X Factor UK

 For many the end of X Factor 2009 will warrant a big yippee. As the UK's equivalent of American Idol this show dominates British TV for months.

With regular repeats it is a show that is hard to ignore.

Whether X Factor has almost run its course in terms of longevity I am not sure. All of these types of programmes seem to have there run of success before the viewers tire of them.

Currently I expect that we shall still see X Factor next year, 2010, but whether it will carry on after then who knows? Possibly Simon Cowell.

As this year's competition draws to a close here are my thoughts.

X Factor 2009 has been a strange event.

The show underwent some changes. This year the auditions were held before a live audience in a theatre. This was Simon Cowell's idea and done to mimic Britain's Got Talent. For me it did not work.

The live auditions, as they used to be, were far more entertaining. They showed who had pure talent and also were really funny, when those who did not performed.

Once the live shows began there were quite a few problems. Louis Walsh's category of groups was so bad that the judges persuaded three girl solo performers to team up and form a group, Miss Frank, Despite their talent they were soon sent home.

Boyzone member Stephen Gately died suddenly and as manager of that band Louis Walsh was obviously upset. This lead to his absence from the show for a couple of weeks.

Then of course there was John and Edward Grimes.

These two young boys became X Factor's most controversial contestants ever. These young, Irish twins were entertaining in many ways but could not sing to save their lives. They improved over the weeks and stayed in the competition longer than they deserved.

Hated by some and loved bu others they certainly received plenty of publicity. Successive performers who could truly sing were sent packing whilst these two remained. Finally though they were sent home.

Now a couple of weeks later it is the Semi-Final.

The weekend of the 5th and 6th of December is the semi-final and the four remaining acts have battled it out to go through to the final. Each performed a Michael Jackson song and then a song chosen by their mentor.The following week the final will have three acts fighting for the X Factor crown. If the winner is even half as successful as previous winner Leona Lewis there future is assures.

The four semi-final acts are:-

• Olly Murs
• Danyl Johnson
• Joe McElderry
• Stacey Soloman

All have proved themselves worthy winners but for me young Joe McElderry shines above the rest. He is young and perfect for pop stardom. He looks and seems charming and has a wonderful singing voice. Of course though it depends who picks up the phone to vote.

Sunday the 6th December will see the final three revealed. The show will include performances by Janet Jackson and Lady GaGa.

Of course the results will be spun out and the contestants made to stew.

Still by 20.30 tonight we will know who is through to the X Factor final for 2009. Good luck everybody.