For the record, James Arthur has been my favourite the whole series and it's for this reason I don't want him to win.

Winning the X Factor during it's lowest rating season in itself is hardly something to be proud of. But also because he has been billed as this credible artist for the entire season. The winner's song is always a cover and therefore if James won, he would instantly lose a lot of credibility before his career has even begun.

Look at Matt Cardle. He was meant to be this credible musician that the X Factor always needed and but his career was a dud. Yet Rebecca Ferguson, who came second that year, has the most criticially acclaimed album of any past X Factor contestant.

I think winning the X Factor would be the most damaging thing to James' career. Obviously I'm pleased he has made it this far and I'm sure he'll get a recording contract but personally, I hope he doesn't win.

you may yet get your wish

I don't think that has anything to do with winning the XF tbh. He's simply not as "credible" as he believes himself to be.

i'm not a fan, but he really should do every he can not to win this weekend.. 6 months from now it'll be worthwhile

I don't think Rebecca has done well because she didn't win. She would have been successful either way. I got Rebecca the same way I get James, I hope he wins, even if it's just to prove that some acts will do well regardless of if they win or not.

I agree.

Not sure how coming 2nd or 3rd would be any better than winning for the 1st reason you mentioned, in fact it's just a bizarre thing to say.

and James 'cover' whatever it is, will no doubt be done in his way, it could be an amazing cover, there's no problem in him winning in my opinion. he's been doing covers the whole series and it's done his credibility no harm at all.

Whether he wins or not he's going to be signed to Syco, but I understand what you mean. However it's not like the winners single will be remembered by the time he releases his debut album anyway, it'd just be an easy #1 for him.

If you like James then vote for him... the thought of Jahmene winning this considering his poor vocals is worse as far as I'm concerned

Don't really think winning can make your career worse. All the successful acts would have achieved the same levels had they won their respective series. Syco know what they're doing, if an act has potential for great things they don't waste them. They don't drop acts without good reason.

James is a credable artist. He said it took years for him to apply for X Factor as he never wanted to sing covers.

I think him winning would dent his credability.

Jahemne and James are going to be two of the most succesful contestants to come out of The X Factor.

Jahmene winning would seal his success while James doesn't need to win as he will have offers coming from every angle.

If he signed to Syco then his dreams of being a singer-song writer are over.

Sadly the music industry is ****ed up and credible talent doesn't always translate into sales.

Olly Murs.

Rebecca was always going to be succesful from the show. For me she is the most memorable and best singer to come ftom the show after Leona but I prefer Rebecca's voice to Leona's.

Matt winning damaged him some what but since he has changed labels he still had a top 10 albumn and writing his own songs.

I didn't say Rebecca did well because she didn't win but I think she did well because she didn't have the pressure of being the winner.

The terms and conditions of being a X Factor winner's contract are drawn up long before the winner is announced which means their careers are very controlled and they have a huge pressure to deliver an album within a certain deadline. Not winning actually allows the contestant to pick and choose the terms of their contract which is why a majority of them end up with a lot more creative control over their music. Personally I think this kind of recording contract would suit James rather than Syco trying to make him into the next Plan B.

James may just scoop the crown.

According to a poll on another website, when asked which finalist they intend to vote for - the results were:

James - 50%
Jahmene - 35%
Christopher - 15%

When asked which finalist will go on to have the biggest career:

James - 59%
Jahmene - 24%
Christopher - 5%

Of course, this is not a conclusive representation of the whole viewing public, but interesting nonetheless, and we could still be in for a shock result.

Don't worry, he wont. He will finish 3rd. They will cut his throat tonight to push Jahmene to victory as they cannot risk pimping both the youngsters and watching Chris take advantage of a near 50/50 split in the demo he doesn't appeal to. They will look to shift James's casual vote over to Jahmene. No other strategy makes sense, unless they actually want Chris to win it, and I don't believe they do.

It is generally hopeless as it shows a representation of a small section of online possible voters. Chris is badly represented because his support is almost certainly overwhelmingly offline. James's appeal is overwhelmingly to young voters I believe and the stats you quote show that. Jahmene's advantage is that he is the only one of the three with broad appeal.

I think rebecca would of done well regardless and think matt would of flopped regardless aswell so maybe this is what should of said in original post.

However saying that I don't think james will do well regardless of if he wins or not.

Deleted

You may be right there. Like I said myself, this poll, like all polls is not representative of the GBP. Interestingly, regarding Christopher, a poll on a morning tv show showed over 70% did not want him to win, so this is somewhat of an enigma that he has made it this far in the competition.
The only explanation is that most of his supporters don't go online and watch morning shows.

James has done some outstanding covers this year and he could easily make a cover his own. If you like James then pick up the phone and vote

first, second or third... james has achieved so much to come this far... and a record contract is guaranteed... but there's nothing wrong with wanting to go all the way if it's achievable!! James FTW!!

How the hell does James have more votes than Jahmene?

Stop voting for James Arthur

... is that he's a sob story-fuelled, YouTube rip off merchant who molests every song he goes near.