How girls outshone the X Factor boys: Females topped vote each week but millions switch off

By Simon Neville

Last updated at 8:00 AM on 13th December 2011


This year’s X Factor series proved to be a case of Girl Power reigning supreme.

The programme has released the voting percentages for the entire series, which show that female contestants were consistently more popular than the boys.

Irish teenager Janet Devlin received the most votes in the early weeks with eventual winners Little Mix not surging through until the latter stages of the competition.

X-Factor winners Little Mix (l-r Jade, Jesy, Perrie, Leigh Ann) with judge Tulisa Contoslavos (in centre). Girls outshone the boys in this years program

In 2010, winner Matt Cardle topped the voting throughout the entire series.
But this year, three acts took turns to grab the public’s affections and lead the field.

Miss Devlin, 17, was the bookmakers’ early favourite to win the competition, topping the poll in the first four weeks.


This included securing nearly a quarter of the total votes cast in the first week of voting.

She came second in week six behind the reinstated Amelia Lily, 17, who replaced Frankie Cocozza, 18, after he was axed for boasting of drug-taking.

High performing girls: Janet Devlin, Misha Bryan and Amelia Lily stole the show at this year's X-Factor

But after a string of poor performances, including twice forgetting her words, Miss Devlin slipped back and her position was taken by Little Mix.

Miss Lily’s popularity was also confirmed in the figures, topping the poll twice and being runner-up once, as well as taking third place in the final. the overall runner-up Marcus Collins, 23, never topped the public vote.

His best performance came in week five, when he gained second place.

Misha Bryan, 19, widely thought to have the strongest voice on the show, and who finished fourth, had the most varied set of results.

In week three she came third, but a week later she was bottom of the poll.

In week seven she finished second, only to once again end up last in week eight.

The figures that really matter, however, are the ratings.

The final, which aired live from Wembley Arena in North London on Sunday evening, was down more than four million viewers on the previous year.

Outshone: Marcus Collins (left), 23 never topped the public vote while Franie Cocozza (right), 17, was booted from the show for boasting about drug taking

It had an average audience of 13.1million, according to overnight TV ratings figures. That compared unfavourably to the 17.2million who watched Matt Cardle triumph in the 2010 competition.

Indeed, it was the lowest average audience for the final of the series since 2007, when Leon Jackson won the show.

ITV could at least draw comfort from the series still being the third most successful in The X Factor’s history.

The final helped to boost the series average up to 11million viewers across the 17-week run. It was also the second most watched show on British TV this year, behind only the Royal Wedding in April.

ITV also pointed out that BBC1 rival Strictly Come Dancing had averaged 9.7million viewers this series.

However, Strictly’s finale does not take place until this weekend, which is likely to boost its overall viewing figures substantially.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2073386/X-Factor-2011-Females-topped-vote-week-millions-switch-off.html#ixzz1gP1UmQca

Janet Devlin follows same route as previous X Factor stars with performance at G-A-Y

Thought you didn't want to be a puppet? Janet Devlin follows same route as previous X Factor stars with performance at G-A-Y

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 2:02 PM on 4th December 2011

Janet Devlin claimed she didn't want to be 'a puppet' on The X Factor, but is happily following in the path of former contestants.

It has long been an established ritual that evictees from the reality series perform their first post-show gig at central London venue G-A-Y.

And the Irish teenager obviously had no qualms about taking to the stage, despite lashing out at the programme that gave her a platform.

Comeback kid? Janet Devlin performs at G-A-Y after being kicked off The X Factor last week

The redhead channelled her inner rock chick, as she performed in chunky Doc Marten boots, denim shorts and tights speckled with stars.


Devlin also opted for a vintage Roxy Music T-shirt, with her trademark wavy mane hanging loosely over her shoulders.

She was obviously pleased with her performance, writing on Twitter: 'gig went well tonight! audience were great :)roll on glasgow tomorrow :}'

Stars in her eyes: Janet sings for fans, and manages an uncharacteristic smile

Janet also revealed to her followers that she had been watching the remaining contestants compete in the semi-final from her hotel room.

And despite Mischa B, Amelia Lily and the four girls of Little Mix still in with a chance of winning, Janet showed little support for the ladies.

Instead, Devlin wrote: 'watching the xfactor (sic) in my hotel room brings me back to watching it last year :)

'c'mon my wee marcus :)!'

Doing things her own way: Janet said she refused to be 'a puppet' on the ITV series, which ultimately caused her to be voted off

Earlier this week, Janet told Lorraine Kelly that she would have excelled further in the competition if she played by the rules of the producers.

She said: 'To me the sad thing about X Factor, and it's brought me down a lot, is the fact that I've just been covering other people's songs.

'It got to the point where I felt like a karaoke artist every Saturday night.

'From the start of the show I wanted to be myself and I didn't really care, in the sense that I just did what was me.

'I could have been a puppet and done a lot better but why would I do that?'

Janet was evicted last week after forgetting the lyrics for the second time.

She initially stumbled over her words to a version Jackson 5's I Want You Back earlier in the series, before suffering temporary amnesia while singing Hanson hit MmmBop last Saturday.

Temporary amnesia: Janet forgot the lyrics to Hanson track MmmBop while performing last week

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2069798/X-Factor-2011-Janet-Devlin-performs-G-A-Y.html#ixzz1fbhSoWiu

Behind the scenes at X Factor

We will frock you! Behind the scenes at X Factor

By Emma Cox



Last updated at 12:02 AM on 4th December 2011

The X Factor is as much about the hairstyles, fake lashes and spangly dresses as it is about hitting the high notes. YOU dodges the glitter guns and crimpers backstage in the frantic run-up to Saturday’s live show to find out how the X Factor preen team make the magic happen

On stage (from left) Amelia Lily, Marcus Collins

In dingy corridor in an anonymous-looking TV studio in West London, Kelly Rowland is pleading for ‘more sequins’ to be sewn on to Misha B’s corset.

Meanwhile, Amelia Lily is being told she looks ‘too cupcake’ in her pink dress, and the style team are plucking up the courage to ask Gary Barlow if Marcus can wear a pink suit. It is less than three hours before the show is due to go live, yet changes are still being made left, right and centre.

The X Factor's super-stylists Laury Smith, Jamie Stevens and Natalya Nair

For the remaining X Factor finalists, image is everything. Each week they get scrutinised by judges and fans alike, not just for their singing but for their hair, make-up and outfits. Contestant Sophie Habibis was voted off after a frumpy dress led to comparisons with Carol Vorderman. Her lesson? Get the outfit wrong, and you’re in trouble. So how are the contestants’ looks put together? YOU heads behind the scenes just a few short hours before the Saturday-night curtain call to meet the finalists and watch the X Factor team, led by stylist Laury Smith, hairdresser Jamie Stevens and make-up artist Natalya Nair, in action.

Little Mix

The group’s monochrome look was picked so the girls could show off their voices without distraction. The style team, seen working their magic below, admit it has been a challenge to make sure the girls have a cohesive look as they are all so individual. Hairdresser Jamie says, ‘I’ve taken inspiration from the androgyny on the catwalk, but it’s a more polished, shiny version.’

‘We look a little bit sexy, but not in an obvious way,’ says Little Mix’s Jade. ‘We want boys to fancy us, but we don’t want girls to think we’re going to steal their boyfriends!’

Little Mix, from left: Perrie Edwards, 18, Jesy Nelson, 20, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, 19, and Jade Thirlwall, 18. Their look was inspired by an outfit Kelly Rowland wore the previous week

From left: Stylist Laury nips and tucks Leigh-Anne's outfit; Perrie powers through Little Mix’s version of ‘Don’t let go’

Jesy, who says she has grown in confidence since the first week, shows off her nail chains

Marcus Collins

There is much excitement in the studio when Gary Barlow agrees to let Marcus wear a shocking-pink suit from Versace’s range for H&M. ‘I wasn’t sure if Gary would go for it as he has a more classic style,’ admits stylist Laury. ‘We thought the shoes [below] might have been a step too far, but we got away with it and Marcus looks great!’ The 23-year-old was a hairdresser in his previous life and says he can’t resist trying to style every passer-by he can get his hands on.

Marcus in the pink jacket Gary voted yes to

More pink - shoes to match

Janet Devlin

Although the flame-haired Irish singer is the first to admit she has no interest in fashion, her overall bohemian look is stylist Laury’s favourite of the night. Janet, 16, says, ‘I wouldn’t know how to describe my style. If I like it, I’ll wear it, basically. I’ve been wearing a lot of burgundy and bottle green since they dyed my hair redder. I like basic make-up and I’m not a glittery kind of girl. I think vocals are the most important thing but everybody else disagrees with me.’

Looking every inch a boho babe, Janet sings ‘Kiss me’; (right and below) getting her hair and make-up done

Misha B

Soulful Misha, 19, has every outfit customised or made from scratch. Hair stylist Jamie, below right, loves the challenge of changing her look every week: she has never had the same hairstyle. But her styling causes headaches for head costume maker Lee Benjamin, who has just hours to sew together her white gown complete with feathered shoulder pads and studded leather corset, (pictured).

Lee says, ‘I’ve got a day’s work to do in an hour! I look calm but I’m like a swan with the feet going underneath.’ Misha is delighted with her diva dress, which matches her Whitney Houston
song, ‘I Have Nothing.’

Misha performing ‘I have nothing’; she says costume maker Lee, left, who transformed her simple, flowing gown into a showstopper, is ‘a magician’

Relaxing in the wardrobe in a comfy 'onesie' and turban

Amelia Lily

Amelia has the most dramatic night in wardrobe after the style team decide to change her outfit a
nail-biting two hours before the show goes live. Stylist Laury decides Amelia’s original Topshop sequined dress is ‘too cupcake’ after watching her dress rehearsal and realising the outfit doesn’t match her attitude-filled performance. So the 17-year-old changes into a standby frock teamed with
a leather jacket for a more ‘rock chick’ look. Stylist Ollie Picton Jones says, ‘She’s Gwen Stefani meets Pink meets Desperately Seeking Susan.’

Amelia, who belted out ‘Think’, says her look appeals to her young girl fans

Stylist Laury decides to change Amelia's sugar-sweet frock to a rock-chick number just two hours before the show

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-2067583/X-Factor-finals-2011-We-frock-Behind-scenes.html#ixzz1fWcYR2b7

X Factor turned me into a karaoke singer: Axed singer Janet Devlin lashes out

X Factor turned me into a karaoke singer: Axed singer Janet Devlin lashes out at show bosses following her exit

By Holly Thomas and Marcus Barnes

Last updated at 8:57 AM on 29th November 2011


It's only been a day since she was voted off the X Factor but Janet Devlin has already turned on the show saying it turned her into a karaoke singer.

The 17-year-old lost out to fellow singer Misha B last night, but said she could have gone further if she'd have been a 'puppet' and done exactly what she was told.

Janet lashed out at the show during an appearance on the Lorraine Kelly Show this morning.

Puppet show: Janet Devlin appeared on the Lorraine Kelly Show where she lashed out at the X Factor saying it turned her into a karaoke singer

She told the chat show host: 'To me the sad thing about X Factor — and it's brought me down a lot — is the fact that I've just been covering other people's songs.

'It got to the point where I felt like a karaoke artist every Saturday night.'

And she reiterated that despite being told the opposite she stuck to her guns to avoid being a 'puppet'.

Controversial: Janet Devlin, who lost her place on the X Factor last night, has come under fire for her song choice

She said: 'From the start of the show I wanted to be myself and I didn't really care, in the sense that I just did what was me. I could have been a puppet and done a lot better but why would I do that?'

Janet's comments came as her choice of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ infamous 1992 hit, Under The Bridge, for her sing-off song put the X Factor at the centre of a new drugs scandal.

Viewers have protested over the flame-haired singer's song choice for her performance during the live results show.

Homeward bound: Janet's rendition of Red Hot Chili Peppers' infamous hit Under The Bridge wasn't enough to save her last night

Family support: Janet with her mother as the pair flew back to Belfast last night

The song about ex-addict Anthony Kiedis, 49, includes troubling lyrics about heroin needles drawing blood, has been slammed as an 'irresponsible' choice by children’s charities and anti-drugs groups.

The Sun reports that Claude Knights of child protection charity Kidscape complained: 'The X Factor is a family show and this was a disturbing and irresponsible song choice.'

Drug charity Focus 12, which offers counseling to addicts, has reportedly labelled the decision tasteless for a purportedly family-friendly show.

I did it my way: Janet stuck to her guns and refused to be a 'puppet' for the show

'The producers of The X Factor have a moral and social responsibility to the millions of children and teenagers who tune in,' raged head Chip Somers.

'They should be smarter about song choices, particularly given recent events on the show. The recent demise of Amy Winehouse should have shown us all how tragic drug and alcohol abuse is.'

'It is not something that should be taken lightly.'

According to The Sun an ITV spokesman has responded to the outcry: 'We won’t know if we have any complaints about this until Monday.'

Still smiling: Janet managed a cheery look as she left the X Factor studios last night, but anti-drugs groups are in uproar over her last performance

The issue is particularly poignant considering ex contestant Frankie Cocozza lost his place in the competition after admitting to snorting cocaine.

Despite the strength in numbers of regional voting, Janet Devlin lost her place in The X Factor semi-final last night.

After battling Misha B in the bottom two, it seems her native Northern Ireland couldn't save her.

Clear victor: There was little doubt that Misha B would survive another week

It was little surprise, considering the 17-year-old forgot the lyrics to her first song on Saturday while performing Hanson track MMMBop in the Guilty Pleasures round.

The redhead performed well in the sing-off, tapping into the innocence of her very first audition with a rendition of Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol.

But as Misha B belted out a hit from the Fame soundtrack, nailing her version of Out Here On My Own by Irene Cara, it was clear who was safe.

Humble: Janet gives rival Misha B a hug as she's voted off the show

Judge Louis Walsh said: 'It's getting tougher and tougher. I'm taking everything into consideration, judging on last night's two performances and the sing-off. The act I'm sending home is Janet.'

Under the Bridge is about Anthony Kiedis' struggle with drug addiction

Fellow panellist Tulisa Contostavlos followed his lead, continuing: 'I'm going to base my decision on the person who has a career after the show, who will sell records and sellout arenas.

'I'm sorry to say I'm sending home Janet.'

Their mentor Kelly Rowland turned on the waterworks, refusing to decide between the two.

'I know how great these two young ladies are. Janet, I admire you as a musician and you bring something so unique to the music industry. I absolutely love you and adore you,' she gushed.

'Misha, my goodness girl, you just want this so bad. I have to pass it, I'm sorry.'

The majority verdict was therefore decided, without Gary Barlow even having his say as Dermot O'Leary declared Janet was going home.

However, when O'Leary later quizzed Barlow, he said: 'I'd have sent Janet home.'

Poignant: Former contestant Frankie Cocozza, pictured performing in Liverpool on Thursday, lost his place on the X Factor after admitting to snorting cocaine

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2067066/X-Factor-2011-Axed-singer-Janet-Devlin-lashes-bosses-following-exit.html#ixzz1f5PBpBiP

Kelly Rowland reveals her naughty side

'You can’t keep me away from a good sex shop': Kelly Rowland reveals her naughty side

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 4:19 PM on 28th November 2011


She may come across as a wholesome, all-American girl who loves her mama and remaining X Factor acts.

But Kelly Rowland has revealed she 'ain't so squeaky clean after admitting a penchant for... sex shops.

Last night she appeared to be in disguise after donning an orange turban and huge sunglasses to escape the X Factor studios.

She may have wanted to make a quick getaway following her act Janet Devlin's exit from the competition.

The raunchy factor: Kelly Rowland has revealed she loves nosing around in sex shops, describing them as 'interesting places'

Steamy: The 30-year-old singer said she went to the sex shops 'with a bunch of people' so she didn't get recognised

But in an interview with the Daily Mirror, she said: 'You can’t keep me away from a good sex shop.

'Those are interesting places. I go with a bunch of people that way no one recognises me.'

The 30-year-old certainly notched up the raunch factor to launch her new album Here I Am in central London.

Last acts: Kelly congratulates her remaining acts Misha B, left, and Amelia Lily, right after the X Factor show

In disguise Kelly? Ms Rowland covers up in skin-tight jeans and killer heels to leave the X Factor studios

Wearing skin-tight leather trousers tucked into metallic snake-skin boots the star posed with a rack of her CDs in a branch of HMV.

Speaking ahead of her album launch, the singer also revealed new single Motivation describes how she feels during sex.

'I’m now liberated at 30, it’s almost a transition,' she said.

'I was scared what my mum would say after Motivation but she was yelling, "Go lover."'

Lucky punter: Nady Gomes, 28, was one of the first fans in the queue for Kelly's new offering

Lyrics to Motivation include: 'Oh lover, don't you dare slow down. Go longer, you can last more rounds.

'Push harder, you're almost there now. So go lover, make mama proud.'

Before the chorus kicks in with: 'And when we're done, I don't wanna feel my legs.'

Single lady Kelly said she did a lot of 'soul searching' after fiance Roy Williams left her six years ago.

Heartbreak: A distressed Kelly hugs her act Janet Devlin after the Irish singer got booted off the X Factor

Now the Destiny's Child singer admits she's more guarded when it comes to love.
'I’m careful with my heart. I don’t take cr** from no one these days. I put my foot down.
'Being a woman you deserve heaven and earth. So if a man wants to date me, know that I don’t take cr**.'
And, unlike her old band-mate Beyonce, 30, who is expecting a baby with husband Jay-Z, 41, next year, Kelly insists she isn't ready for children.
'...until I’m crazy in love with someone, like my best friend Bey is, then it’s not going to happen,' she said.

Goodbye and good luck: A deflated Janet exits the studios for the last time, left, while right, her sing-off rival Misha B goes through to next week's round

'When I get married it will be for life, divorce is not an option.'

Despite 17-year-old Janet's departure from the X Factor last night, Kelly remains the only judge with more than one act in the competition.

Amelia Lily, 17, and Misha B, 19, are her 'motivation' she said adding: 'To see how they have grown into artists with fantastic voices I am so proud.

'I’d love to have them sing on tour with me. I mean, they would put it down.'

New record: Rowland squeezed into spray-on leather trousers and snake-skin boots to launch album Here I Am in London on Monday

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2067070/Kelly-Rowland-reveals-naughty-You-away-good-sex-shop.html#ixzz1f1tJ95qH