Welcome to our latest playlist.
This weekend the X-Factor reaches its climax and to mark the occasion, our pop expert Russell Iliffe has put together an exclusive playlist. It’s obviously a great time to take a look at the ten songs by British writers that enjoyed the best X Factor treatments during the current series. Read Russell’s overview and listen to the tunes below…
Emeli Sande - Clown
The Scottish star’s songs are ideal for The X Factor where performing a soulful ballad both accurately and emotionally will get you very far indeed! Hot favourite Sam Bailey’s rendition of Sande’s hit was loved by both the judges and studio audience alike.
Adele - Someone Like You
While this song is a shoo-in for any aspiring divas, it seemed an odd choice for 17-year-old Nicholas McDonald. However, the Scot delivered a surprisingly mature and convincing take on the phenomenally successful break-up anthem.
Shirley Bassey - Diamonds Are Forever
The classic Bond theme penned by John Barry and Don Black was given a contemporary but still classy feel by Tamera Foster. Shame that she forgot the words mid-song!
Elton John - Candle in the Wind
Originally written about Marilyn Monroe and then of course adapted for Princess Diana’s death in 1997, this iconic song was a brave choice for Sam Bailey. However, it certainly paid off as it saw her safely through to the final.
Ed Sheeran - Lego House
Teenager Abi Alton never really seemed comfortable on The X Factor but shone during the sing-off when she performed this track. However, it wasn’t enough to save her after a string of disappointing weeks.
Phil Collins - In The Air Tonight
This classic and dark 1981 hit for Mr. Collins, from his debut solo album Face Value, was successfully given an urban spin by trio Rough Copy.
Passenger - Let Her Go
The British singer-songwriter’s debut hit has been absolutely massive this year selling over a million copies in the UK alone and enjoying global success. It found its way on to The X Factor via Devon busker Luke Friend.
Adele - Skyfall
Written by Adele and Paul Epworth, this sweeping and dramatic Bond theme from 2012 was easily taken on by Hannah Barrett.
Sam Brown - Stop
The ballad was originally a hit for Sam, also its co-writer, in 1988 but also worked its magic for Jamelia in 2004 when she covered it for the soundtrack of Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. Sadly it was less lucky for Shelley Smith who was voted off despite a powerful rendition.
Spandau Ballet - True
Gary Kemp’s evergreen 1983 ballad and wedding reception favourite, made an appearance this year when Nicholas McDonald performed it effortlessly during eighties week.
This weekend the X-Factor reaches its climax and to mark the occasion, our pop expert Russell Iliffe has put together an exclusive playlist. It’s obviously a great time to take a look at the ten songs by British writers that enjoyed the best X Factor treatments during the current series. Read Russell’s overview and listen to the tunes below…
Emeli Sande - Clown
The Scottish star’s songs are ideal for The X Factor where performing a soulful ballad both accurately and emotionally will get you very far indeed! Hot favourite Sam Bailey’s rendition of Sande’s hit was loved by both the judges and studio audience alike.
Adele - Someone Like You
While this song is a shoo-in for any aspiring divas, it seemed an odd choice for 17-year-old Nicholas McDonald. However, the Scot delivered a surprisingly mature and convincing take on the phenomenally successful break-up anthem.
Shirley Bassey - Diamonds Are Forever
The classic Bond theme penned by John Barry and Don Black was given a contemporary but still classy feel by Tamera Foster. Shame that she forgot the words mid-song!
Elton John - Candle in the Wind
Originally written about Marilyn Monroe and then of course adapted for Princess Diana’s death in 1997, this iconic song was a brave choice for Sam Bailey. However, it certainly paid off as it saw her safely through to the final.
Ed Sheeran - Lego House
Teenager Abi Alton never really seemed comfortable on The X Factor but shone during the sing-off when she performed this track. However, it wasn’t enough to save her after a string of disappointing weeks.
Phil Collins - In The Air Tonight
This classic and dark 1981 hit for Mr. Collins, from his debut solo album Face Value, was successfully given an urban spin by trio Rough Copy.
Passenger - Let Her Go
The British singer-songwriter’s debut hit has been absolutely massive this year selling over a million copies in the UK alone and enjoying global success. It found its way on to The X Factor via Devon busker Luke Friend.
Adele - Skyfall
Written by Adele and Paul Epworth, this sweeping and dramatic Bond theme from 2012 was easily taken on by Hannah Barrett.
Sam Brown - Stop
The ballad was originally a hit for Sam, also its co-writer, in 1988 but also worked its magic for Jamelia in 2004 when she covered it for the soundtrack of Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. Sadly it was less lucky for Shelley Smith who was voted off despite a powerful rendition.
Spandau Ballet - True
Gary Kemp’s evergreen 1983 ballad and wedding reception favourite, made an appearance this year when Nicholas McDonald performed it effortlessly during eighties week.
