Lola Saunders thought her X Factor dream was over when judge Cheryl decided not to take her through to the live shows.
Thankfully for the fish monger she’s been given a second chance by Louis Walsh who selected her as the wildcard for the Girls category. Last night Lola took to the stage to perform for the first time and got a hold of those nerves that nearly scuppered her chances at judges’ houses.
Lola impressed from her first audition and everyone thought she was a surefire certainty for The X Factor live shows.
Talking about how it feels to be given a second chance Lola says, “I feel dead lucky and really fortunate. I got on so well with Kerrianne and Emily, and I was shocked that they didn’t through. When I came home from Judges‟ Houses I thought that was it. I’d heard things about there being a wild card, but I didn’t want to pin all of my hopes on it. I’m really lucky to get this opportunity.”
Where did Louis break the news to her? “I was at my grandparent’s house, Mary and Brian, with my mum, Dad and aunty. It was actually my mum‟s birthday, so we were supposed to be going out in Newcastle for a birthday meal. I’d also just started a new part time job and it was my first day, but when I was called by production and told that they needed to do some extra pick- up filming, I had to get the day off! I was so glad I was able to. During the filming the bell rang, and I thought it was just some more of the X Factor team. I went downstairs and Louis was stood there at my grandparent’s door.”
How easy was it to keep it all a secret? “That was hard. I told my closest family members. My boyfriend knew, but everyone was sworn to secrecy. All my mates were texting me asking me to go out, but I couldn’t! It was top secret.”
Find out if Lola makes it through to week 2 by tuning in to The X Factor at 8.15pm tonight on ITV. Watch Lola’s week 1 performance of Sam Smith’s Stay With Me below:
