by Jan Beukes

Created on: November 12, 2009

This is the TV show that millions of people across Britain look forward to every year. Simon Cowell prides himself in the fact that this is where stars are born. On his show, dreams come true and, for many, dreams get dashed. Last year's winner was Alexandra Burke and even the runners up, 'JLS' are now super-stars.

Friends and family get together on Saturday and Sunday evenings, often with a take-away, and wait eagerly to see their favourite contestants sing their hearts out. They hold their breath as they hear the results of the public votes and watch the eliminations.

During those early weeks of the show, viewers are entertained by the weird and wonderful performances of every day people dreaming of becoming a super-star. From young teenagers to old 'wrinklies', they queue up in their droves to get their chance to impress the judges. Solo's, groups, people with pets - yes, pets - and this year there were twins named John and Edward. These awkward looking youngsters, with hair piled about six inches high, strutted onto the stage and didn't sing one note in tune. To everyone's amazement, the pair got through to the next round - Louis Walsh, one of the judges seemed to think they were wonderful!

With Simon and Louis are Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue as the judges this year. Simon is the mentor for the over 25's, Louis has the groups, Cheryl has the under 25 boys and Dannii has the under 25 girls. Eventually, the contestants are whittled down to twelve finalists and then, each week, one has to go.

On Sunday 8th November, millions of viewers were in uproar. Screams of disbelief came from all over the country as they saw a beautiful singer named Lucie Jones get voted out of the show. Each week, it boils down to the two acts with the lowest votes that have to sing again before the judges. Lucie sang perfectly with emotion that brought tears to many a viewer's eyes. The twins then came bounding onto the stage, sang appallingly as they leaped around the stage and around the audience. No competition.

It was now down to the judges. 'This should be easy' everyone thought. People sat there smugly on their couches watching their screens as they felt sure this was at last the week when those twins would finally go. Dermot O'Leary, the show's popular presenter, first asked Louis for his vote. Louis, rather reluctantly said 'I have to keep my twins'. Danni and Cheryl applauded the twins for their admirable effort - thinking of course that this was 'it' for them - and both

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