to really miss writing this each week.

Carl – Yeah. I’ll miss watching the show as well. I think it started off quite mediocre but the live final more than made amends.

Andy – Yeah and I think we are bound to hear much more from all of the artists on Saturday. I think they will all have careers ongoing, which I would never have predicted at the start and although I tipped Leon to win, I think that ultimately Rhydian will be the real winner, as if they make the right album, his music will be more long term.

Carl – And before we sign off I’d just like to thank Female First for allowing us to do this each week and everyone who has been bothered to read it. I hope we haven’t been too boring.

Andy – Also, we want to wish you all a Happy Christmas as well.