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Xmas Factor - Round 2
Posted on 21/10/07
P. Klein
Today (21st October 2007) saw the second round of the Charnwood Xmas Factor auditions held at the Loughborough Town Hall.
The judges are now going through their notes made during the auditions to find which lucky artists will be asked to perform at various locations across Loughborough over the Christmas period. These include playing during late night shopping on the 28th November, in the Market Place when the Santa Fun takes places on the 9th December 2007 and the 14th December when the French Market comes back to Loughborough.
However the main spot will be the Christmas Light Switch On event on the 25th November which is anticipated to draw a crowd of about 8,000 people. Three lucky performers, or groups, will be asked to perform in front of this audience and the best will win a 500 prize.
Todays call back saw 26 acts perform in front of the judges, drawn from the Council, the Students Union and Oak 107. Each act was asked to perform something of their choice and one of the following Christmas Songs:
- Band Aid-Do They Know its Christmas
- Mariah Carey-All I want for Christmas
- Elton John-Step into Christmas
- Madonna-Santa Baby
- Pogues/Kirsty McColl-Fairytale of New York
- Slade-Merry Xmas Everybody
- Shakin Stevens-Merry Christmas Everyone
- Wham-Last Christmas
- Wizard-I Wish it Could be Christmas Everyday
- John Lennon-Merry Xmas (War is Over)
However by the end of the day the judges could have been thinking to themselves that they couldnt stand another rendition of the Shakin Stevens or Madonna option " and if they did they kept it well hidden.
Opening the auditions was Shortly after Sunrise a young talented band who made an impressive start to the day. (Keith Gubb - Guitars / vocals / keyboards, Jake Smith-Guitars / vocals, George Peasant - drums / Vocals / Guitars, David Smith - Bass Guitar). They were followed by Shanena Walsh-Ball who gave a rendition of Beauty and the Beast. The Motion Dance Company then followed, but only after the judges and the whole auditorium had to move back to make a bit more space. Luke Dipple, a very talented youngster then gave an notable rendition of Can you feel the love tonight. He then donned a Santa Hat and some tinsel to give a performance of Merry Christmas Everyone. Sarah Jane Kelly, who had waited a long time at the previous auditions (30th in the queue) then stepped up to the stage and gave a noteworthy rendition of Santa Baby.
However it was Oliver Jenkins, who gave a performance that this reporter will remember for some time, he stepped up to the stage and gave a rendition from Queen to be proud of.
His stage act would have made Freddy Mercury proud. His Slade classic Merry Christmas Everyone was excellent but certainly didnt outperform his previous routine.
Silvia Sacco then gave a stirring rendition of "Dont cry for me Argentina from Evita followed by Merry Christmas Everyone. Lois Frost then gave her renditions which included Aretha Franklins Respect and All I want for Christmas, the Motion Dance Company even stepped up to the stage for backing dancers. Following in a festive outfit was Bobby-Jo Betts who unfortunately suffered the indignity of the backing music failing. However she persevered valiantly and received much applause. Nicole Mann then performed an inspiring version of Somtimes by Britney followed by, you guessed it, Santa Baby. Finishing off before a break, and a departure from singing, were Emma and Ellen who danced to Merry Christmas Everyone and Greece Lightning.
After the break one of the firm favourites took centre stage, Kieran Sutcliffe who captivated the audience with his bold powerful singing. He then performed a duet with his younger sister prior to her giving a great performance in her own right. Before the performers from the morning session left they all took the stage and gave a rousing rendition of Band Aids, Do They Know Its Christmas.
The afternoon session saw duo Michael Hughes and Liam Patrick perform a scene from Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat. This pair, who might be Loughboroughs answer to Ant and Dec, might be in the running for comparing at the events (go on judges, you know you want to). However they will have to remove some of the syllables from their names, may we suggest Mic n Lee?
Another favourite who must be in the running for the top three line up for the 25th November was Christian Bell Young who sang whilst playing his acoustic guitar. Christian is no stranger to the limelight and has previously performed at the Glastonbudget festival.
Anjali Passi then performed a dance routine, both to traditional Indian music and also a Christmas song which kept the audience captivated with her fluid movements.
Lloyd Vitols, who was a late entry to the first round auditions, having only heard about the competition moments before whilst in McDonalds gave a great performance of Angels by Robbie Williams. However he might want to brush up his Christmas song lyrics, but as he is good looking well forgive him.
Olivia Ellis Thorne followed by All I want for Christmas followed by Adrienne Coulter performing an Elton John song, Step Into Christmas.
Sabrina Seville then performed an admirably Celion Dion number " Think Twice.
Another tip for the top 3 was Laura Norton who performed a knock out Whistle in the Wind followed by (another) rendition of Santa Baby. Her voice is absolutely amazing.
Sophie Reeves then gave her excellent performance and was followed by a friend, Joe Mitchell.
Now do the judges dare to depart from conventional carols and songs? Why you may ask? Well Joe did an absolutely amazing couple of minutes of beat boxing, in fact it was the best we have heard live. The inLoughborough team think he should be given a chance. Weve even asked him to record himself and we will put the mp3 up here for everyone to hear. Will Joe make it? Who out of the others will be appearing at the various venues around town. You can rest assured that you will find it inLoughborough.
There are a further 200 pictures of the days event in the photograph albums!
News report by T. Robson
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