James Arthur has reacted to suggestions that he's "cooler" than your average X Factor contestant after being made favourite to win this year's competition.

Speaking at a secret X Factor gig in London last night (November 29, 2012), Arthur said he didn't think he would be "embraced" by the public, but clearly he has as the British public have warmed to him greatly.

He said after teh secret show: "I didn't ever think The X Factor would suit me.I didn't think I'm the type of contestant they would normally attract. I'm just glad that they embraced me." On suggestions of his 'coolness', Arthur continued, "I don't know about this whole cool thing.I'm just really laid back and I don't impose myself on people so, maybe that's why it's working for me." Even though he's the favourite to win the show, Arthur appeared to be getting ahead of himself by teasing what will appear on his first album. "I think you'll hear a mixture of acoustic, rock, hip-hop, R&B, soul, maybe some dubstep."

The X-Factor semi-finals airs on Saturday (December 1, 2012), with Arthur looking to secure his place in the final. He goes up against soul singer Jahmene Douglas, cruise-ship balladeer Christopher Maloney and boy-band Union J.