A night of pure TV gold. (Part one)
The right singer crowned winner of The X Factor 2008.
Plus drama and a big surprise in the Strictly Come Dancing Semi Final.
Within minutes of Alexandra Burke’s deserved X Factor victory last night, this image of her CD single cover arrived in my in-box.
The moment she was joined on stage by her hero Beyonce Knowles to duet on Listen will live long in the memory.
As will the relief on Simon Cowell’s face after Alex, 20, was announced as the winner.
She was clearly in a different class to runners up JLS and third-placed Eoghan Quigg.

A fact both losing acts recognised, accepting their fate with good grace.
When the voting lines were frozen after the first section of the final, Alex had 44.02 per cent of the votes with JLS on 30.65 and Eoghan on 25.33.
By the end of the head-to-head last stage, Alex took 58.34 per cent of the votes, ahead of JLS on 41.66.
She’s now 1/8 on to secure that Christmas No 1.
Alex revealed that she cried on Beyonce’s shoulder for five minutes when they first met on Friday.
While her mentor Cheryl Cole said she was amazed Alex got through that duet once her idol had joined her on stage.
Beyonce proved last night that she has what Britney hasn’t – class.
As for the other finalists…
JLS have built up a huge female fan base and will certainly be handed a record deal.
While Eoghan’s band of five foot female dancers may have to look for alternative employment in the immediate future.
But at just 16 he has time on his side.
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