The X Factor Sex Factor

Seven winners since the X Factor was called the X Factor. They are: Steve Brookstein, Shane Ward, Leona Lewis, Leon Jackson, Alexandra Burke, Joe McElderry and Matt Cardle. Spot the pattern? Five male white solo artists sprinkled with two black female solo singers. There has never been a solo black male or white female winner and no group winner. One of these will change given this year’s finalists. So here are the runners and riders for this weekend’s finale.

The remounted Amelia Lily. She came back like the return of the Jedi after Cocozza did his bit for Columbia’s exports. She’s been in the bottom two and was unseated by her judge at the first hurdle. I don’t think she can win for these two reasons, but she will get a lot of support from the shrewdies that backed her at 1000/1 on Betfair after the Frankie Charlie rumours started.

Little Mix, formerly known as Rythmix, are slight favourites in the betting market. Tulisa has done well as she put these solo singers together to try and beat the jinx of the bands on X-factor. The band got a bit of unwarranted stick for one of them carrying a few pounds overweight. I reckon they’ll come second but have a good career JLS-stylee.

Marcus Collins, a boy from the Liverpool stable, is phone voting gold. The Scousers will pick up the phone for a hometown boy. Unlike Will Young, Marcus has bravely come out of the closet before the final, but has sadly been the subject of racist and homophobic abuse. He seems like the sort the public will like and pick up the phone for. I reckon he’ll win but believe me I’ve been wrong before, Eoghan Quigg and Ray Quinn to name but two, though I got my money back on Ray with his spectacular Dancing On Ice victory.

This is the closest final ever with Marcus the 5/2 outsider in this 3 horse race and the fan site polls show a very close 3 way split of the vote.

It seems strange but the winner might just be the act that performs best on the night. If I was having a bet and I probably will I’d back Marcus on the male from Liverpool clue as I’m tone deaf and can’t tell who the best singers are.

I’m looking forward to the live final this weekend with the bitching and moaning and I might even enjoy the singing. Any chance of a Smith’s cover?