I was almost as excited for Britney Spears week on The X Factor as I was for Take That week last week. I love me some Britney. Plus it helps that my favourite Radio 1 DJ has been going on and on and on about it for weeks, I can’t wait to hear what he has to say about it on Monday because to be honest…it was a big let down.

The five remaining contestants just didn’t do her songs justice. I mean Ruth singing ‘I love rock n roll’, is that really a Britney song just because she might have sung it once? No. And she killed it, and I don’t mean killed it in a good way — in her defence I do think there was something a little wrong with the sound tonight because I was having a hard time hearing any of the acts, even when they were clearly belting it out — but at some points I actually thought she’d forgotten the lyrics she was mumbling that much.

JLS doing ‘Hit Me Baby One More Time’, just wrong.

Euoghn singing ‘Sometimes’ was cringe-worthy.

Diana singing ‘I’m Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman’ was an awful warbly mess, and that’s coming from someone who loves Diana’s usual warbly style.

Alexandra was the only one who did her song choice, ‘Toxic’, any justice at all.

As for the Britster herself, well it was obvious moment after the song started that she was miming — which is understandable giving the song, but the fuss that has been made about her first live UK performance in 4 years, you’d think they’d at least have her actually sing live…and maybe put an ounce of effort into the performance.

Oh well.

Still love me some Britney Spears.

Firstly, I am impressed. The last few seasons at this point I have wondered if it is worth continuing as the talent factor seemed low, but this year I already love several of the acts and there’s only two or three who have ‘Early Boot’ written all over them.

I also feel I should disclose I have a total girly crush on the lovely Cheryl Cole — not in a sexual way you understand, she just makes me happy on the inside because she’s beautiful and sweet!

Dani has the worst set of acts, Cheryl has the best, some of Simon’s will do well because they are hot boys and Louis….poor Louis, why has he not retired yet?

Best performances of the night were Alexandra, who I never rated too much throughout the audition process and sweet little Diana who has a divine voice — though I did agree with Dani’s criticism that the performance with the hands was a bit..err..creepy.

Worst performances were Daniel, the guy who…let’s be honest…is only on the show because his wife died in tragic circumstances. He’s a cruise ship singer at best. And Rachel, awful styling, awful song choice, awful voice and just bloody awful attitude — I strongly dislike her. Also poor Scott, probably the worst performance on X Factor ever, good on Simon for admitting he made a terrible song choice for him and good on the public for giving the lad a second chance.

I also didn’t rate Laura too much, it wasn’t atrocious but the comments from the judges confused me as they were singing her praises and calling it the performance of the night. I think it was sketchy and her styling was way off…Cheryl made this gorgeous young creature look about 2 stone heavier than she is by pouring her into a dress that was clearly too small for her!

I was surprised by the bottom two, both of the girl groups. Neither wowed me, but neither were terrible either…except for Girl Bands name…I mean really, why did no one change that god awful name as they progressed in the competition? Based on their second performances I really felt like Bad Lashes deserved to stay — they are at least memorable. Girl Band should be renamed Girl Bland!

Overall, great start to the live shows