While Manchester United and Tottenham slugged it out next door, Wembley Arena played host to a rather different spectacle: a matinee performance of The X Factor Live.

The concert brought together the talent show’s three finalists, along with some of its supporting cast. For many, this will be as good as it gets; The X Factor tends instantly to create stars, only for them instantly to be forgotten.

However, the continued success of 2006 winner Leona Lewis proves that Christmas No1s needn’t be followed by Christmas panto, so long as there’s top material.

So what of the latest batch? Eoghan Quigg has got the right idea by releasing an album just in time for Mothers’ Day. The 16-year-old’s performance of Take That’s Never Forget also suggested a voice destined for the Top 40.

JLS came next and showcased their soulful four-part harmonies on a cover of Rihanna’s Umbrella. Unfortunately, the boy band reached new depths of naffness by changing the words of Stand By Me to ‘Stand by JLS’.

Alexandra Burke, this year’s winner, showcased her soulful vocals in an aching cover of You Are So Beautiful. Later on, Hallelujah prompted a mass singalong from a crowd convinced of the singer’s star quality.