FSL Factor Walking through the Assembly Hall door, I was confronted by a chaotic scene - the performers were setting the stage up, the sound system was being tested and everybody was trying to get in to find a front – or perhaps back – row seat!! We were handed out yellow voting slips and at half past ten the show began. Mr O ’ Hagan hosted the event although he was known as Dermot O ’ Hagan throughout the show, humorously playing along with the X Factor theme. The lights dimmed and the thunderous tones of the X Factor theme tune began. The four judges were introduced one by one; Louis Hughes, who actually had the grey hair; Danni Mayers who was all dolled up for the occasion; Cheryl Mc Causley who turned out to be her usual emotional self; and Simon Mc Comiskey who later turned out to be his usual miserable self. They were all sitting down at their judges’ table, which had been painted dark blue for the occasion, with ‘FSL Factor’ written across the front in sparkly gold bubble writing. Ready for lift off Simon!!! This singing act was absolutely extraordinary. Dermot even introduced her by saying, ‘get ready for the hairs to stand up on the back of your neck’. Yes, she was the absolutely fantastic and glamorous Orla Mc Cormack who stole the show with her rendition of ‘Run,’ originally performed by Snow Patrol. The high notes were handled perfectly and she very much impressed the audience. Cheryl –“It was a life changing experience’; ”Louis -‘I’ve been left speechless’; Simon -‘It was brilliant, 100% better that the last act!’. The third act, known as ‘Busking on the Main Stairs’ were a group of Year 12 girls. They gave a great acoustic performance of ‘Wonder Wall’ by Oasis. Now, the fourth act was one of the most controversial acts of the whole X Factor - Jedward had arrived in FSL. They sang Ghostbusters, with creepy ghouls emerging scarily, which both pleased and freaked out the audience with laughter. Jedward described themselves as ‘superstars’ and they impressed Louis - ‘the crowd loved them and I loved them’ although Simon still wasn’t impressed - ‘ the only positive was that you only had five words to sing.’ The sixth act was pianist Gareth Greenfield who played us a piece which was about spring and lifted our winter blues; it was accompanied by a slideshow of spring pictures which amused the audience - especially the picture of a squirrel! The piece was flowing and tranquil and displayed tremendous skill. The judges agreed - Danni - ‘I’m blown away’, Simon -‘It was excellent’, Cheryl - ‘This is the reason I got into the music business.’ The next act was a great dance troop and was the youngest of all the contestants being from a Year 8 collect. Their name was HSS and the Gang - names called after their mentors. They really knew how to work a crowd in the beginning and went on to display fantastic dance skills that could definitely rival Diversity! They were very entertaining with a terrific choice of music and a surprising back flip that added excitement to the performance. The eighth act was known as ‘The Box’. They also had absolutely fantastic song choices, performing a medley of Billie Jean, Drop it Like it’s Hot, My Humps and Satisfaction. Great dance moves were added by Robb. Danni -‘Really entertaining,’ Cheryl -‘Well done’. The tenth act was Nathan Graham who sang ‘I’m Yours’ and his vocals matched those of Jason! The whole hall went silent when he started singing and then burst into uproar when he had finished, like a professional. Louis - ‘I’m very impressed’, - Danni - ‘Pitch perfect, took the song and made it his own.’ The eleventh act was ‘Pea Soup’ who performed ‘I Gotta Feelin’ by the Black Eyed Peas although it was a basically a huge rave up which included a violin, glow sticks and comic strip boxers. The vocals were fabulous and it was great fun. Louis -‘interesting to say the least’, Cheryl -‘you look fabulous.’ Staffloss Flatly was the non voting next act and it began at first with Mr Timothy walking on stage dressed up as a gangster, then putting a large cigar in his mouth and playing the fiddle. Then to everyone’s horror/ absolute amazement, Mrs Leaker, Mr Robinson and Mrs Reid skipped onto the stage, dressed in our uniforms and began to River Dance. It was an extremely surreal experience, especially when they got the judges to join in; they looked like they were thoroughly enjoying it though. Simon refused to dance saying that ‘the dancers were out of time.’ I think we could all think of way more comments than that! The final, and probably most exhilarating, act was ‘Pat and the Gearys’ who were a tribute rock band to Mr Pat Geary. They were a bit slow to start but once they got going, they were incredible. They had fantastic costumes which included scarves, ripped shirts and one of the instruments was a screwdriver and a block of wood. The sexy lead man, Luke the Duke, really went to town with his dancing and working the crowd. He really stole the show. Luke’s name was even written across four people’s stomachs. He was amazing and had great energy. Even the judges were stunned; Cheryl -‘Wow guys, wow’, Danni - ‘Well done’. Pat and the Gearys was a great way to end the show. It ended with a bang and Dermot received great applause. Some Sixth Form girls even proposed to him! It was an absolutely fantastic show and I would like to thank the acts, judges, staff and Dermot for a fantastic show! Can’t wait until next year!
FSL Factor
