X Factor 2012 finalist Ella Henderson has told RTÉ TEN she is "glad" she did not win Simon Cowell's TV show.
Of her X Factor experience, Henderson said: "Looking back, I wasn't ready to release anything at the age of 16.
"The industry can be daunting and a terrifying place to be in, and I had a lot of growing up to do."
She continued: "I'm still young now - I'm only 18 - and I only recently feel like I have the confidence to make it in the industry.
"Everything happens for a reason and coming off that show when I did meant that it gave me time to mentally prepare for everything."
When asked if she is looking forward to supporting Take That on their upcoming tour, Henderson replied: "It's so exciting. I honestly can't wait for it.
"It's such a relief just being able to talk about it now. I kept in touch with Gary [Barlow] after The X Factor and I did a bit of writing this year with Mark Owen."
She added: "I'm really looking forward to reuniting with them and starting rehearsals. To think that they are still selling out arena tours is incredible. It's just a pleasure and an honour to be part of it."
Take That and Henderson will play at Dublin's 3Arena on May 8 and 9, 2015.
Henderson's debut album, Chapter One, is out now.
