X Factor

The most popular TV show in the UK and Ireland is called X Factor. This program is a singing competition pitting contestants against each other. The talent search has been on since September on Saturday and Sunday evenings plus the Xtra Factorshow where guests comment on the previous acts. It has been part of our weekly ritual as we strive to fit in.

There are four mentors, each one assigned a different category of singers. They help the contestants with their song selection and styling, whilst the judge also judges the contestants of the other categories. This year Simon Cowell takes care of the bands. Danii Minogue is with the boys. Cheryl Cole has the girls and Louis Walsh is responsible for the "over 28s".

Last Sunday, Mary Byrne, a 50 years old single mom from Dublin was ousted from the show. Much to the chagrin of Irish people. There will even be a civic reception in her honor. Her recent success will mark the end of her employment as a checkout clerk for Tesco, a supermarket chain.

This week-end will be the final show with the crowning of a new X Factor winner. Still running for the crown are:

Cher Lloyd, a teenager who likes to integrate rap into her songs. Rachel's favorite.

Rebecca Ferguson, a young 'Aretha Franklin' from Liverpool.

Matt Cardle a man who can hit the high notes.

One Direction an amalgamation of 5 young kids. The next big boy band?

However, there is much opposition against the X Factor in the UK and since fans vote to keep their favorite act. For several weeks, people have kept a mediocre singer in the competition: Wagner (pronounced Vagner). He was somewhat viewed as a symbol of contestation.

Also, there is a campaign called "Cage against the machine" supporting a massive buy of a John Cage's opus (4 and a half minutes of complete silence) in order to prevent the X Factor winner of being at the top of the record sales charts. Last year saw Rage Against The Machine's "Killing In The Name" beat 2009 X Factor winner Joe McElderry's song to the Christmas number one after a similar internet petition.

Who will be this year's winner? And more importantly will they make it across the Atlantic?