Finalist press conference
11 Dec 08
The hoards of journalists that turned up to the pre-final press conference were made to wait. Wait and wait, for a considerably long time until the main event began.
In true popstar fashion, over half an hour late, The X Factor finalists accompanied by their mentors (and Dannii) were led out and took to their seats, ready for a grilling from the great and the good of the media world.
After a brief introduction that included footage of each of our finalists’ journey to the final, it was down to business.
Simon was asked if there was any chance The X Factor’s winner single would not make it to the Christmas Number One slot.
“No,” was his blunt reply: “I can’t see how anybody else will be able to compete. Although naturally we’re hoping Geraldine’s Christmas record will do well!” he joked dryly.
When asked what he thought of this year’s competition Simon said: “For me it’s the most exciting final we’ve ever had, because genuinely I don’t think you can call it, I think it’s theirs to win on Saturday night, and to me that’s what a final is all about.”
It wasn’t long before Dannii was asked the inevitable question: “Will you be coming back on the show next year?”
Dannii shrugged and turned to look at Simon prompting him to answer on her behalf.
“We’ll sit down in January and work things out, but I would be surprised if we come back next year with a different line-up,” he said.
Cheryl admitted that her involvement with The X Factor had proved to be an eye-opening experience, getting a real insight into the music business from “the other side”, but stressed her experience had been made so special thanks to the three girls in her category Laura, Diana and Alexandra.
Louis said that he thought it was the best series of X Factor ever: “It can get very emotional because we take it so seriously, don’t we Dannii?” he teased.
Proceedings were then brought to an end, but not before Simon added a little intrigue by suggesting Robbie Williams may turn up on Saturday night:
“I would have liked Robbie to be there on Saturday night, it’s never too late, he’s still one of the biggest stars in the country, and I like Robbie.”
So watch this space pop-pickers, you heard it here first, but would you actually like to see Robbie on Saturday’s show?