After last week's explosive comeback, the X Factor returned to our screens tonight for more room auditions in Manchester and Newcastle. From the 'British Lady Gaga' to fishmonger, Lola Saunders, episode three promised to be a night of laughter and amazement from the first act.
At the beginning of the episode, Ten Senah admitted to being "still a bit drunk" from the night before and revealed to the judges that she hadn't slept as she'd been partying all night.
The songwriter performed her own song, 15 Minutes, which impressed the panel.
However, the judges were worried that the party animal wasn't taking her talent seriously and advised her to adopt a different attitude.
In the end, the judges gave Ten four yes votes but warned her to be more professional at the Arena Auditions. The surprises continued as the 'British Lady Gaga', Queen Christina, sang for the panel. The 40-year-old walked into the room in a colourful ribbon ensemble and stunned the room with her high-pitch vocals. Ultimately, the singer was surprised by the negative response from the judges and strode out of the audition room. After a morning of several outrageous performances, Simon Cowell seemed impressed when former Miss Great Britain contestant, Maria Ellinas, walked into the room and decided to sing Randy Crawford's Street Life.
"I love that song!" said Simon, as the panel of judges including Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Mel B and Louis Walsh awaited Maria’s performance.
However, the 26-year-old was stopped mid performance when Simon pointed out that there is no 'H' in Street Life, after she continuously pronounced it 'shtreet.'
The beauty attempted several more times to correctly pronounce the word but the judges were in hysterics and ended up giving the singer four yes votes.
The next contestant hoping to make it to the live auditions was American Air Force worker, Charlie Martinez, who revealed that he had to get permission from The Pentagon in order to audition on the UK singing competition. Singing Enrique Inglesias' Hero, the singer wowed the judges by singing in English and Spanish, seeing him gain four yeses and a hug from Spice Girls star, Mel B.Later in the day, Jake Sims entered the room with his adorable little sister who was invited to sit alongside the music moguls while Jake performed. The student decided to sing Stevie Wonder's Superstition, wowing the judges and was sent straight through to the next stage of auditions. Next in the room was Monica Michael who dedicated an original song, Pretty Little Sister, to her younger sister, Natalie. "She witnessed me going off the rails. I just want to let her know I’m there for her," she revealed.
Her heartfelt performance left Cheryl in tears while her "passion" and "rusky" voice is praised by her fellow judges.
"You’re just real, from the core and it really touched me. My sister writes me poems and she has since I was little, so I related to that song," said the former Girls Aloud star.
"You are super talented, you’re just rough around the edges and haven’t had a break yet. I loved that song and would download it tomorrow," she continued. Returning for a second chance at stardom was Paul Akisterwho was sent away from Louis' Judge's Houses last year for his lack of confidence.
"When Louis sent me home I was demoralised, I think I locked myself in my room for a week, I had failed at the last hurdle," admitted the full-time singer from Lancashire.
Fighting for his dream, Paul opted to sing John Lennon’s Jealous Man and revealed that it was dedicated to 'someone special' in his life who he would like back.
Hispowerful rendition of the song impressed the panel of judges and resulted in Louis and Simon arguing over last year’s decision to send the 25-year-old home. "You made a mistake [in not putting him through last year], admit it," argued Simon while Louis defended himself by saying that he did the right thing. The soulful singer was congratulated for his outstanding vocal performance and given a well-deserved four yes votes.
Last to audition in front of the music royalty was fishmonger, Lola Belle Saunders. The 20-year-old admitted that she wants to sing "because she can't do anything else good." The brunette singer sang Adele’s much-adored song, Make You Feel My Love, which seemed to be a cliché for music mogul, Simon.
However, the South Shields performer amazed the judges with the emotion and control in her performance. "I thought that was a fantastic audition," praised Simon before the four judges gave the singer four yes votes.
Tune in tomorrow for X Factor's final room auditions at 8pm on ITV.
