Lascel Woods - Use Somebody

My favourite X Factor audition so far...

Spyke

So we're over half way through this year's X Factor auditions and so far it appears that the quality of talent has been a little bit sparse. With only a couple of stand out performances per show the poorer auditionees are getting plenty of screen time. But as we saw with this year's American Idol, the live semi-finalists were almost the only good performers to get shown during the earlier rounds. Plus after seeing the backlash after Gamu was knocked out prior to the live shows last year, the producers will be careful not to encourage favouritism of acts which they know are going to get knocked out before the viewers get a say.

I must say that I am really enjoying the new judging panel and they have definitely helped freshen up a show that was on the verge of getting a little stale. Gary Barlow has managed to fill Simon Cowell's shoes rather effectively as the head judge; much to Louis' disappointment. However, I presumed that it would be Tulisa that would be bringing the personality to the panel but at this stage it very much seems to be Kelly Rowland who is the one to watch. She usually has something to say and is regularly brought to tears - I think all those years in Beyoncé's shadow have taught her to stamp her mark with anything she does.

So here we are with my favourite audition so far. As youtube embedding is disabled you can watch it here. Lascel gives his own acoustic version of Kings Of Leon's massive #2 hit Use Somebody. Well technically it's not all that original as we saw Pixie Lott add her similar style cover of the track to her re-release of her debut album, after she originally performed it on Radio 1's Live Lounge. I think Lascel has a brilliant voice and the potential to do very well in this competition especially when you know which judge is in charge of his category this year. I would be very surprised if Lascel didn't make it to the live shows even though there is a long way to go yet; if he does make it then he'll be the one that I'll be backing for the win (though in the past two years my favourite have gone out in 8th (Lucie Jones) and 9th (Aiden Grimshaw) so I'm not the best good luck charm).