It's all in his voice, it's so expressive. I though quite early on that it was like he could really feel the air/soundwaves as he's singing - the sort of direct control a violinist would have on a bowed string for instance. You can really see that in the JH performance. It's beautiful and pure, and primal and raw at the same time. And he moves between all of those completely effortlessly in the same way he moves between notes and between pp and ff; effortlessly and with absolute precision. It's a really stunning level of control for a 17 year old to have and it still astounds me most, on DS at least, don't pick up on it.

I think that ability was shown off less during the lives to an extent, because of the nature of the songs. Someone Like You and Angel had it. She's The One had it, though to a lesser extent because it's a fluffier song. Halo had it, though obv that was spoiled because of the voice crack. I would guess, also, that consciousness of the cameras and stage direction and 'look down the camera lens' inhibited his ability to really inhabit the songs too, especially if they weren't ones he wanted to sing or related to.

I honestly think in those terms he was by far and a way the best singer this year. Sure Sam B had great technical ability, but there was no feels in her voice. She did SADFACE and she did FIERCEFACE and she did EVERYWOMANWORKINGMUMFACE, but she wasn't able to express any of that within her vocal. It was theatrical face-hams and It was IMPRESSIVELY LOUD or less impressively soft. There just aren't as many different facets to her voice.

I'm kind of having a moment here.

And Cake, I just followed you.

God, you don't hold back, do you?

I kind of like his approach

Thanks.

I'm having my own moment.

I just watched this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yi9rJMLwD3c

The way he shakes those hips...

A certain poster on the MFs, one who won't be named (she's probably reading this anyway) and one who I argue with quite a lot because she's always dissing Nicky in the most baseless way and in the most contextless of places, was suggesting that that performance was awful, and used it as an example to illustrate all the the (incorrect) limitations of Nicky's ability. Apart from all of her points illustrating nothing more than that she didn't know what the **** she was talking about, and possibly doesn't even understand how music works on a fundamental level, you just look at the 6 bootcampees all watching Nicky and they're totally shitting themselves, because they know he's completely owning that song and that he's going to be sending one of them packing.

How anyone could miss that, I don't know. I can only assume some kind of syndrome.

I like to say what I'm thinking.


Ooh what's that over there--------------->

*Sneaks in and steals your dog*

.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion though, hon. This poster should probably reel it in though if they are as bad as you say. I personally I agree with you that he was very good. But I was watching that video from a human level because I'm an absolute softy, I just felt so sorry for all of them and wanted to give them all a big cuddle. The emotional turmoil is something I can only imagine.

He's a cutie isn't he?

Oh definitely.

Just want to pick him up and cuddle and stroke him!

Your dog I mean, not Nicky..although, I wouldn't object!

Just re-watched the performance that made me notice him: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBKW82m19BU

I'd been working/going out so never really kept up with X-Factor. I'd spent most of the time tweeting, slagging them all off, but then like, he did my favorite cover version of that song.

I don't think it's an easy song to cover, and he managed it easily.

Of course everyone's entitled to their opinion, but when it's being posted everywhere in threads that it has no relevance to, it gets boring very quick. It becomes more about a personal agenda rather than any meaningful discussion, or even banter.

Urgh, Tory Barlow and his monotone faint praise.

On the plus side, I <3 the way Nicky spins and jumps off those silly plinths.

You're gonna hate me now, but I don't really like that song. I do however have a huge soft spot for A Thousand Years, a song which I think suits Nicky perfectly. He needs to do a proper recorded cover of it!!

My absolute favourite song of all time is Run by Snow Patrol, and then Luke sang it. I didn't know whether to be pissed off that he was in the sing-off or extremely happy that he was singing the song I want playing at my funeral, I like it that much.

Weird, that's easily my least favourite of his performances with the possible exception of Just The Way You Are. But that may be more attributable to the songs than how he actually performed them.

I agree love.

*waves white flag*

I don't hate you, we all have different tastes. I think it's because the original touched my heart so much, which is why I like it.


Fair enough.

I just found a playlist of his entire X-factor journey I think: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...XLZlcl9Cs8ddo5

Keep in mind that I hadn't heard his version of a thousand years, cause I never really paid much attention cause of work and getting bladdered, but it is pretty awesome.

Oh dear. Am I being all combatative tonight? I don't mean to be. Certainly not to you!

I couldn't stand that song before he sang it, the original is so dreary. That to me is a sign of a really good singer, someone who makes you appreciate songs you didn't previously care for.

I just followed you, Cake. If you get a follow you'd better bloody well get me one

I'll DM him and everything for you.

Dear Nicholas,

mmpfb wants to declare his undying love for you.

Yours sincerely,

Jase

Hows that ?

Arghghghglkwdjf ih ishc sdiuvho iuhoiisduhi

Haha!

It's okay, it just shows you have good taste.

He is adorable, but

He's definitely adorable!

Stephen Fry follows? Ok - how do you get follows (lame twitter person who never uses and has about 5 followers - don't judge!)