Love it or hate it, it's X-Factor season, which means not only two shows a week but newspapers, blogs, TV news and even chat with your friends is peppered with talk of the 'hopefuls' or what the celebrity performer was wearing at the weekend. Let's face it, X-Factor is unavoidable. But so you don't have to give up time listening to records you actually like or watch any badly sung versions of Lady Gaga's songs, here's Q's handy blaggers' guide to the last five contestants so you can bluff your way through the next few weeks without hurting your ear drums.
Janet Devlin
The boring Irish one
So twee she makes Birdy look like a member of Mastodon, this cutesy Irish seventeen year old is a firm favourite to win. So far this series she has covered the likes of Sixpence None The Richer and Elton John, escaping the bottom two every week. However, she does score points for naming hippie hero Devenrda Banhart as her favourite artist.
Chances of a career after X-Factor: Too boring to last in the world of pop, could be a shoe-in for next year's John Lewis advert soundtrack
Marcus Collins
The one who looks a bit like Prince
He might look a bit (and only a bit) like Prince but this Scouse crooner is no sexy MF but more of a Bruno Mars type with a penchant for big fifties rock 'n' roll performances - dancers, slick suits, the lot. This is his second time on X Factor, having previously competed in 2006 as part of boyband Eton Road. Will it be second time lucky for Collins? The bookies seem to think so, with odds of 15/8 on the Liverpool hairdresser to triumph.
Chances of a career after X-Factor: So so. And there's always the Bruno Mars tribute act option...
Amelia Lily
The comeback kid
With her bright pink hair and growly vocals, 16 year-old Amelia Lily is probably this year's most rock contestant. Admittedly, that's not saying much - she's more Kelly Clarkson than Courtney Love - but since returning to the competition on 9 November to replace wild child Frankie Cocozza, she's injected a bit of bite into proceedings, roaring her way through renditions of Lady Gaga and Queen songs. It's apparently a bit much for some, though. The singer has struggled to pick up votes and Gary Barlow accused her of "shouting her way through" one performance.
Chances of a career after X-Factor: Not bad. Avril Lavigne is still lingering around so why not this rock chick?
Misha Bryan
The one who actually looks like she's a popstar
With her outlandish costumes, otherworldly style and creative streak, Misha Bryan could well be the competition's answer to Lady Gaga. The Manchester teen has impressed judges throughout the competition but has failed to win over the public amid rumours that she's a troublemaker backstage and is "bullying" other contestents (actually we're starting to like her). On musical merit alone, Bryan is head and shoulders above the rest and her more mature song choices (Prince, Adele, Soft Cell) point to a credible taste in music... possibly.
Chances of a career after X-Factor: She might not win, but there will always be a place for Misha B in the West End.
Little Mix
The ones who are basically Girls Aloud part two
Already the most succesful girl group in the competition's history, Little Mix are strong contenders to win. The four piece have endured the added distraction of having to change their band name from Rhythmix for legal reasons during the competition - as Viva Brother will attest, never an easy task. Despite now having a name that sounds like a brand of cat food, the group have a good online following with their renditions of Nicki Minaj and Rihanna songs.
Chances of a career after X-Factor: If they don't win, expect some of them to be back in next year's show as soloists
Who will win? The result is will be announced on 11 December - then cue the Christmas chart battle. In the meantime, check out this interview with X-Factor judge Gary Barlow from last month's Q Awards.
12:30 PM | 25/11/2011
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