Like many other posters here, I'm pretty confident Saara's topped the vote most, if not all, weeks since Disco (and possibly earlier).

She'll win next week. There's little doubt about it. She goes into the final with all the momentum: all the finalists have been in the bottom two now, but Saara's gone the longest since she was in a sing-off.

(P.S. If I'm not mistaken, this is the first ever final where they've all done a sing-off?)

She deserves it, if you ask me. I haven't been this invested in an act since at least 2011. She's grown an incredible amount since the first weeks (and everyone loves a story on this show).

She started off very shouty and a bit theatrical; now she's a bit shouty and very theatrical. And what's wrong with that? Theatricality works for Sia, Lady Gaga, Kate Bush and Sarah Brightman... all of whom Saara's reminiscent of. Just like these artists, as dramatic as she is, she's also a superlative vocalist.

Can't wait to see her win next week - it's pretty much a done deal.

Saara stands a very good chance but nothing is a done deal. Complaceny could cost her the title. Every fan of saara needs to vote.

Having said all that, I do agree with the majority of your post. I do think she was struggling with votes in the early stages but I do believe disco week was the turning point for her. I am convinced she topped the vote tonight too.

Saara for the win.

Personally she's not for me, but out of the finalist she is the best.

She hasn't won yet, its all down to the performance, the show is wide open, seriously, anything can still happen.

Hope not very overated.

Agreed.

This is the least excited I have ever been about an X Factor final.

In years gone by - these three would have been lives fodder - gone within the first few weeks.

It's going to be interesting anyway

A Saara win looks likely because of avoiding the bottom two for the last two weeks + votes being split between 5AM and Matt, but it's not over yet

I'm not sure if she deserves to win but I don't know why; it might be because I think she's good but has some flaws, even though she's been the most memorable contestant this year for me (I've watched some of her performances dozens of times)

Nah, it's hard to call. I still think it's between Matt and Saara.

She will come 2nd.

5am are the winnerstwhile. This has been the producers target since day one. This only come to light at bootcamp.

She'll win but I can't see her selling many records

I worry that she could now become a victim of voting complacency.

I know you like Matt, and I hate to make this a Saara vs. Matt thing as I do *really* like him, but I think it's Matt who's overrated tbh.

Saara and Matt are polar opposites, in a way: Matt started off strong and was a big frontrunner in public opinion and betting odds. It was his contest to lose... and he did lose, gradually, by relying overly on falsetto and performing ever more indulgent songs using the same dramatic high-pitched style.

Saara, meanwhile, was an underdog from the start: she didn't get past six chairs (even after being given a second chance, which was disastrous), and she did the cheesiest most awful performance at JH (which neither Sharon nor Robbie was impressed with).

And then she was in the bottom two for so many of those early weeks. Who can forget when Louis nearly alienated her completely by saying that the British public hadn't warmed to her because she was foreign?

But then she sang in the sing-off. And by sang, I mean SANG. The judges had seen her as fodder but had no choice but to put her through. Then she SANG again in the bottom two. And then SANG and SANG again.

On a show where so many acts have got through thanks to support from the Scots or the Irish or the Brummies or [insert location here], Saara got through by talent alone, bereft of a natural geographical support structure. Her fanbase grew because she SANG.

Bjork turned Saara's life around - it was the best performance she'd done -- until DISCO. She was never in the bottom two again...

In summary: Saara has the story, the progression, the momentum, the most times this season all four judges have stood up, and still manages to retain the underdog status thanks to her nationality. I'm also willing to bet that there's a lot of Remainers (like me) who feel naturally inclined to Saara because she's Finnish.

Basically, she's going to win. There's absolutely no doubt about it.

Saara traditionally comes 2nd. I hope she can make it, but it's clear the producers want 5am to win.

Ultimately, I am delighted she has done so well after such a poor start where avoiding the bottom 2 for just 1 week was seen as the ultimate prize for her.

I think Saara will win but I think it'll be 5am who may do better in their careers

👏 👏 👏 👏 👏

My prediction: Matt the winner then Saara second then 5AM third.

Really? People are still talking about the 'producers'? First, the 'producers' wanted Matt to win. Then it shifted to Gifty. Then they backed Honey G. Before tonight it was supposedly Emily. Now it's 5AM or back to Matt, depending on whose post you read.

Here's an insane idea: the 'producers' remain impartial, as they're legally required to be.

I agree about Saara winning... but, 5am will have a short career. Where as Saara will end up in musical theatre and will be a great success for many years

I know which career I would rather have

I'm not sure if she is good enough for that

shes the best singer but since when did the best vocalist win? I'm guessing Matt will win eventhough I really want Sarra to win

BIB and which law covers this then???
What rubbish! Whether you believe in producer manipulation or not there is certainly no law requiring them to be impartial!!!

I hope so, but then again I wouldn't rule out a vote boost for Matt as a result of him being in the bottom. It happened with James Arthur, it can happen again.

If its based on the vocal Saara wins all the time, however these shows are based on other things that will probably see either Matt or 5Am win which is sad.

Totally agree