Three stars

In Glasgow, the 'real' X-Factor winner was Nicholas McDonald - if the reaction of his fans at the SSE Hydro are anything to go by.

The tour behind the hit ITV show rolled into the city tonight for three live performances of pretty much everything we saw on TV last year.

Well, with the exception of Dermott O'Leary, it would have just made the show if he twirled on stage, "Your Friday night starts right here."

Primed as the UK's answer to Rihanna, Tamera Foster opened up the show with, drum roll...Ri Ri's hit We Found Love.

Tamera is the perfect pop package for the likes of Simon Cowell but as an opener she lacked the charisma of Scotland's very own Nicholas.

Strolling on the stage to Robbie Williams' Candy, the St Aidan's High pupil screamed cheekily, "Glasgow!" - and I wonder how long he has waited to play to his biggest home audience yet?

Sam Callahan followed with the Bryan Adams Summer of 69 before Hannah Barrett's voice shined through Read All About it.

Luke Friend made his set a little rock n roll before running through the audience to Play That Funky Music.

Next up was Rough Copy - who were a member down - leaving the audience confused.

They didn't even bother to explain Maz's absence...it was hard to focus when all you kept thinking was what has happened to the third member?

The show really got going in the second half as the stars started to engage more with the audience.

The fans' review: X Factor Live

Heartthrob Luke Friend made one teenage girl's night (Lisa) when he sang One Direction's What Makes you Beautiful to her.

But the night was really all about Nicholas who confirmed he will be releasing a single and album.

He also took time to thank everyone who voted for him adding, "I can't believe I'm at the Hydro. I love you Glasgow."

When he sings as good as he does...you don't mind coming out to support a Scottish star in the making.

Throughout the show there was no sign of winner Sam Bailey.

But then they wanted to save the best to last.

She is a power ballad lovers' dream - yes I admit it I love a power ballad.

Her rendition of Jennifer Rush's Power of Love is simply stunning.

She then made a song - and very little dance about the fact she was criticised for hardly moving during the show as she performed Whitney Houston's How Will I Know. Only for her to not give the choreography we were quite expecting.

Perhaps Sam should just stick singing.

Dancing aside, the Londoner is an outstanding performer...she sings songs that women want to sing along go - and for that very reason she will succeed beyond the X-Factor.

The night ended with a group performance of Lifted...and you have to wonder if anyone sitting in the audience could be on that very same stage next year.

After all, the X-Factor really is the people's show.