yesterday Bookies tipped Cowell's act Journey South to snatch victory on ITV.
Manchester heart-throb Shayne Ward had been tipped to win the ITV talent show at 7/4 favourite and walk away with the £1 million record contract.
But the 21-year-old heart-throb could be let down by a poor choice of songs for the final by his mentor Louis Walsh, according to bookies William Hill.
Spokesman Rupert Adams said: "We were gobsmacked when we saw which songs the finalists will sing.
"Louis has chosen a tired selection for Shayne whereas Journey South have three real classics."
Binman Andy Abraham is trailing well behind in third place.
Viewers will see each singer will perform three songs with the public voting for the winner. Shayne, 26, will sing Over the Rainbow, When A Child Is Born and If You're Not The One.
Andy Abraham, 41, from Enfield, north London, will do O Holy Night, When a Man Loves a Woman, and Me and Mrs Jones.
Duo Journey South - brothers Andy, 29, and Carl Pemberton, 24, - will sing Merry Xmas (War is Over), Don't Let The Sun Go Down on Me and Let It Be.
The Journey South brothers admitted they were desperate not to make any mistakes. Carl said: "We're feeling pretty positive. We'll just go out and enjoy ourselves""
Andy said earlier: "We're trying to cram in as much practice as we can. It's a massive night and everything has to be right. Practice makes perfect."
But Ladbrokes said Shayne appeared to have it in the bag.
Mr Williams insisted: "Shayne has attracted the attention from female fans both on stage and in the betting shops. We''ve been overwhelmed.
"He looks to have got the X Factor wrapped up.
"We'd be surprised if we get out of jail by avoiding another big payout on the sexy soloist."
Each of the contestants have already recorded the winner's single, That''s My Goal, which is released next Wednesday.
After the winner is crowned, viewers will see the presses start to roll to make the single. TV judge Simon Cowell's record company BMG signs up the winner.
Cowell said the song has "a few"" Christmas bells and is from the writer behind Atomic Kitten's Whole Again and Leave Right Now by Will Young.
Mirror
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