Croydon’s X Factor contestant. Photo: ITV / X Factor.
Ben Haenow’s latest X Factor performance has stirred mixed feelings among the judges, with some of them tipping him to win the show and others criticising his song choice.
Croydon van driver Haenow performed I don’t wanna miss a thing by Aerosmith from the movie “Armaggedon” at the third live shows on Saturday, October 25, the week’s theme being “Friday night at the movies”.
Even though his rendition of the ballad got him into the 11 acts who made it through to the next live shows, Simon Cowell argued that it was “the wrong song” for the hopeful.
He said: “Ben, you’re one of the nicest contestants I’ve ever worked with and I think you’ve got an incredible talent. But I’m going to be honest with you, that was the wrong song for you. It didn’t show you being unique.”
The judge argued that the song was more “sound alike” but it didn’t make Haenow stand out, adding: “If things go well I could actually see you in the final and even winning this show, but I wish you hadn’t talked me into that.”
Haenow, who had been earmarked to perform You’ve lost that loving feeling by The Righteous Brothers earlier in the week, defended his choice saying: “The pressure was on me this week. To me it was a good choice because it’s a rocky song and it’s in my style.”
Louis Walsh, on the other hand, was very supportive of Haenow’s choice. He said: “Ben, that was the perfect song for you. Simon, you picked the wrong song and he picked the right song. You’re what this show is all about, an ordinary van driver with the extraordinary voice.”
He continued: “For me, you are one of the people to watch in the competition. I can see you going all the way. I talked to all my acts about the people in the house and they told me you’re the nicest guy in the house.”
Mel B also had both good and bad news for Haenow. She said: “I have to say you sounded pitch perfect for me. My only criticism is that I didn’t feel that raw emotion. You’re singing about a woman, show me that. But apart from that, vocals were on point.”
Cheryl, on the other hand, was enthusiastic: “I’m a big fan of yours Ben, I always have been. I’m not a big fan of that song because I think it’s been done to death, but I’m going to give it to you this week for your girlfriend. It was a good performance.”
The eliminations on Sunday, October 26 saw Jake Quickenden being sent home after the sing-off with group Only The Young. Haenow took to Twitter to express his disappointment at his friend leaving the show:
The Croydon hopeful also came up with a nickname for his fans earlier in the week. The hashtag “Haeniacs” quickly became one of the UK’s trending tweets last Wednesday, October 22:
Haenow will perform again next weekend, November 1-2 with the theme being “Fright night”.
Watch Haenow performing ‘I don’t wanna miss a thing’
