It was an emotional ride through judge’s houses, but this year’s X Factor finalists have finally been announced, see their official pictures here!
There were tears, tantrums and some rather interesting outfits on X Factor over the weekend as Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh, Tulisa Contostavlos and new judge Nicole Scherzinger whittle down their groups and chose their final 3 acts to go through to the live shows which kick off this Saturday.
The Wild Card option was brought back with a twist, allowing each judge to put forward one contestant they had said no to, for a public vote. This means that either Amy Mottram, Christopher Maloney, Adam Burridge or Times Red still have a chance to join the final line-up on Saturday night’s show.
Speaking about the contestants that have already made it through Gary Barlow said: “This year we really have got the cream of the crop with our finalists and it was tough for all of us to choose our three acts.”
He added: “The standard of talent has gone up this year and I think it’s the best ever line-up of finalists.”
The Girls - mentored by Tulisa Contostavlos
Name: Ella Henderson
Age: 16
Ella says: “I believe that I have a lot to give and I'm fully dedicated to my music. I know that by doing this show I'm going to grow as a performer and my confidence will build up each week.”
Tulisa says: “She is so amazing. She just has this air of innocence about her when she sings and gets lost in the moment. It’s beautiful, it really is.”
Name: Jade Ellis
Age: 25
Jade says: “From the start I have taken every opportunity to learn more about myself as an artist and I will continue to take steps to improve and grow.”
Tulisa says: "She is fantastic - hearing a vocal like that, you just can’t let it go."
Name: Lucy Spraggan
Age: 20
Lucy says: “I would love for the public to see how hard I've worked, share my experiences with them, entertain them and be successful within the music industry.”
Tulisa says: “I love her to bits. As a mentor you like the music your acts perform and that they sing, but it’s rare that you can be a fan of your contestant and with Lucy, I am a fan.”
The Boys - mentored by Nicole Scherzinger
Name: James Arthur
Age: 24
James says: “I will bring versatility, passion and raw emotion to the competition and if given the chance to show my song writing abilities hopefully that will show exactly why I should win the competition.”
Nicole says: “He is so brilliant, he is a modern day poet. He’s really special. He’s a real artist and I’m really excited to work with him.”
Name: Jahmene Douglas
Age: 22
Jahmene says: “I'm not confident at all with any aspect of myself but singing is my way of expressing myself because talking is not my strong point at all.”
Nicole says: “He’s got an unbelievable voice - he needs a lot of support and love and I am definitely ready to give that to him.”
Name: Rylan Clark
Age: 23
Rylan says: “'I'm going to bring performances to The X Factor that no previous contestant has ever done before, I want to be the first dance artist to come out of this show, I just hope people pick up the phones.”
Nicole says: “He’s all spikes and sparkle, we need diva music and empowering diva anthems for him. He would definitely have his own audience.”
The Groups - mentored by Louis Walsh
Name: MK1 - Charlotte Rundle, 19, and Simeon Dixon, 24
MK1 say: “The thought of being the first two piece to win is really exciting. We’re a niche band as well which should hopefully work in our current market.”
Louis says: “They are so current and relevant to today’s charts and Charlie has an amazing, original and brilliant voice.”
Name: Union J - Jamie Hamblett (JJ), 24, George Shelley, 19, Josh Cuthbert, 20, and Jaymi Hensley, 22
Union J say: “We’re new and fresh. We have not been together long but I hope the public realises the potential in us. We’re four normal down to earth guys who love to sing.”
Louis says: “The boys have a great young image, girls are going to love them, they have it all – great energy, looks and the vocals to match.”
Name: GMD3 - Greg, 18, Dan, 19, Mickey, 18
GMD3 say: “We hope to show people something fresh and exciting that hasn't been seen before on this amazing show.”
Louis says: “I love them. These boys can sing, they’ve got amazing harmonies, they’re nice guys, they work hard and they tick every box.”
The Overs - mentored by Gary Barlow
Name: Carolynne Poole
Age: 32
Melanie says: “I think The X Factor needs to see that Country isn't just line dancing and cowboy boots!! It'd be so awesome to show the world that the big country voices don't just come from America!”
Gary says: “She’s got an amazing voice, she knows who she is and where she is going, and to top it all off, she’s gorgeous.”
Name: Melanie Masson
Age: 44
Melanie says: “It would be so positive to show that you can still reach your goals, achieve your dreams, be taken seriously and still be relevant no matter where you are in your life, what you've done before or how old you are.”
Gary says: “She’s an amazing talent. She’s a proper soul singer.”
Name: Kye Sones
Age: 30
Kye says: “If I won The X Factor it would be a victory for anyone who has never given up on something. It would show people that you should never give up on your dreams no matter how many knock backs you experience.”
Gary says: “I’m looking forward to learning from him because I think he is someone who knows a lot about music and I think he’s going to be an amazing contestant.”
