X Factor 2017 comeback kid Sam Black’s first live show performance is in jeopardy after he lost his voice during rehearsals.
Last weekend saw Sam get a second chance on the ITV talent contest, having originally been eliminated at Bootcamp.
Boys mentor Louis Walsh brought him back at Judges’ Houses as a replacement for Anthony Russell, who quit the competition.
Louis then chose the 20-year-old to be one of his three live show acts, alongside Lloyd Macey and Spencer Sutherland.
However, Sam is now facing another setback on his X Factor journey after losing his voice during rehearsals.
He told Digital Spy that bosses have put him on vocal rest ahead of Saturday’s live show, when he’s due to sing Stevie Wonder and Ariana Grande track ‘Faith’.
“My voice keeps going. I’m not used to singing all the time and I think I’ve just been over-practicing,” he said.
“I’m really nervous about it now. This morning I went in to do a bit of vocal coaching and it just went completely.”
Nonetheless, Sam is optimistic that he’ll be able to go ahead with his performance.
“I’m just going to do my best, that’s all I can do,” he commented. “I’m sure I’ll be alright on the night, but I’m not going to lie, I’m a bit worried.”
The X Factor recently revealed some major changes to its live shows, with performances now taking place on both Saturdays and Sundays.
Two of the four categories will take to the stage in each show, before viewers send at least one contestant home.
This week the Boys and Girls will appear on Saturday, followed by the Overs and Groups on Sunday.
Tomorrow night’s episode, at 8.20pm on ITV, will also see bosses confirm the identities of the Wildcard acts.