Following last night’s emotional episode, the X Factor returned this evening for another night of drama. Call centre singer Steve Ritchie started off the night but accidently forgot the song lyrics and ended up dancing in front of the judges, singing former X Factor contestant Olly Murs’ Dance With Me Tonight.
"You’re likeable and fun," said Louis following his comedic audition which was enough to see the contestant receiving four yes votes. Next in the audition room was group, Only the Young, wanting to impress girl band experts, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini andMel B.
Best friends Mikey, Betsy, Parisa and Charlie sang Elton John’s Something About The Way You Look Tonight , blowing the panel away with their originality and powerful voices.
“We all live together at Parsia's house, which gets a little crazy sometimes," added Betsy.
"That’s how you do an audition. It’s so refreshing to have someone original. You were a little nervous and I don’t know why," praised Cheryl.
The groups continued to impress the judges with boy band, Concept wowing the panel with Labrynth’s Earthquake and girl group Arise singing a beautiful performance of Little Mix’s Little Me.
Husband and wife, Kitten and The Hip later took to the audition room, surprising the judges with their scat rap of K.A.T.H’s hit, Shut up and Dance. The pair’s 25 year age gap initially surprised the judges with Louis Walsh mistaking the duo for a father and daughter. In the end, it was Scarlett’s quirky style, pink hair and fresh sound that saw her passing through to the live auditions while husband Ashley was sent home.
Next in was 20-year old Italian student Andrea Faustini. The Spice Girls fan walked into the room wearing an adorable pug jumper with a Scary Spice doll before singing Jackson 5’s Who’s Loving You.
“I am loving you. Seriously, that was unbelievable. I was like 'oh my God.' You are the biggest example of why not to judge a book by its cover. You taught me," responded a stunned Cheryl. Contestants hoping to make the Over 25’s category included Helen Fulthorpe, Michelle Lawson, Chloe Thwala who all individually wowed the judges with their powerful vocals and were sent through to the Live Auditions.
Former Girl Thing singer Linzi Martin then took to the stage to sing Jackson 5's, I’ll be There. The 32-year-old singer recently reunited with the group on ITV's The Big Reunion and was welcomed into the room by the band's former manager Simon Cowell.
Simon went onto explain that the band was originally signed in a bid to rival the Spice Girl’s at the time but unfortunately the mother of two’s audition failed to wow the panel.
"I know what it feels like," commented Cheryl, as she too has experienced the nerves of auditioning in front of judges. Simon added that her vocal performance wasn’t strong enough and the panel ultimately decided to send the singer home.
Tune in next Saturday for The X Factor at 8pm on ITV.
