Wow, Saturday night was filled with top UK (and US) talent in the shape of Paul Akister and Maria Ellinas and the world was introduced to two more Team Midas acts, Lola Saunders and Ben Haenow.
Onto Sunday and the auditions hit Cheryl's home town of Newcastle. The north east is a beautiful place full of amazing scenery, friendly down to earth people and also my home. The musical talent here is breathtaking, X Factor acts of the future to watch out for include Oli Patto, Beth Coates and girl band The Sweets.
After Simon gave us the worst Geordie impression ever, (sorry boss) we got on with the auditions.
Shoe sales assistant Kerrianne Covell kicks us off admitting that she may now be out of a job as her boss wouldn't allow her the time off to attend the audition...but here she is. Thankfully she can sing like an angel and sailed into the next round. Simon said her singing was "effortless" and Chery called her "gorgeous". After her audition Simon called Kerrianne's boss and left a message saying: "Hello, it's Simon Cowell. I'm phoning to apologise actually for Kerrianne not being at work today. "She has got through to the next round but would like her job back in the short term. "But if she makes it through, she'll probably never talk to you again. I hope that's OK. Call me, bye. Priceless
Team Midas' Geoff Mull is up next and if anyone deserves their time in the spotlight, it's him. He gigs nearly every night, whilst still working full time. Following rejection last year, Simon tells him that this is his last chance to shine and Geoff takes it with both hands. He sings his original track 'Better Man' and knocks it out of the park. The judges all love him, Simon even calls him a 'nice guy'. Well done mate.
Lauren 'all the judges are animals' Lovejoy and Steve Tennet were both ok but they didn't wow me. I wish them all the luck in the world though.
Starlight brought gifts, but for the girls only. 'Nothing for us?' Simon asked. 'No. Just for the girls. I'm a female person.' Starlight replied...Let's hope she can sing?? Well, being honest, she couldn't sing a note but she was hilarious, she even turned round and waved her bum in Simon's direction and shouted 'up yours'.
Up next was Dr King, real name Adam and not really a Dr...or singer. Next.
I love acts that are hungry and who never give up but Raign came across as not at all likeable. Her first audition split the judges, Louis and Mel B said yes but Simon and Cheryl said no, which meant bye bye but Raign demanded another performance and sang her original song 'Don't let me go'. Simon changed his mind. I didn't. Still, she is Number 17 in Russia.
Janet Grogan and Emily Middlemas were both brilliant, just wish we had seen more of them. Can't wait to see them again at the arena.
Robert Pattinson's (yes, that one) older sister Lizzy did a tremendous version of 'Feels Like Home'. I think she could be one to watch, there is something about her, sadly all my Team Midas places are filled.
Fish shop worker Michael Rice (and chips) looked nervous but as soon as he started singing, the judges were mesmerized and so was I. This is why these shows work, to give genuine talent a shot.
Yorkshire lass Kayleigh Manners was doing it for herself and Mel B. She immediately got me onside by singing Cher Lloyd's 'Want U Back'. Great vocal, likeable and memorable. A perfect combination.
The last room audition slot was filled by 2012 contestant Jake Quickenden. His first song just wasn't doing it, the judges just weren't feeling it. After some advice by the judges, Jake sang 'Say Something' and everything changed. Louis summed it all up "That second song was so emotional. I can see you doing really well." I think Jake will be a serious contender.
Right, I'm off to Wembley Arena...see you next week.