The annual X Factor charity song is this year a cover of Rose Royce’s 1978 hit ‘Wishing on a Star’ – not to be confused with their song from the M&S advert, that’s ‘When You Wish Upon a Star’. Needless to say, it’s unlikely to go down in musical history.
What it does offer us is a chance to hear what this year’s finalists sound like on a record. Standouts are Sophie Habibis, and Perrie Edwards from Little Mix (rather bizarrely, the rest of Little Mix don’t seem to sing). Janet Devlin’s voice is as distinctive as always, Misha B is given a prime spot opening the song, whilst Marcus Collins sounds like he’s singing a little too high.
The most bizarre moment of the song, however, is JLS and One Direction joining for the last 30 seconds or so for a completely needless cameo, reportedly because Simon Cowell thought this year’s contestants weren’t good enough, although Oritsé’s “Woo!” is up there with JB’s legendary “Merry Christmas”.
Rating: 5/10
Good: It’s raising money for the children’s charity Together for Short Lives.
Bad: “JLS, 1D.” Really, Oritsé? You’re no Jason Derülo.
