X Factor UK 2015 Week 5: Top 5 Performances Ranked

This week on X Factor UK 2015, week 5 delivered plenty of drama and some surprising results. Although Che ended up in the bottom two, most of my personal favorites were safe, which made the episode easier to stomach. There were, however, moments that left me puzzled—chief among them the judges’ obvious fondness for Reggie ’n’ Bollie. Anton Stephans was sent home after a hard push by the judges, and while he comes across as a likable performer, the show is increasingly about current marketability as much as raw talent. Mason Noise felt like someone who should have gone earlier in the competition, perhaps as far back as judges’ houses when Josh Daniel might have been a better choice.

Looking ahead to next week, predictions feel shaky. Louisa Johnson appears the most secure, but beyond her, anyone could potentially leave. Below is my ranked power list for week 5, ordered by who I think is most likely to be safe rather than who I personally want to survive. At the end of this post I’ve listed my favorite performances from the week. I enjoy reading your reactions and predictions, so please leave a comment and let’s see how wrong we all turn out to be together.

1. Louisa Johnson – Louisa had a big moment this week with full production: theatrical staging, fog effects, and a choir supporting the performance. Judges compared her to established stars, and while heavy promotion can rub some viewers the wrong way, Louisa’s vocal control and stage presence set her apart from the rest of the field. She delivered a confident, technically strong performance that reinforced her status as the contestant to beat. From a competitiveness standpoint, she currently looks leagues ahead of the others; if she maintains momentum, she’s the clear frontrunner for the title this season.
2. Lauren Murray – Lauren struggled with song choice this week, which made her performance uneven. The arrangement didn’t showcase the subtleties of her voice: the first half felt subdued, while the second half relied too heavily on shouting rather than dynamic phrasing. Despite that, Lauren’s natural charisma and tone remain appealing, and the fact that her studio track reached the iTunes top 10 indicates public interest. If her future song selections stay contemporary and suit her strengths, she has a strong shot at a high finish—possibly second place—provided she can avoid another misstep in choice or delivery.
3. Reggie ’n’ Bollie – This is a difficult ranking for me because, while they bring energy and an upbeat stage presence, their technical singing often feels weak. The judges clearly enjoy their act, and high-profile endorsements from the panel can sway public opinion and voting. That influence likely keeps them safe even when their vocal performances aren’t the strongest. From a production point of view, they are entertaining, but I question whether entertainment value alone is enough to take them to the very top. Based on judge support and their crowd appeal, I’ve placed them in the middle of my rankings, but I’d prefer to see them pushed further vocally.
4. 4th Impact – When given suitable material, 4th Impact have the vocal chops to push deep into the competition. Their harmonies and power make them a natural fit for emotional ballads that showcase range and unity. Their first couple of live shows were inconsistent, but the recent performances have shown notable improvement. The key for them is song selection and connection: a strong ballad that allows each sister to shine could vault them into the finale, while an ill-fitting pop number might leave them vulnerable. They’re talented; now they need moments that let viewers fall in love with their story and voices.
5. Che Chesterman – Che is a vocal standout and, arguably, the most comparable to Louisa in terms of pure singing ability. His effortless runs and warm tone give him a soulful edge, and with the right repertoire he could carve out a niche as a contemporary soul artist suited for radio. The main issue is visibility of personality—he needs moments that allow audiences to connect with who he is beyond technique. Being in the bottom two this week is worrying; turnout and voter engagement will determine whether he can recover. I’d like to see him make the finale because his vocal quality deserves that platform.

My favorite performances this week

1. Louisa Johnson

Big gap

1. 4th Impact
2. Che Chesterman
3. Lauren Murray

HUGE gap

1. Anton Stephans
2. Mason Noise
3. Reggie ’n’ Bollie

Final thoughts: X Factor UK 2015 week 5 highlighted the tension between raw vocal talent and crowd-pleasing entertainment. Producers and judges often influence momentum through staging and commentary, but viewer votes will ultimately decide who advances. Keep an eye on song selection and emotional connection in the coming weeks—those factors are likely to determine who rises and who falls as the competition intensifies.