X Factor 2017 contestant Deanna Mussington says she feels ‘lucky to be alive’ after Hurricane Irma hit her home.
The 22-year-old musician lives in Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean which was hit hard by the recent hurricane.
Tonight we’ll see Deanna competing for one of three spots in the live shows alongside Alisah Bonaobra, Rai-Elle Williams, Holly Tandy, Georgina Panton and Grace Davies.
The girls fly off to San Francisco to meet mentor Sharon Osbourne, who makes it a family affair with son Jack and daughter Kelly helping her out.
The acts have just one more chance to impress Sharon, Jack and Kelly, with each contestant hoping to convince them that they have the star quality required to reach the live shows.
“Anguilla’s been hit pretty hard by Hurricane Irma,” says Deanna, “I was there with my family. We are extremely grateful for being alive today. Roofs and doors and windows blew out, the hospital roof went. Lots of damage.
“We probably won’t have electricity for about seventh months. Everyone is starting from scratch. It was terribly hard leaving it in a state… I’ve never seen Anguilla like that in my life.”
An emotional Deanna struggles to compose herself as she faces Sharon, Kelly and Jack, prompting Kelly to take her for a pep talk.
“It’s scary because no one wants to go home. I’m really hoping for the best,” Deanna says.
Speaking ahead of judges’ houses, Deanna said of potentially making the live shows: “It means everything to me to get to the live shows, because I feel like I’ve worked hard, but not as hard as I would work in the live shows.
“This whole show has been challenging for me, but I feel like it has helped me grow as an artist. I’m definitely ready for the live shows and I really want to be there!”
Find out who makes The X Factor 2017 live shows this weekend.
The X Factor 2017 judges’ houses airs Saturday at 8:20PM and Sunday at 7PM on ITV.
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