Rachel Dempster
Since the new series of the UK version of ‘The X Factor’ started back on our screens, we have seen the brilliant, the breath-taking, the weird and more. With several changes being made to the show this year, such as a new Judging line-up – made up of Simon Cowell, Louis Tomlinson, Ayda Williams and Robbie Williams – it can be said that the level of talent this year is exceptionally high and we can’t wait to see more from the series as it continues in the coming months!
Here at CelebMix, we take a look back on the fifth episode of the new series. Keep reading to check out our recap!
Twenty-five year old Richard Ryan was the first audition shown on this episode. He was extremely nervous, but delivered a fantastic performance. During his audition, his crowd interaction was fantastic. Ayda Williams said that he was ‘enthusiastic and confident’ and Louis Tomlinson said that he ‘couldn’t stop watching,’ also commending him for doing something different. He made it through to the next round of the competition – Bootcamp.
The next audition shown was Giovanni Spano. He explained that his passion for rock music had been ignited from a young age and it is evident that he has an extremely ambitious nature. His first song was stopped by Simon Cowell, whereby he said that it was ‘not working at all.’ His second performance was a significant improvement compared to his first performance. When giving comments on his performance, Simon said that he knew ‘who you want to be’ and he made it through to the next round, despite receiving a No from Louis.
Twenty-two year old Scott Wilkes spoke about his dreams of a big career and his style of music was described as ‘Swing.’ He was an extremely confident contestant and even though Louis told him that he had a ‘really good voice,’ Simon harshly told him that it was ‘not going to happen this year’ and he unfortunately failed to make it through to the next round of the competition.
Prior to his audition being shown, Armstrong Martins spoke about how he had a difficult upbringing and he delivered a stripped back, acoustic version of ‘High School Musical’ track ‘Breaking Free.’ The talented performer truly adapted the track to be his own. Louis spoke about the ‘honesty and vulnerability’ in his performance and Simon said that the song had ‘took on a different meaning.’ Armstrong has made it through to Bootcamp and we can’t wait to see more from him!
The LMA Choir – comprising of members from the age of nineteen to forty – were next shown. They performed ‘This Is Me’ from ‘The Greatest Showman.’ Their performance had an element of fun in it, making it a stand-out performance and they received a standing ovation from the Judges on completion of their performance. Ayda said that she ‘couldn’t wipe the smile off my face’ during their performance. They received four Yes votes from the Judges, making it to the next round of the competition!
Georgia Burgess took on hit ‘Who’s Lovin’ You’ and she received a full standing ovation from the Judges. Robbie described her performance as ‘effortless’ and Ayda spoke of the understanding the twenty year old had of her own identity, something which she felt other contestants lacked. She has made it through to the next round of the competition and we can’t wait to hear more from her as the competition continues!
Twenty-seven year old Sephy Francisco from the Phillipines spoke of her musical influences as being artists such as Beyoncé and Mariah Carey. She sang a captivating rendition of ‘The Prayer’ and her amazing voice earned her a full standing ovation from the Judges. Ayda described the performance as ‘a surprise’ and she received four Yes votes from the Judges, gaining her a place in Bootcamp.
Ricky John, from London, spoke about extremely personal difficulties he had previously and delivered an incredibly emotional and moving version of ‘Change Is Gonna Come.’ Despite forgetting the words, he was encouraged to continue by the Judges and he also received a full standing ovation from the Judges and audience, with his performance being described as an ‘unbelievable audition.’ He has made it through to the next round of the competition.
The last audition of this episode was Tom Richards, who auditioned for the show eight years ago, the same year as Louis did. He said he felt he had ‘unfinished business with the show.’ He performed a version of the James Bay track ‘Let It Go’ and Simon stopped his song. He went on to perform ‘Human’ and was stopped again. Robbie emphasised the importance of song choice, but the Judges commended him for his determination and he made it through to Bootcamp.
‘The X Factor’ continues on Saturday and Sunday evenings on ITV.
