X Factor continued Saturday with more auditions from a Camden florist, a transgender songwriting student and a Bulgarian choreographer.
Newbies Robbie and Ayda Williams and One Direction star Louis Tomlinson are settling in to their places beside head judge Simon Cowell.
Clearly Robbie is getting particularly comfortable, as episode three saw him interrupt an audition for the first time.
Meanwhile, Simon got up to his old tricks again by turning two hopefuls in to a duo, and the ITV talent contest welcomed another powerhouse vocalist from the Philippines.
Here’s our full rundown of all the latest results…
Natasha Boon (4 yeses) – Natasha’s only experience performing in public had been singing at her flower stall in Kentish Town. Deciding she ‘needs to get her dream’, the 26-year-old entered The X Factor and found herself performing James Arthur’s ‘Impossible’ in front of a crowd of thousands, who gave her a standing ovation. “The vocals were a little shaky at times, but you absolutely delivered,” said Louis. Ayda praised her “soulful voice”, while Simon noted: “You’ve got this really likeable personality, this was just great.” Robbie even convinced her to spit some bars, freestyle!
Owen Mathews (4 yeses) – The judges were stunned to discover that “proper grown up”-looking Owen was only 17 – although Ayda was just as surprised to find a teenager who thinks her hubby is “ace”. Known by his nickname, ‘Ozzie’ had Robbie up on his feet with a cover of Elvis Presley’s ‘Trouble’. “I think you’re fantastically nuts, and I love that,” smiled Simon. “You’ve got something fun going on, you’re definitely different,” added Ayda.
Aaliyah Robinson and Acacia K (4 yeses as a duo) – Not content with beginning to form a new girlband last weekend, tonight Simon put two more not-quite-there-yet soloists together as a separate duo. First to appear was Aaliyah, singing Awolnation’s ‘Sail’ – but, feeling she hadn’t “come with the right song”, Simon interrupted and asked her to return later. She was followed by 15-year-old Acacia, who performed Nicki Minaj’s ‘Bed Of Lies’ – but again Simon cut in, claiming “it wasn’t going great until the whole rap section”.
Suddenly, the Syco boss had a bright idea, and asked Acacia if she’d be interested in teaming up with Aaliyah. After just an hour getting to know each other, the teenagers took to the stage as a duo, and Simon candidly stated the odds were against them. However, they came out fighting with Jessie J and Ariana Grande’s ‘Bang Bang’. “Bang bang, you just killed it!” Ayda exclaimed. “Was it perfect? No, because you had one hour, but what I saw was fun, chemistry, a sense of humour,” Simon reviewed. “There was a magic in the air,” added Louis.
Felix Shepherd (4 yeses) – Felix has a passion for music and is in the middle of studying for a songwriting degree – but he entered The X Factor to prove he’s “more than just a transgender guy”. The 20-year-old told the judges how his family supported his gender transition after he began to realise his true self in Year 9. Felix performed ‘All I Want’ by Kodaline, a song that’s stuck with him since his early teens. “As a recording artist, the tone that you would have on track would be amazing,” commented Louis.
“This competition isn’t just about singing, it’s about people,” said Ayda. “Everything you’ve told us today makes you the most incredible candidate to be on this show. We’d be very lucky to have you.:
Patrick James – Dublin lad Patrick works full time as a singer in pubs and clubs, but his rendition of Rag’n’Bone Man’s ‘Human’ failed to convince the panel he’s capable of reaching the next level. “I’m really sorry, I’m not feeling this and I’m not gonna remember you,” sighed Simon after interrupting the audition. “You can sing, you’ve got a set of pipes, but I’m not feeling it either, and I don’t know why,” admitted Robbie.
Adam Davis – Brighton musician Adam Davis played ‘Is This Love’ by Bob Marley & The Wailers on his keyboard, and this time it was Robbie who called a halt to proceedings. “I’m struggling, I did like the song but I’m missing a little bit of star quality from you right now,” said Louis.
Alexander Stewart – Ayda told Alexander that the judges were “in need of a moment”, but unfortunately he failed to deliver it. Simon instantly rolled his eyes as the jazz singer broke in to Michael Bublé’s take on ‘Feeling Good’. “I really like your voice, I admire it, but I miss the pizazz,” mused Robbie. Simon went further, sniping: “I would have a real problem working with you. You lack that charisma, strut that is absolutely compulsory to be able to sing a song like that.”
Ivo Dimchev (3 yeses) – Ayda finally got her moment from Ivo, a contemporary choreographer who claims he ‘accidentally’ discovered he can write songs – although it may not have been the moment she expected. The 42-year-old came from Bulgaria with his self-penned song ‘Lucky Day’ – but the “bizarre” performance, complete with back-up dancers, was met with jeers from the audience. Nonetheless, the judges gave him the required three yesses. “I couldn’t take my eyes off you,” added Robbie. It was Louis who voted ‘no’, confessing: “It’s a bit too weird for me.”
Maria Laroco (4 yeses) – The Philippines have become a force to be reckoned with on The X Factor UK, with 4th Impact and Alisah Bonaobra both doing well in recent series. Now hoping to follow in their footsteps is Maria Laroco, who harbours dreams of becoming an “international superstar”. The 17-year-old wowed the judges with her powerful voice on Prince classic ‘Purple Rain’. “Is there anyone in the Philippines who can’t sing?!” exclaimed presenteer Dermot O’Leary. “Vocally you absolutely blew me away,” said Louis. “You just bossed that stage,” grinned Ayda.
Catch the fourth episode of The X Factor 2018 tomorrow night at 8.00pm on ITV.
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