Not with Louis in charge of the Boys' category, no.

Yeah, so it is a timing issue and luck plays a part.

That's putting it a bit too simply (see previous post.)

I don't think Abi has more star quality than Melanie, but I do think she has a natural style, musical direction and market appeal, which Melanie doesn't have.

Luck does play a part though in that Rylan got through last year, this series since we have no big character on this series, he probably would have got a no.

I think just because Melanie can sing well but she just lacks the emotional side connecting with the song thats the only thing Nicole said she is missing .

None of them are stars until they earn it, including your "special" Tamera.

Melanie clearly has the potential to become a star but sadly she won't have the X Factor platform anymore to display that potential.

They didn't say Tamera was already a star, just that she has the makings of one. No different to what you're saying about Melanie.

I'm confused... Tamera sang Falling, which is an Alicia Keys song?

In her second performance, shown on Xtra Factor, she sang Mary J. Blige's No More Drama.

Ohhh, I didn't know they did two. Interesting!

Yes, every act does two songs at JH and the one not shown on the actual X Factor is usually shown on Xtra Factor.

I think she was the 4th best personally.

I don't know for certain, but I think you are agreeing with me, then.

I would disagree that Tamera or Abi or Hannah has any more "makings of a star" than Melanie, and I think that "star quality" is far down on the list of factors that is taken into consideration for who makes the live show. One only has to look at how few contestants from the live show over the years actually can be considered a star.

I think the reason that Melanie didn't make the live show is because she didn't fit into their plans. No more and no less. In another year it could just as easily have been Tamera, Abi or Hannah that missed out.

But all the boys are forgettable. They have a goodlooking guy every year, we're getting a Leon Jackson this year into the bargain and some middle class surf dude. All interchangeable characters with no real standout personalities.

More or less. I have yet to see "star quality" from any of them, but I do prefer Hannah and Abi to Melanie in that I've enjoyed their performances so far more than hers.

Disagree that Gamu was bland. She would have been a better pick than either Cher or Katie, both of whom mucked up at judge's houses. If she hadn't had visa issues at the time she would have been picked.