Its week five of The X Factor and we’ve been so excited so this episode all week. More guest judges, wacky auditions, and tearful contestants – bring it on!
This weekend sees a double bill of The X Factor, and it’s the last of the auditions. Next week – Bootcamp!
We started tonight at the O2 Arena in London where there were hoards of people waiting for their chance to shine. The guest judge was popstar Rita Ora, who EF loves. The judges had high expectations of London and as judge Tulisa Contostavlos said: “We want something that hasn’t been done before.”
First up was 70 year-old Nick Buss. Having tried to appear on Stars In Their Eyes before, Lloyd wanted this chance to show the judges what he’s made of. Telling the judges: “My idol is the late, great Buddy Holly.” His song was Maybe Baby by his idol. Starting off with a wiggle of his feet, Nick sadly didn’t have the same voice as Buddy, but he did have the same passion which is to be applauded. Tulisa said: “Nick, you really look like you enjoyed yourself up there, but I’m not sure if its right for the show.” Gary said: “There’s a serious side to what we’re doing here today. Can I see a potential in you selling millions of albums globally? No.” Nick didn’t get through, and sulked off the stage with only one Yes from Louis Walsh.
The next guest judge was former X Factor winner Leona Lewis. The first person to face Leona on the stage was 25 year old Jade Ellis from Greenwich. The mother of one told of her day to day struggles, and said: “If I did win The X Factor I would buy a house with a little garden. That’s all I want.” Walking out onto the stage, she was beaming. Singing Maverick Sabre’s I Need, she blew us away with her soulful voice. Leona said: “That was so good, I felt every single lyric you were singing.” Jade flew threw to the second round with no hesitations!
The girls continued to impress, with 24 year old Madeline Wilson, who told Tulisa she was in school with her. She sang A Woman’s World and sailed through. Tulisa said: “You turn into an absolute diva! Amazing!” Wedding singer Selina was there to prove she could do it, and sang Lady Marmalade and rocked the O2. Gary said: “Selina, amazing! Look around you!” Mother of one Lianne had been singing since 2003 and sang If I Ain’t Got You by Alicia Keys. Gary told her she was incredible.
Rita Ora re-joined the panel, and with it, a new contestant in the form of Bianca Gascoigne. She said: “I love music, music is my passion.” Bianca has grown up in the public eye, and won Celebrity Love Island years ago. Will she be successful on The X Factor? Bianca wanted to prove that she is more than just a famous daughter. Her song was Mary J Blige’s I’m Going Down. Whilst she did have a lovely voice, she needs to learn how to control it and find something that would suit her voice. Gary said: “If I could compare you with the other girls we’ve had, is not good enough. The others have been singing their all lives, it was a mediocre audition.” Tulisa said: “I appreciate you’ve come up, and I think you’re a cool girl, but I don’t think your vocals are good enough for this competition.” Rita Ora also said the same thing and Bianca didn’t get through.
Moving the auditions to Manchester, and with guest judge Mel B, we were excited. We love Mel B! The first up to audition as 17 year old Lauren Smith who did a cover version of American Boy. Stripped back with an acoustic guitar, even EF liked this version! She blew everyone away. Tulisa said: “I think we’ve found ourselves an recording artist.” Mel B said: “I have a pet pew when people close their eyes through a whole song.” Tulisa defended the closing eyes thing and said: “I usually say that, but I love her.” Louis said: “I don’t think you’re right for the show though.” Then, Tulisa and Louis had a spat. Gary told her she was amazing. Lauren was voted through with four Yes’. Good choice Louis.
Thirty three year old Derby girl Tammy was at the auditions with her Nan, who had supported her for years. Her Nan loved host Dermot and was given the chance to give him a kiss. Tammy walked out in front of the judges to a round of applause. Her Nan was also given the chance to come out on to the stage, which certainly got the audience going. Her Nan told the judges: “She’s bloody brilliant!” Tamica’s song was One Night Only from Dream Girls. She rocked Manchester Arena! EF liked her voice, but reminded us a bit of karaoke singing. Louis told her: “That was a powerhouse performance!” Tulisa loved her. Gary said: “Oh my god, you can sing.” Mel B said: “Well, I’ve got to be honest, when you first started I thought you were a bit karaoke, and then, as the song went along, you really shone. You need to learn that you’re bloody fantastic!” Tammy got through!
Back in Glasgow, popstar Anastacia was the guest judge. Next to face the judges was a very nervous Jade Collum from Belfast. The seventeen year old was there with her Mum and friends. She told of her joy in singing and said: “I’ve watched The X Factor for years and years, and I want this to be my day job.” With her father in prison, she wanted to turn her and her Mum’s life around. Her song was Beyonce Sweet Dreams. Tina sang it with such passion, she hadEF in tears. Louis said: “You’re so young and you’ve got a lot of pain inside.” Gary said: “Jade, I’m going to tell you off slightly, you didn’t warm up this morning and you struggled with some of the high notes but you pulled it off.” Tulisa said: “There’s something here and its something special, and I saw that in you today.” Anastacia loved her. Jade went through to the second round.
And that’s week five of The X Factor, but fear not, it will be back tomorrow night at 8pm on ITV1! YAY!
