Bookies back Dalton
Jamaican Dalton Harris takes to the stage today with another performance on the UK version of the televised talent show X Factor, going in as favourite among his fellow contestants.
Bookmakers in the UK are placing Harris, the 2010 winner of the local Digicel Rising Stars competition, as the odds-on favourite to take the title during the finals set for December 1.
Media reports are quoting a spokesperson for the bookmaking firm Coral putting the Jamaica as the likely winner
“It was a surprise to see Giovanni sail through last weekend. We still think he might well be on borrowed time. On the other hand, Dalton continues as the firm favourite for victory. It’s one way traffic in terms of our betting on who will win X Factor this year and after a steady start Dalton is now absolutely flying,” Coral’s Harry Aitkenhead is quoted as saying.
“Our punters are absolutely backing him without any doubts in their minds and it looks like he’s got just what it takes to go all the way,” he reportedly added.
With 12 contestants left in the competition Harris will have to charm the judges, studio audience and most importantly the voting public with another of his powerful performances to push him to the next round.
This week, music industry stalwart Nile Rodgers will sit in for regular judge Robbie Williams who will be away from Sunday’s results show due to performance obligations in Chile. As a result today’s show was pre-recorded, but will be broadcast at the regular time.
Last week Harris gave the performance of the competition when he delivered his rendition of Whitney Houston’s I Have Nothing to critical acclaim. The studio recording of the popular song drawn from the soundtrack of the movie, The Bodyguard, landed Harris on the Top 100 iTunes chart. The single peaked at number 27. Only one other contestant Anthony Russell was able to crack the top 100.
Harris has had nothing but great words for his team mentor Louis Tomlinson. In an interview he noted that his team coach was hands on.
I don’t see how he could be any more involved than he is. He has been sitting with us for hours and hours and hours, I think he left the house at almost midnight last night. Louis is that guy. He is all hands on deck,” said Harris