I too agree with Liz and you Tilly. Like it or loathe it, XF got an immensely gifted singer/songwriter the opportunity to be signed with a reputable record label. Last night was an opportunity to showcase his talents with 2 songs from his forthcoming album. Yes, I too hated the "twist" last night, so unnecessary to get rid of so many after just one chance. But the show is what it is and is watched by 12m people weekly. The album has had a huge pre-release boost since Matt appeared last night. The fact of the matter is that Matt appeals to album buyers - as is proved by the album boost verses the singles uplift he had yesterday.

I also agree that releasing Starlight pre-Xmas is an attempt to move on asap from RFYL. The views for the RFYL video had been indicating that it was following the same path as James Morrison and Will Young's recent singles and they both only made top 5 placings in the single's charts but were #1 albums.

I think the weeks following the album releaes are going to be far more crucial for Matt's future than this week with the single.

Cat I have also said this all along no one takes any notice.

Letters is now No. 1 on Amazon Pre-orders

PMSL at the micromanagement comment. If we were managing Matt between us, I think he would go insane really quickly - we talk every aspect of his every move to death.

I understand your reasons for stepping back Wkd and Suz. This interest in Matt has become a bit of an obsession and I am becoming increasingly aware that I need to step back a bit too, just to start leading the life I used to, where I didn't spend so much of my free time staring at a PC. However I am not disappearing completely, just going to post a bit less and I have banned myself completely from the MF.

Yes its great isn't it just s poken to tilly about that subject so proud of him.

Thats Great Cat thanks!

I agree. He also hasn't been played on Capital or Heart London. We know it was nothing to do with the song (they'd all have played it if TT were singing it) or Matt (they'd have played him if he'd come 2nd or 3rd) - its political.

Along with the lack of national/London airplay he's also come up against XF contestants singing familiar big airplay songs from the current top 5 which is new- without that I suspect he'd be No 3 and possibly no 2. There's still time for the effect of the Saturday performances to fade but no one's going to shift Rihanna as we all knew.

As has been noted the thing Dermott did mention - the album - is moving. Noel G got a boost from being Radio 2's album of the week but Letters has gone past it by some way at this stage. Fingers crossed.

Aawww! Mita Lol!! Of course we take notice

Its not the Columbia half that worries me

Will catch up later!

Hi Crabbie I am of the same mind too and have posted so countless times however like yourself I am thinking of posting less............MF????? LOL

I am so pleased for Matt liz he has worked really hard on this album. I know nothing about charts or indeed where to gather the information regarding pre-order totals. I am just a simple supporter of Matt who loves his singing and the songs he has written and co/written. Oh and I told him this when I spoke to him too just make sure he knew why I was supporting him.

Just been watching All for Nothing from last night again - and was musing over the fact that really it wouldn't have mattered which song he'd done from the album - the performance would have been equally breathtaking - just shows you what an incredible album Letters is going to be.

So true Mee - he took the risk and the success it generated has been a double edged sword. Hopefully he can shake it over the coming year or so.


I just found out that my order for the signed album was cancelled by Play.com without them bothering to tell me, which was why I couldn't find it on my account. If anyone else is expecting to receive one, check your account status. I've sent them a response It wasn't pretty

Oh thanks spiralheads if this is so in my case I will cancel the others I have with them and order them from elsewhere. I do nor take kindly to this type of behaviour.

Im pleased for him too Mita. Its really hard for him with XF obsessives on the one side hating him for being perceived to look down on the show that made him, by trying to 'break away', and on the other the poseurs who don't want anyone - especially a male- to emerge as a credible musician because they so enjoy despising the show. And all shades inbetween. He needs a rhinocerous hide and so frankly do his fans.

Its amazing that his album is doing so well really with all of these 'constraints' isn't it. I am beginning to feel really sad at the moment and I don't know why

I know His position doesn't make me sad; reading things people on all sides write about him sometimes does though. He has alot of things dragging him back but alot of things propelling him forward too. And best of all he has a label who'll stick with him and know the value of his work. Thats something the MF haven't or don't want to clock on to, but he really is the luckiest winner yet (save maybe Leona) in that respect.

atch

LOL I agree they need as you say a rhinocerous hide however I don't care what others say about his work I like it even if they don't. Matt has a strong fan groupm. I mean who would have thought that he would be no one on Amazon pre-orders for an album I am thrilled. I also love it that they are peeved because they cannot stop him. LOL

I know liz thats what makes me know he will be ok they would never have bid for him had they felt he was under par so to speak.Matt is the luckiest winner I agree liz I just want to hug the guy at the moment and comfort him.

Hi Mita, Liz, Cat and all,


That thread on the MF is almost trolling in it's hatred. Some posters (who I have never even seen as Matt fans) are even telling others to give it a rest. It is best to keep away.

I think RFYL has done ok. It is not a brilliant song as we all know but with the exception of those on the MF, most people will percive a top five hit for Matt has pretty good.

I think what happens next is crucial. Joe's album was not a commercial success but more importantly he had no where to go as an artist. What were Syco going to do- write him another album? Matt is different, he has proved himself able to write and record a great album in a short space of time and as we know he already has the makings of the next one.
From a purely business point of view I would invest in someone who has a deep pool of talent. Many more songs on the way.

I won't let the MF decide what is a sign of failure. I won't consider that for at least another three albums. What if Matt had an enormous hit with GB song - not sure it would have done him much good as an artist. Now we can brush the song aside and get down to supporting Matt and his music and his amazing album. I think I would rather Matt have a number 1 album than a single any day.

Of course I would loved Matt to have a number 1, in the same way I wanted him to win X Factor because he's awesome and people need to know this but there is also a part of me that didn't want him to do either. I'm not going to let it worry me.

I would really like Radio 2 to make it album of the week though!

Stay strong and stuff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMkK2f_pz5E

X factor have put RFYL on YT.

I felt exactly the same..sick to the stomach..but then Matt sang AFN and restored my faith...I'm sure that was a first for the previous winner to perform twice on the show. I've also been thinking about why they let him..because that couple of minutes of 'his' own' material far out shone the mighty GB penned song!

Same here and thanks for the well wishes. Just think the album is No. 1 on the pre-order list not thats absolutely fantastic. I mean these are songs he has written. MF what is that? LOL no I am no long interest in those meandering almost meagre monologues.

Well if my OH after hearing him sing live once is now a fan I think anyone would become one.

I wondered why they let him but then I got to thinking that perhaps Columbia had something to do with it they know he is a winner.

It's great that he got to showcase something from the album, even if it was Xtra factor and not the main show.

Does the physical copy of RFYL hit the shops today.