List of The X Factor finalists (British series 5)

The fifth UK series of The X Factor is currently being broadcast on ITV. It premiered on 16 August and will continue through to 13 December 2008. Auditions in front of producers were held in April/May, with callbacks in front of the judges in June. Listed are the 12 finalists who participated, or are participating, in the live finals. Out of the final twelve, Bad Lashes, Girlband, Scott Bruton, Austin Drage, Laura White, Daniel Evans, Rachel Hylton and Ruth Lorenzo are the eight acts to have been eliminated so far. Alexandra Burke, Diana Vickers, Eoghan Quigg and JLS are the remaining finalists.

Boys

The "Boys" category is this year mentored by Simon Cowell. Contestants in this category are males aged between 14 and 24.

Austin Drage

Austin Leigh Drage (born 29 June 1986, age 22) is a singer from Grays, Thurrock. Drage first started singing when he was very young and, whilst still at school, took part in musical theatre and amateur dramatics. Having signed up with an agent, Drage made acting appearances in the 2000 movie Snatch as well as a number of TV shows including The Bill and Casualty. After a spell in boy band 5Boyz, who supported Girls Aloud, Blazing Squad and took part in the Soccer 6 competitions, he auditioned and won a place in E4's gender-swap reality show Boys will be Girls, aired in 2006. Drage was given the role of lead singer in a glam rock band called The Revamps. Owing to his having the best voice and his ability to sing very high notes. Drage got as far as bootcamp in series 4 of The X Factor before making the live shows in 2008. Simon Cowell has commented that Drage is "just what this competition needs".

On the first live show, Drage sang "Every Breath You Take" by The Police and got positive comments from the judges, with Simon Cowell stating that he believes that we have only seen 60% of Austin's ability. He was eliminated on the fourth live show on 1 November 2008 after being in the bottom two with Rachel Hylton. Drage's mentor Simon Cowell voted to keep him, but the other judges — Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh and Rachel Hylton's mentor Dannii Minogue — voted in Hylton's favour.

He has since appeared on many TV programmes and turned on Stevenage town Christmas lights on 20 November 2008 where he performed four songs, three of which he had performed on the live shows.

Eoghan Quigg

Eoghan Quigg – pronounced "Owen" – (born 12 July 1992) is from Dungiven in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. He has two younger brothers, and a newborn baby sister who has just been added to the family. In the first live show he sang John Lennon's "Imagine". In week two he sang Michael Jackson's "Ben". Week three's song choice was Nat King Cole's "L-O-V-E". In week four he sang Donna Summer's "Could It Be Magic". Following Scott's elimination in week three and Austin's in week four, he is Simon's only remaining act in the competition.

He then in week five sang "Anytime You Need A Friend" by Mariah Carey. Week Six saw Eoghan sing "One More Try" by George Michael. In week seven he sang the Take That song "Never Forget". During Britney Spears week, he sang "Sometimes" and for his second song sang High School Musical's "We're All In This Together" and managed to get through into the semi-finals of the competition. HIS GIRLFRIEND IS...

Scott Bruton

Scott Paul Bruton (born 14 December 1988) is a former Pontins Bluecoat from Manchester. Bruton initially wanted to be an actor but decided on a career in music after taking part in karaoke. In the first live show Bruton received harsh criticism for his performance of "Yeh Yeh". His mentor Simon Cowell accepted responsibility for the bad song choice. On his last week he sang "That's Life" by Frank Sinatra then Bruton was eliminated in week three on 25 October, after a bottom-two showdown against Daniel Evans. Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh and Evans' mentor Dannii Minogue voted in Daniel's favour. Bruton's mentor, Simon Cowell, voted to keep him in the competition.

Girls

The "Girls" category is this year mentored by Cheryl Cole. Contestants in this category are females aged between 14 and 24.

Alexandra Burke

Alexandra Burke (born 25 August 1988) is a singer from London. In 2005 Burke auditioned for The X Factor and got through to the Judges' Houses stage. However, her then mentor Louis Walsh decided she was too young and did not put her through to the live shows. Burke is the daughter of ex-Soul II Soul singer Melissa Bell.

On the first live show, Alexandra performed the Whitney Houston classic, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody", in which she was compared to her. For the second live show, Alexandra covered "I'll Be There" by The Jackson Five for which she was again criticised by Simon, who called her a copycat. In week three, Big Band week, Alexandra performed "Candyman", a Christina Aguilera song, for which she received her first standing ovation. For the disco-themed fourth live show, Alexandra performed the Donna Summer song, "On the Radio". During Mariah Carey week on 8 November, Burke and the other finalists met for an individual masterclass. Mariah complimented Alexandra on her voice. Alexandra performed "Without You" and received a standing ovation from the judges. All the judges gave her positive comments following her performance; Simon Cowell commented that "by any standard, that was just outstanding". Following the show Alexandra's performance was praised by Mariah Carey who commented that her rendition of "Without You" was "absolutely amazing".

She performed "Relight My Fire" for "Take That week" in week seven and again received positive comments from the panel, before both her week eight performances received the judges' best feedback for any performance throughout the series. She is currently the bookies' favourite to win.

Diana Vickers

Diana Vickers (born 30 July 1991) is a student from Blackburn, Lancashire and has been singing since the age of 11. She has taken singing lessons and has participated in local competitions, but has never sung professionally.

On her first live show Vickers sang U2's "With or Without You". On the 18 October show she covered Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" for which she received nothing but praise, with Dannii Minogue describing it as "box fresh", and Simon saying that she is "the one to beat." The following week, she performed Blondie's "Call Me", which received much praise.

In week five, Diana was excused from performing due to a severe case of laryngitis. She had wanted to perform the Mariah Carey song "Always Be My Baby" up to a few hours before, but her doctor disagreed, saying she could do permanent damage to her vocal chords. This is the first time the producers have excused any act from performing. She was said to be devastated not to meet Mariah, who guested on that week's show. However, on The Xtra Factor show afterwards, footage was shown of Diana at a bonfire night party screaming and cheering with the other contestants after she was told by her doctor to rest her voice. This created some speculation as to the legitimacy of her illness. However, Diana released a statement to contest the claim: "I felt under the weather all last week but didn’t want to miss out on the fireworks display. On Thursday I saw the doctor and was given antibiotics and the following day was diagnosed with laryngitis by a Harley Street specialist. Up until Saturday afternoon, I was still hoping and praying that I would be well enough to perform but the producers spoke to the doctor who made it clear that I could risk long-term damage to my voice. I was absolutely devastated to be told I couldn’t perform on Saturday night and disappointed not to be able to meet Mariah Carey. I am due to see the doctor again on Friday so fingers crossed I will be able to take part in this Saturday’s show".

Diana came back in week six and performed the Coldplay song "Yellow" which prompted Simon afterwards to remark that he believed that Diana was still unwell because she had so many "off-notes" Despite claiming that her voice has returned, her performance has still not improved; it has been noted that her hands keep bobbing up and down and her performance has become a frequent topic of discussion, for example on Facebook groups. In week seven she sang "Patience", commenting that she felt 100% once again and hoped to deliver her best performance to date. During the show, guest Gary Barlow announced that he would sign her if Simon Cowell didn't, though it was unclear if this was a serious offer.

In week seven, she performed Britney Spears' "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman", which recieved a muted reaction from the judges, with Simon telling her it was the first week where she was in danger. She returned for the second half of the show with a version of REM's "Everybody Hurts", which kept her in the competition at the expense of Ruth Lorenzo. She is now a semi-finalist with her rumoured boyfriend, Joshua Howells.

Laura White

Laura Jane White (born 31 August 1987) is a student from Atherton, Wigan. White has been singing and playing the piano since she was a young girl. Despite never having had a professional singing lesson, White began singing in jazz bars at the age of 15. White went to Fred Longworth High School in Tyldesley, the same school as actors Anthony Quinlan, Leah Hackett and Oliver Lee. She is currently a creative writing student at The University of Bolton. On the first live show, White was the final act to take the stage, performing Alicia Keys' "Fallin'." White was the only act to receive a standing ovation from the judging panel for her dramatic and original rendition of the song. She received high praise from the judges, especially Simon Cowell, who said: "... that was outstanding. You have something very, very special. This is why I still like doing this show, in this country, so that you can discover people like you. You have a fantastic future, potentially, ahead of you young lady."

White soared through to the next live show, Michael Jackson week, taking on "You Are Not Alone" with her powerhouse vocals, again distinguished by her jazzy and groovy style. In Big Band week, she displayed a much more mature and soulful side with her performance of "God Bless the Child", for which she received another standing ovation. Judge Louis Walsh praised White's performance as "world class" and "better than Diana Ross's" version. The final word was from Judge Cowell, who claimed "by any standard that I've ever heard, that was incredible." In the fourth live show, Disco week, she delivered her version of "Somebody Else's Guy." Judge Danni Minogue commented, "You shouldn't be able to do that at your age... That was a really hard song... you made it effortless." In her final performance on the show, she was again praised by the judges. Despite those accolades and being one of the favourites to win the competition, Laura was voted off the show in week five, November 8th, after a performance in which she accompanied herself on the piano (or mimed an accompaniment).

Elimination

Laura's elimination from The X Factor prompted a flurry of media attention and fan reaction. Many media commentators accused Walsh of voting her off to allow his remaining act JLS to win the series. The issue was even mentioned in the Houses of Parliament by her local MP Andy Burnham, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, who was answering questions on repercussions from the Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross prank telephone calls on BBC Radio 2. Burnham commented that White's exit had been "very harsh".

The Manchester Evening News reported on 11 November 2008 that Laura had been approached by a so-far unnamed record company.

Fans of Laura have urged broadcasting watchdog Ofcom to investigate phone voting procedures on the show, complaining of a lack of transparency in the voting system and of difficulties in getting through to vote for Laura. Organisers of two petitions, each with a total of 50,000 signatures, called for Laura's reinstatement. The complaint states: "We write on behalf of 50,000 members of the public who have so far signed petitions of complaint. There is a body of evidence to suggest that there are major issues concerning telephone voting on the above programme. The main thrust of our complaint is that there is no transparency regarding the total number of votes and how many votes each contestant received. In addition many thousands of viewers are convinced that either their call was blocked or their vote misappropriated." The complaint is also backed by the founder of a website that is selling songs Laura recorded before she entered the competition. Two of these songs have become the top selling songs on an internet download chart.

Laura has been quoted suggesting she will make some kind of return to The X Factor. The singer apparently said "Don't worry – I'm going back on the show" after she was cornered by a large group of fans. It is not known in what context White is hoping to return; it is thought to be against the rules of the show for a contestant to be reinstated.

Laura White has received support from several celebrities. Pop star Lily Allen wrote in her blog: "Right, I think we were all a little shocked right? Laura didn't deserve to go in my opinion, neither did Ruth (my personal favourite). I've been left feeling quite upset by the whole of tonight's show." Former X Factor winner Leona Lewis also expressed her dismay at White's departure. In an interview with BBC Radio 1, Lewis said: "It was a real shocker this week. I wasn't outraged, screaming at the TV and stuff, but I was surprised." Soul singer Adele also wrote about the singer in her blog: "Laura getting the boot tonight is bullshit. Neither her or Ruth should have been in the bottom 2 !! Laura will get signed EASILY. and her leaving so early will probably benefit her in the end!" Former X Factor contestant Maria Lawson also wrote about White on her blog entitled "the fifth week jinx": "I thought Laura White's unexpected exit from X Factor this weekend was worth writing about, especially as it bears huge similarities to my departure all those years ago, it seems Louis Walsh is involved once again!... I would imagine that Laura will have many ups and downs over the next weeks, months and years but the highs certainly outweigh the lows.....So I guess rather than this being a message of condolence to Laura White – it is one of hope and she can rest assured the best is yet to come!" Also, when interviewed at the Christmas lights switch on in London, Sugababes member Keisha Buchanan commented that she nearly threw her television out of the window when Laura was eliminated.

Despite Laura's elimination, she was chosen by Peterborough City Council to perform and turn on the annual Christmas lights at Cathedral Square, Peterborough. A crowd of 6,000 attended and cheered as the lights were turned on. Laura then went on to switch on the lights in the county capital Cambridge on the Sunday night.

Over 25s

The "Over 25s" are this year mentored by Dannii Minogue. Contestants in this category are, as the category's name suggests, people aged 25 or over. There is no upper age limit.

Daniel Evans

Daniel James Evans (born 30 November 1969) is a pool cleaner from Leyton, Essex. Evans applied for most of the five series of The X Factor, but this is the first year that he has actually auditioned. Evans decided to participate this year following the death of his wife after she gave birth to his daughter. Throughout the live finals, he repeatedly received criticisms from both Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh. He was in the bottom two with Scott Bruton in week three but won through to the next round by virtue of a passionate performance in memory of his wife. Along with Ruth Lorenzo, he did not appear when the finalists sang "Hero" in week three because of a technical problem. In week five a campaign started by Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles urging his listeners to vote for Daniel seemed to save his skin. Moyles described Daniel as looking like Rick Astley's dad saying "he's never going to win, so vote for him to annoy Simon and Louis". Daniel was voted out in the sixth round, after a sing-off with Rachel Hylton. Louis, Cheryl and Simon all voted for Daniel, and with that his departure from the competition was confirmed.

Rachel Hylton

Rachel Shavon Hylton (born 26 November 1981) is a mother-of-five from London. At the age of 13 she had the first of five children and her life spiralled out of control. Problems with drugs led to a spell in prison and eventually three of her children were taken into care. Hylton was hoping to win The X Factor to make a better life for herself and her two youngest children, whom she still looks after.

In week four Hylton was in the bottom two with Austin Drage. Only Drage's mentor, Simon Cowell, chose to save him, whilst the remaining judges kept Hylton in the competition, progressing her to week five. During the week five show Hylton performed "Against All Odds" and then progressed to week six. In week six Hylton was once again in the bottom two with Daniel Evans but was saved by Louis Walsh, Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell. In week seven Hylton was in the bottom two for a third time, this time with JLS. Rachel was subsequently knocked out of the competition after being voted off by Louis, Cheryl and Simon.

Ruth Lorenzo

Ruth Ella-Kate Lorenzo Pascual (born 10 November 1982) is a PR Consultant originally from Murcia, South East Spain, now living in Ashtead, Surrey. In week two, Lorenzo fell into the bottom two, along with Girlband. Her choice of singoff song was Purple Rain. Lorenzo's mentor Dannii Minogue and Cheryl Cole voted for her to stay, with Simon Cowell and Girlband's mentor Louis Walsh voting the other way. The result thus went to "Deadlock", and the public vote was consulted. Lorenzo had received more votes from the public than Girlband and therefore survived. It was announced after the show that the telephone number that appeared on screen for fans to call and vote to keep her in the competition had a digit missing. Many people complained saying that when they called to vote for Ruth the number had a "busy" tone and their votes did not count. Ruth was in the bottom two again in week five (November 8th), this time in a sing off against Laura White. Her rendition of Bob Dylan's Knockin' On Heaven's Door saw her survive by three votes to one, with Laura eliminated from the competition.

Ruth, by this stage Minogue's last remaining act, was eliminated by public vote on November 29, despite recieving excellent feedback from the judges. It has been suggested that the lack of a home town in Britain may have hampered her public support.

Groups

The "Groups" are this year mentored by Louis Walsh. Acts in this category are vocal duos or groups. Each member must be aged 14 or over to be eligible to enter the show.

Bad Lashes

Bad Lashes are a four-piece girl band from North East England, made up of Emily McNamee (born 30 June 1989) from Newcastle upon Tyne, Sophie Wilson (born 21 November 1984) from Hartlepool, and Samantha (Sam) Bennett (born 26 April 1987), and Stacey Lincoln (born 24 October 1987), both from Durham. They were eliminated from the competition in the first live show on 11 October after losing the public vote to Girlband, the judges' votes having been deadlocked 2-2. Dannii Minogue and Cheryl Cole voted in their favour.

Girlband

Girlband are a four-piece girl band from South-West England. The group comprises sisters Tita Lau (born 30 July 1988) and Phoebe Jay Lau (born 2 June 1990), along with their friends Marisa Billitteri (born 20 May 1988) and Layla Manoochehri (born 1 May 1986). In the first live show they were placed in the bottom two by public vote, but survived after winning the "deadlock" over fellow girl group Bad Lashes. They were in the bottom two again in the second show, and were eliminated after losing the "deadlock" to Ruth Lorenzo. They have since split up.

JLS

JLS (Jack the Lad Swing) are a four-piece boy band from London and Peterborough. Marvin Humes (born 18 March 1985) was previously in the group VS, created by Simon Webbe of Blue. The other band members are Jonathan "JB" Gill (born 7 December 1986), Oritse Williams (born 27 November 1986) and Aston Merrygold (born 13 February 1988), who previously played "Cookie" in CITV's Fun Song Factory.

Following Bad Lashes' elimination in week one and Girlband's in week two, they are Louis Walsh's last remaining act in the competition and are now being touted as the best band that the show has ever seen. In week seven JLS were in the bottom two along with Rachel Hylton. However, they survived thanks to the votes from Louis Walsh, Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell. In week 8 JLS performed "...Baby One More Time" by Britney Spears, they received negative comments from the judges with Simon Cowell commenting "At the moment you're out". After their second performance, however, Cowell commented that they are "back in the race".

Discography

On 27 October, the finalists together released a cover of Mariah Carey's song Hero in aid of the Help for Heroes and The British Legion charities, supporting those who have been injured in combat. In the UK and Ireland it sold over 69,000 copies in its first week of release and is set to become the fastest selling song of the decade after Leona Lewis' A Moment Like This. The song was performed by all twelve finalists in the third week, although contestants Ruth Lorenzo and Daniel Evans were locked behind a sliding entrance door to the stage and did not appear. They sang their lyrics backstage and the words were mimed by Austin Drage and Laura White.

The finalists performed the song again on 8 November 2008, this time with that week's guest Mariah Carey. Diana Vickers was absent due to laryngitis. On 9 November 2008 and 16 November 2008 the single remained at number one in the official UK singles chart for a second and third consecutive week. On November 23 the single fell to number two, losing out to If I Were a Boy by Beyoncé Knowles.

A music video was released, with all twelve finalists making appearances, and showing still images of soldiers in Iraq.

Year	Single	Chart positions
		UK	IRL
2008	"Hero"	1	1

External links

• The X Factor at itv.com