AngryApe — On a show like The X Factor more info

Guardian Music — This Scottish singer sounds simultaneously husky and smooth, suggesting the R&B pop of fellow Caledonian crooner Marti PellowHometown: Edinburgh.The lineup: Alex Gardner (vocals, guitar).The background: Oh well, that's Olly Murs buggered. If the idea... more info

Guardian Music — Hammersmith Apollo, LondonSeven years after being crowned winner of Britain's first Pop Idol television show, Will Young is celebrating the release of a greatest hits album, starting with two shows five minutes from his front door. But his thoughts a... more info

AngryApe — Because of The X Factor chart competition more info

The Independent — They sing like drunks in a midnight choir, dance like goats on mescalin and are, frankly, pretty charmless. But The X Factor's Jedward are breaking new ground in the fine and long established art of obtaining money for old rope. The gruesome twosome... more info

NME — Singer reportedly in talks to appear on the live final more info

Guardian Music — The former Genesis frontman on fan funding, reliable filters, and why he would commission an alternative to The X FactorWhen I blogged about the lack of women in the music industry, one manager claimed that this is because girls are less interested i... more info

Guardian Music — If the pose seems vaguely familiar, it may be that side-on, over-the-shoulder look. Laura Barton has certainlyseen it somewhere beforeThe cover of Cheryl Cole's debut album, 3 Words, is a sophisticated affair. Shot in black and white by fashion photo... more info

Guardian Music — 'Singing out of tune can convey emotions that being in tune can't'One of the weirder side effects of watching The X Factor is that I've started to think singing in tune is hugely overrated. It's a central tenet of the show that singers should be note... more info

Stopcryingyourheartout.com — What made you want to cover Oasis's 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out'?"I just like doing covers and singing great songs. I wanted to do a song by a band and I love Oasis. I love Snow Patrol as well which is why I covered 'Run' for the repackage of Spirit.... more info