EARNING their celebrity status through a reality TV show, the stars of The X Factor have certainly not escaped criticism.

Performing three dates in the north west - two nights at the Manchester MEN Arena and one at the new Echo Arena, the nine finalists and a handful of the show's worst audition entrants serenaded the audience with their most memorable performances from the ITV1 programme.

The audience, made up mainly of enthusiastic children and middle aged couples, were greeted by manufactured girl band Hope, who, despite their slightly uncoordinated dance routines proved to be a breath of fresh air - despite being dressed in basques and tiny shorts.

Seeing two overly energetic twenty-something siblings singing an almost pantomime version of the Wham classic, Wake Me Up Before You Go Go would normally raise concern, but everything and anything goes in The X Factor and Same Difference went down a storm.

Oozing confidence and seemingly relaxed performing in front of thousands, former dinner lady Niki Evans, aged 34, from Tamworth, joked with fans and received an overwhelming response after singing love ballad Total Eclipse of the Heart.

Unfortunately, the performances of boy band Futureproof and solo artist Andy Williams were almost soul destroying, proving these acts look set to be little more than a flash in the pan.

Winner of last year's The X Factor, Leon Jackson, the 19-year-old who cried at the drop of a hat, dismissed any controversy over Rhydian missing the top spot by demonstrating that he was the rightful winner of the contest.

Performing two swing numbers and his number one single When You Believe, the Scottish popstar closed the show proving without any doubt that reality TV can produce talented acts.