Having heard about some of the exciting new acts that had taken part in the regional finals, especially those North of the border, we decided to go and see the grande finale in style at the O2. We were shocked to find that so many of the acts were glorified karioke singers (performing to backing tracks) and rappers?? Just what they need in the States... more rappers... from Stoke!! Thoroughly enjoyed the real musicians, the likes of John Irvine,Jake McGarry, Charlotte Oram and Beki Robinson, who played their own songs on their own instruments and performed beautifully to the audience. Lots of originality there and lots of talent too. Wept for the future of British music industry though, when we heard the results. The acts voted as winners were ALL the acts that we had ALL decided were those least likely to win based on originality, talent and performance. Simon Cowell's influence seems ever present in the musical taste of London judges, Annie Nightingales plea for "More guys playing guitars" fell on deaf ears, it seems.