X Factor - Live Results Recording.

The other day I managed to get 2 general tickets for the recording of The X Factor - The Results Show, for Sunday 22nd November. I have never been to an X Factor recording before, so wasn't quite sure on what to expect from it, other than having to get there early to queue to make sure I get in. I haven't been watching this years X Factor but because I had this opportunity, I wasn't going to miss it.

3 hours of queueing in the freezing British weather - not happy about this. During this time, everyone in the queue were not really told on what was happening, other than we only had the possibility of getting in! This was due to the studio not knowing how many production guests were going to turn up. In my opinion the studio needs to be more certain about things like this, especially in the weather we were stood in. Aside from that, my friend and I managed to squeeze in, and after getting our bags checked, we got a shocking surprise when we walked into the studio.. it was so small!

A man, who was part of the production team, then pulled us and two others aside and told us he was going to put us in the front row, right next to the stage! I was quite shocked, as I really wasn't expecting it! As more people piled in, I realised that Chloe Jasmine & Stevie from last years contestants were sat behind us, as well as Sinitta. I was about an arms length away from all the X Factor regulars, including, Olly Murs, Caroline Flack, Cheryl, Rita Ora, Nick Grimshaw, Rochelle Humes and Simon Cowell, who doesn't look as scary in real life. Whilst the BTS crew were setting up, there was a comedian to keep the audience entertained - he lived up to his job!

The way they record The X Factor surprised me. Hardly any of it is happening in real time. They mix it all up, so it is live on the night but just pre-recorded. The first special guest performer was Olly Murs. He sang his latest single 'Kiss Me' and it was incredible. He had so much energy and charisma on stage and the song itself was so catchy.

The second performer was Nathan Sykes, previously in The Wanted. He sung his brand new solo single 'Over and Over Again'. I had only heard parts of this song on the radio, but never in full. I was surprised when he sat at a piano and just belted a ballad out. Somehow it was different from what I was expecting from him, but never the less, I really enjoyed it.

The X Factor contestants did the normal group performance together which, this week, was Rihanna's 'Diamonds'. This gave me a chance to see what each of their vocals were like and who I was routing for. One that stuck out for me was Lauren Murray. Up came the results and funnily enough, Lauren was the first to go through! The two acts in the bottom two, who had to sing for survival, were Che Chesterman and Anton Stephens. Both performed incredibly but unfortunately Anton was chosen to leave. This also meant that Simon was completely out of the running as he had no contestants left.

I'm really glad I had the opportunity to go and see this recording. It is so interesting seeing what happens behind the cameras and the bits in between the recordings. If I had the chance to go again I would.