In fact, if not for one of them, Princess Pat that is married, Beyonce’s All the Single Ladies would have been more appropriate a tune to kick start the finale of X Factor as a way of demonstrating the sheer female domination of the show.
With all the five male contestants booted out, the big chase for the grand cash prize of N24 million and Sony Music’s recording contract is now between the all-female-cast of Princess Pat, DJ Switch, Vicky and Eshun.
As the show opened, anchor girl, Toolz, announced that contestants would be singing two songs each: a ballad and a contemporary. Fresh off from her eviction ‘scare’, Vicky was the first to mount the stage, singing Celine Dion’s All By Myself so enchantingly she had the audience bursting into intermittent applause. After her performance, MI could not but score her high as he declared: “Amazing performance. You’ve got a beautiful voice! You’re like a flower on this show; you’re blossoming gradually.”
Next was Eshun in a flowing gown and a gorgeous hairdo. She sang Shania Twain’s It Must Have Been Love, which earned her a standing ovation. “Eshun, you’ve made Onyeka cry again,” Toolz said as Onyeka wiped tears off her eyes, saying, “There ‘s a spirit about her that just bubbles up whenever she’s in her elements. Ghana, please vote for her. Nigeria, I tell you, this is a star!”
DJ Switch climbed the stage next in a dramatic fashion. With an easel set up on stage, she began to paint a picture as she sang Adele’s Someone Like You. As usual, Switch injected fluid rap into the song. And veteran Onyeka grinned while saying, “I think you perform best when you express deep feelings. Your performance really touched me. You also showed another side of yourself that we never knew, that you can paint.”
Reggie gushed: “This girl has the X Factor. And that’s all I’m going to say!”
It was the turn of Princess Pat to show the stuff she’s made of as she mounted the stage to perform Cece Winan’s Alabaster Box. At the end of her song, Reggie commented: “You took us to church and everybody here knows that I’m about God. You did a great job.” As for MI, he said: “It’s one thing to sing a song that we’re connected to emotionally, and it’s another thing to perform it excellently. What you just did is not for kids; it’s a master class performance. You are changing into a superstar, I don’t even know you anymore!”
Vicky led the rock song performances with an exceptional delivery, and after her performance, MI declared: “I have to give it up for Mama Onyeka. That was a fantastic song choice; I think you can loosen up a bit more, but I love the energy you have!”
But Onyeka countered: “I’ve been 35 years on stage; all my song selections are on point! Thanks for the compliment, but it should come every time. Vicky, you did a wonderful job!”
Looking very colourful and every inch a rock star, Eshun, moved energetically with a snazzy dance step as she sang her heart out. At the end of her performance, Reggie surprisingly said: “You did a good job, but I wasn’t feeling it.”
Onyeka quickly replied him: “Thank God for the audience out here who are witnesses to her lovely performance. I will be shocked if you do not win this competition.”
DJ Switch followed immediately as she switched styles singing Encore by Jay Z and Black and White by Michael Jackson. Even before she concluded her performance, Switch was already getting a standing ovation from the audience. The scene became dramatic as a teenaged girl ran on stage to hug her. It was unarguably the loudest ovation ever from the audience at the show.
Reggie obviously felt her performance as he said: “I like to thank you for coming into my life, because I have never seen something like this, and trust me, I’ve seen a lot in my life. You’re a star baby!”
Princess Pat closed the show singing Adele’s Setting Fire To The Rain. After her rendition, Onyeka said: “My comments are in two parts. We were chosen as judges because of our integrity and so, I must speak. Some of your notes were off, but on the other hand, you’re here competing with these young girls, and you’re rocking it all the way. Well done.”
On his part, Reggie simply said: “Like MI said, you’re an inspiration to me. Bless you!”
And MI affirmed: “I’m sure many people laughed at your decision to come on X Factor, but here you are among the top four. It’s not about sentiments; you’re a star! I loved everything about your performance. Africa, please vote for this woman.”
Culled from The Sun newspaper
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