X Factor twins: Who’s voting and why?

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27 October 2009, 10:32

They may be more dross than Bros. But reports that XXX rated Irish twins John and Edward scored the highest number of public votes on Sunday’s X Factor would suggest the not-so-dynamic duo are in with a serious shout of waltzing off this year’s X factor crown.

If they did it would be one of the biggest showbiz shocks of the year. Not to mention Simon Cowell’s worst nightmare.

But given that even their mentor Louis Walsh accepts that the boys can’t sing, who is voting Jedward and why?

Louis points to the twins ‘likeability’ factor as the reason behind their success. But could there be other factors behind why they’ve taken off the way they have?

Certainly one reason that shouldn’t be discounted is that there’s an anti-Cowell vote going on- with backing John and Edward a chance to put one over TV’s Mr Nasty who has been vociferous in his condemnation of the boys.

If that is the case then Cowell could find himself in the strange position of actively helping undermine the singing competition he created.

He would then find himself faced with a Catch-22 situation: lay off the boys in the hope the hype surrounding them fizzles out and run the risk of not pointing up their flaws. Or go for the jugular even more and risk alienating those who agree with him by coming across as bullying the twins.

Another factor to take into consideration is that John and Edward’ struggles in the show have struck a chord with teenagers who know what it’s like not to come up to scratch in their own lives and who are lending support to the underdog in their droves.

Then again it could be that people who don’t really care one way or another who wins are having a laugh by voting for the act they see as the least likely credible winners.

Plus Britain has always been a sucker for novelty acts. St Winifred’s School Choir anyone? And who can forget 1980 Ultravox classic Vienna being kept off the number one spot by Joe Dolce’s ‘Shaddup You Face.’

Only time will tell if Jedward can go all the way. But one thing is for sure, love them or loathe, the publicity surrounding the pair guarantees that the twins will be one of the biggest draws when the X Factor Live tour hits the road. And even Simon wouldn’t diss that.

Then there's the merchandising possibilities. Couldn't you see just see John and edward dolls flying off the shelves. Even if it was only to stick pins in.

Last updated: 27 October 2009, 11:49