Susan Boyle & Jonas Brothers Back ‘X-Factor’ Breakouts Jedward

A wretchedly campy thing trending overseas is Jedward. As Americans, we tend to be suspicious of kitschy gimmicks burgeoning abroad. Maybe too many of us still feel burned by past instances of British kistch. Beats me! It's an instinct that the latest act to spiral into international prominence through X-Factor--Britain's answer to American Idol--will pummel through, eventually garnering anywhere between one and three top ten hits here in a quiet time when Beyoncé and Gaga are both enjoying much-needed sabbaticals. If only because X-Factor alum Leona Lewis has fared so well on both sides of the Atlantic. According to Wikipedia, "are an Irish music act. Known for their distinctive blonde hairstyles and unique performances." A unique performance that doesn't necessarily stir SiCo's loins like Leona could. Comprised of people named John and Edward and totally unrelated to our 2004 Democratic VP candidiate, they've won praise from Jay-Z mentee Cheryl Cole and are finding fast fans in Susan Boyle and The Jonas Brothers. They're already tipped to win the talent show.

Aside from similar backgrounds in singing reality TV shows where contestants sing for a sour-faced Simon Cowell, Susan Boyle and Jedward share another parallel: needling criticism. And so, now a seasoned icon in her own right, SuBo is dispensing pearl onions of wisdom like “Be yourself!” and “Nolite te bastardes carborundorum!” and “Look pouty and bewildered all the time and you’ll sell records! It worked me, wheee!”

Meanwhile, contemporary artistes The Jonas Brothers have given their seal of approval to the band. They’ve told The Mirror, “We love brother bands. Thumbs up to Jedward.” Mediocrity abounds!

Recently, even Calvin Harris decided to crash their performance of Queen’s “Under Pressure.” After which, Harris was kicked out of the arena. This is like the British pop star spin on that whole Kanye West-Taylor Swift affair, only both sides enjoy spiked publicity in this case. Watch it below. Fast forward to 2:20 for Harris’ pineapple-assisted hilarity.