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X Factor favourite Rhydian closes in on Christmas number one
Last updated at 13:37pm on 04.12.07X Factor contestant Rhydian Roberts has already recorded the single he hopes will be a Christmas number one as bookmakers said the TV show was now a one-horse contest.
The 24-year-old opera singer was in the studio last week recording a version of Mariah Carey's When You Believe, which is likely to sail to the top of the charts if it is released as planned on December 17.
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Rhydian Roberts: Has already recorded the single he hopes will be a Christmas number one
Bookies gave him odds of 4-11 to steal the top title, putting him in an even stronger position than last year's winner Leona Lewis at the same point in the competition.
Ladbrokes spokesman Nick Weinberg said: "That is despite the field being stronger a year ago.
"Rhydian has talent but he also benefits from the weakness of his rivals. He has had things all his own way in recent weeks."
The singer, from Powys, Wales, is already said to be considering offers of a record deal, understood to be worth a six-figure-sum.
Behind him is Leon Jackson, an 18-year-old shop assistant from West Lothian heralded by judge Simon Cowell as the British Michael Buble.
He was given odds of 4-1, with school cook Niki Evans, 34, from Birmingham, in third place at 7-1.
Together with the bands Same Difference and Hope - the latter of which was voted off on Saturday - all five recorded the Mariah Carey single in the hope that one would get to release it when they win.
But it was Roberts who won unanimous praise from the judging panel when he performed Somebody To Love and I Vow To Thee My Country on Saturday.
Judge Louis Walsh described his performance as "powerful, engaging and amazing" while Cowell said he was "outstanding".
Reader views (5)
Here's a sample of the latest views published. You can click view all to read all views that readers have sent in.
Rhydian was robbed, but I don't think this is the last we have heard of him. I will certainly buy anything he produces and would love to see him live in the West End. Leon will be a five minute wonder whereas Rhydian will be here for a lot longer.
- Karen, Angouleme France
Disappointed with the result of X Factor for Rhydian was clearly the best competitor - perhaps he too should have wept.
Nevertheless, such a voice will not go unnoticed and I'm sure that we shall hear more of him.
- Charles Stone, Wolverhampton, England
I tried for a long time to get though on the phone but it was engaged all the time for Rhydian. It was a fix, when will Rhydian make a cd hes got a lovely voice?
- Violet, basildon essex
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