Reality phenomenon Jedward failed to silence their critics at a late night gig in the region. Lucy Richardson reports.

THEIR trademark blond quiffs may prove as overenthusiastic as their performances, but X Factor duo John and Edward Grimes still, somehow, manage to entertain.

The phenomenon known as Jedward squeezed into their tight-fitting black suits to perform six songs during a half-hour set before an audience of 1,000 people at Middlesbrough’s Empire.

Critics pointed out that the 18-year-old twins only progressed as far in the hit reality show because audiences were enthralled by their lack of ability.

That their set list was exclusively cover versions – one of which they performed twice – all performed on X Factor does little to dampen the carping.

Rock DJ, I’m Your Man, Ghostbusters, Oops!…I Did it Again and two renditions of Under Pressure were given the Jedward treatment with an abundance of hyperactive high kicks, jumps and waving arms.

They had been due at the Ape student club night at 9pm on Thursday for a soundcheck, but were delayed because of filming for a fly-on-the-wall documentary and recording commitments.

It was not until just after midnight that they leapt onto a stage once graced by comedy legend Charlie Chaplin and famous escapologist Harry Houdini.

On the hit ITV show, John and Edward Grimes’ questionable singing ability divided the nation and was partially masked with showstopping routines, gimmicky props and glamorous dancers.

On Thursday night, that lack of a slick production exposed their flaws, but their exuberance shone through which resulted in an inexplicably mesmerising experience – and they even left the crowd wanting more.

After the set, a warm-up to the live X Factor tour which starts on February 22, they spent an hour signing autographs and meeting fans.

John Grimes said: “That was the biggest reaction we’ve had since we’ve been doing these shows. The crowd was absolutely fantastic – really friendly, and one of the loudest and best we’ve ever had.”

Phil Saunders, manager at Ten Feet Tall, said the promotions company wasted no time in booking Jedward for the Empire. He would not disclose the sum paid.

“They are the most famous people in the country right now,” he added. “People seem to love them.”

Ayesha Davies, 22, said: “I am a big fan, but I could not really hear them sing, the music overpowered them.”

John Robinson, 24, was not impressed, dismissing their performance as “amateurish”.

“They were great entertainment for all the wrong reasons,” he said. “It was quite ridiculous. I think the only reason they were signed up for tonight was as a joke.”

Laura Saint, 19, said she had not been a fan of them, but had enjoyed the show.

“I could not really hear much of their singing, but they were entertaining,” she said.