Brian Friedman is the straight-talking creative director responsible for bringing to life the most talked about performances on The X Factor.
Also famous for choreographing music stars such as Britney Spears, the likeable American pulls no punches when he talks about the ITV talent show and its contestants.
Here, he gives us his views on the class of 2009...
Q: We've seen some surprises this year, with some good acts finding themselves in the bottom two - what advice do you have for them?
A: I think contestants need to be a bit more vocal in pushing for songs they want to sing, because they do know themselves first. Well some of them do. Some of them are clueless with great talent and need guidance, but some of them - like Rachel and Jamie and Danyl - really know what they do best.
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Q: Who do you think will win this year, and who would you like to win?
A: I think Olly will win; he's got this charm, this charisma that the public really seems to gravitate towards. And he can handle the production and he can handle calming it down and taking it in, so it's the best of both worlds - plus he's got the personality.
As far as who I want to win, it's an ever-changing position for me. Based on the audition process, I want Danyl to win and he hasn't quite reached what his audition was for me again, so he's still up there. But there's something I love about Jamie. He's older than everyone else in the show, he's comfortable with who he is as a performer, he knows himself and I enjoy that as a viewer; I like watching someone who truly knows themself and doesn't falter at all.
Q: Could John And Edward win this year?
A: I don't think John And Edward are going to win. I'd like to see them stick around because they are pure entertainment.
Q: They can't sing though, can they?
A: I think they have great energy, it is fantastic they made it to this point in the competition. They can't sing, I have no problem saying that. They don't think they can't sing, they think they're good if they practise, so you know, work with what you've got! I'm not backing them to win, but I am hoping they make it far because every week is fun for me, standing in a room with a singer who is wooden and can't do much is not exciting for me. It's playtime for me.
Q: Will we be seeing some rollerskaters on stage again this year?
A: Oh yes. I feel like it's my duty to put rollerskaters on the stage just because Simon hates it and it's the one thing I can do and really get under his skin.
Obviously I wouldn't put the contestants in them thought because it would be a big liability and I don't want to be the reason they go home. But last year I had skaters from Starlight Express, so when Simon was saying 'where did you get those people?' they were actually professional rollerskaters.
Q: Which mentor is most in tune with their acts this year?
A: I would have to say Simon, I really think Simon's been getting it right. He's been taking some risks and the risks have paid off and definitely he's the frontrunner for me with his contestants.
Q: Dannii's having a much better year - why do you think that is?
A: I can see that she relates well to these girls. She should have related well last year, but Rachel gave her a lot of trouble and it was a rough road for her, I feel sorry for her because she gave Rachel a good chance. I'm happy for her this year. Her girls don't give her trouble, they listen, they work really hard. She's got a good crop and if she guides them the right way they've got a chance. Rachel is my favourite at the moment.
Q: Do you think Cheryl's comments to Kandy Rain in the first week mean the girls will be reluctant to sex up their acts?
A: It depends on who the girl is, you have to have a girl that can pull it off, or else they'll feel uncomfortable on stage. Stacey can pull off something that's a bit sexier. Her outfits could be a bit sexier, I would love to amp up a little bit of sex factor on Stacey. I think she can handle it, I think she's got a little dirty kitten inside of her.
Q: Do you think Cheryl is less connected with the boys than she was with the girls last year?
A: She's definitely as connected - she's just got so much on her plate this year.
Q: Bon Jovi are playing on The X Factor this week, are you looking forward to meeting them?
A: You know, it's hard to meet the performers because we're always so busy and so chaotic backstage, trying to keep up the good spirits because one of the acts will be going home that night. I'd love to though. Slippery When Wet was one of my favourite albums when I was a kid.
