I really agree about the voices. Having said that, the 3 blokes in the over 25 category all have pretty good performance skills.

Things might have worked out differently for Leon during his year as the winner etc, if he'd had the performance skills he's got now, and also the certainty of what suited and pleased him best in terms of material. He was guided by the Sony people - and misguided!

I agree but don't you think the over 25's are forcing their voices whereas Leon sings with a raw natural talent.

None of them have that this year, IMO.....perhaps Graziella does. Daniel Pearce was excellent but pretty seasoned by now.

I think the XF are absolutely terrified of a 'raw talent' like Leon.....where they actually have to work hard and develop the person. We all know now that there is very little input into the acts as they practice for their spot on the show each week.

So, I guess it helps if you have experience. Leon never had that....and look how well he did. People have such terribly short memories.

Oh I do agree. And I also agree with ZipGypsy about Leon's lack of experience not having stopped him winning. In fact, I'd go so far as to say it helped him win. British people love an underdog, and he looked way more natural and therefore more vulnerable and appealing than Rhydian.

Well, I never saw Leon as the underdog, B.A.C. Just as someone with a real talent that needed nurtured.

Also, at this stage in the day....I'm not sure it's all that helpful or relevant to compare Leon with Rhydian. Rhydian has a significant following, so I would imagine that many people find him appealing.

Not looking to start any Rhydian slamming (not particularly helpful after all) however i get the sense that his following is on the wane and his new album is unlikely to sell as much as the last.

Saw the odd unsupportive news article which is always a bad sign ...

Genuinely don't wish him any ill though.

Back on topic ...

... picked up from the weekend news that Leon was invited to Simon's birthday bash.

Just came across some photos on Diversity's facebook site (don't even ask me how I ended up there) one of which seems to show Leon in the background .

Have a look and let me know whether my eyes are playing tricks on me - I'm getting old after all.

He's on the RHS

http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=of...d=117742638376

Thanks for showing us the pic Lucretia.

The person does look a little like Leon but I am not sure it is him.

It looks a lot like Leon. If Leon was invited, then maybe Mr Cowell has realised his mistake in dropping Leon and has future plans for him Maybe I'm just being overly optimistic, but you never know...

Oh, wonder if Leon did actually go? Would be good for him to network and show the maturity of no hard feelings and all such stuff.

Leon has never come across as someone who bears a grudge. He might still feel a bit hurt, though.

She should give Leon a "hollar"

Great idea.

Actually, a really, really great idea.

A really, really, really great idea!

Where is Mr Jackson? Missing the wee scone. Watching X Factor last night has brought it all back to me about just how good Leon was. I was unimpressed with most of them. Still annoyed with Cheryl that she chose Lloyd in favour of Ethan Danyl was the best and most entertaining last night (imo), but he's still not Leon.

Hi all - this years X factor is missing the cosy feeling I had when Leon was on it. Hopefully it will get better as it goes along. I haven't got an out and out favourite yet but found myself waiting for Stacey, Joe, Jamie and Danyl to perform last night.

I dunno.....I'm finding myself at least liking XF 6 far more than XF 5. Stacey is so nice.....it's been ages since we've had someone as nice as Leon on the XF.

And then there's wee Joe.....awwwww! I hate Joe's trilling but of them all.....I get a tiny mini Leon vibe.

Leon is certainly missing but I think he is just keeping his head down and getting on writing new material.

Any chance of a CD out before Christmas Leon?

Hi, guys

Just catching up on what's been happening in LeonWorld. On the thought of great covers for our Leon to sing I would love to hear him doing one of my all time favourites by the legendary Michael McDonald "I can let go now." Couldn't find it anywhere on YT but I did find this passable cover by a guy called Lee Ryan. I can just imagine Steve and Leon playing this to a hushed audience - they'd be crying in the aisles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THf9V_gjxEw

Aww, beautiful song. Leon can sing anything and it would sound beautiful.

The myspace songs are galloping along again tonight. Could be the first time over 4,000 tonight! Woop!

Woop! 4,000 and rising. Go on Leon!!!

Interesting stuff, YL!

Go our Leon!

Well folks, Leon got 6,711 plays last night. AMAZING!! The highest count by a mile.

Here's hoping for a repeat performance tonight and that it continues.

Interesting that Leon is getting so many hits right now....hmmmmmm. But yeah, excellent. I love the stuff on there......the live performances are amazing.

Can you believe how utterly accomplished our lad has become?