The X Factor this year has found its ratings flagging, being beaten regularly by the BBC, whose programmes Strictly Come Dancing – and even Countryfile – have reported more viewers than the ITV flagship show.
Simon Cowell has tried all manner of things to remedy the situation, but to no avail, with the Halloween show returning its lowest viewer numbers since the very first episode – way back in 2004.
Hope however might be on the horizon, with Dublin twins, Jedward, who first shot to fame on the programme in 2009, offering an olive branch to Simon Cowell in the form of a one off appearance and performance.
The duo were invited to perform on the X Factor final last year, but negotiations broke down when it was revealed that they would not be allowed to sing one of their newer, self-penned songs, as producers wanted to “forever keep Jedward in 2009”. John and Edward have been writing and producing their own music for the past three years, with ‘Ferocious’ reaching number 15 on the Irish charts last year.
Speaking to The Irish Sun, John spoke about performing on the show,
“We can bring spontaneity which is something the X Factor really needs right now. These are desperate times. Simon has made all sorts of changes this season to try and re-energise the X Factor and failed. But we know we can do the job.”
John and Edward have been in Los Angeles for the better part of this year, refining their fourth album, made entirely of songs written and produced by them. The pair hope to represent the UK at next year’s Eurovision Song Contest: if so it will be a welcome return for the pop twins who have sung for Ireland twice, in 2011 and 2012, both times finishing higher than the UK. A shortlist of acts will be made public on January 1, with the British public having the final say on who gets to go to Stockholm next May.
Jedward are currently at home in Dublin where they have been appointed the Christmas ambassadors for Irish charity, ALONE, which highlights the isolation and loneliness sometimes felt by the elderly. Edward said,
“We think that it’s a really important cause and that everyone should take some time to look out for older people in their community. We encourage everyone to spread the Christmas cheer by sharing your presence, which is the most important gift of all”.
All proceeds from Jedward’s single, ‘Leave A Mark’, will go to the charity. Donations to ALONE can be made via their website, with 100% going to their front line services.
