Just one direction for X Factor winner Matt
The band, made up of five teenagers, including Westmeath native Niall Horan, appeared crestfallen as host Dermot O’Leary broke the news that they had been beaten into third place in the popular contest.
Their defeat meant Matt Cardle and Rebecca Ferguson were left to battle it out for the right to become the latest protege of the Simon Cowell-run show, after 17-year-old Cher Lloyd’s earlier exit on Saturday.
After both finalists sang versions of Biffy Clyro’s hit, Many A Horror, former painter and decorator Matt was named the winner of the public vote.
The 27-year-old male singer’s version of the track will now be released in time for an assault on the Christmas charts.
“I’m so proud,” he explained immediately after being told he received the most support from the estimated 21 million people who watched the live final.
While the result was music to at least one person’s ears, it was devastating for fans and relatives of Irishman Niall Horan whose boy band, One Direction, missed out on the top prize.
Speaking on RTÉ News, his uncle, Danny, said Ireland should still be proud of his “achievements”, adding: “That’s not the last of him, he’ll be back.”
One Direction’s show mentor, Simon Cowell, repeated the comment, stating he was “absolutely gutted” for the band members and that “all I can say is, this is just the beginning for these boys”.
Despite the comments, however, Matt’s success had been far from a surprise for bookmakers, with William Hill offering odds of 8/11, followed by One Direction at 9/4 and Ferguson in third place at 9/2.
During Saturday night’s show, Cher Lloyd had performed a duet with Black Eyed Peas star Will.i.am, including the band’s world-wide hits Where Is The Love and I Gotta Feeling.
Matt sang Unfaithful with Rihanna, who said afterwards: “He’s amazing, he’s adorable”.
Mother-of-two Rebecca performed a duet with Christina Aguilera, seeming almost lost for words during their rendition of her hit, Beautiful.
And quintet One Direction sang She’s The One arm in arm with Robbie Williams — continuing the trend of big name stars who have been keen to showcase their tracks on the popular show.
This year’s contestants will also be hoping the air-time given to them in recent weeks will help to turn them into stars.
On the same day as the latest X Factor final, 2009 winner Joe McElderry — who just 12 months ago was promised fame and fortune — saw his most recent single release enter the British charts at number 68.
Simon Cowell, who has seen his fame and income rise dramatically, signed a new contract with broadcasters ITV on October 18 to extend the programme’s run by another three years.
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