And so begins months of tension, stress, limited sleep, more grey hairs, excitement and if all goes to plan, (as last year) for Team Midas, out and out pure heaven... welcome back to the 12th series of The X Factor.
Last year Team Midas championed and promoted the current X Factor champion, Ben Haenow. Twelve months on, we start again and so does our search for that elusive X Factor winning double.
Before the search begins, we welcome two new judges. They join the amazing Head of the Game, Simon and our Geordie princess Cheryl. So please welcome on board Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw and singing sensation Rita Ora. Also joining the X Factor mothership are new presenters Olly Murs & Caroline Flack
Right people of the UK are you ready, because we are, come on let's get cracking....although I must have been busy when Olly and Caroline were called to X Factor HQ, anyway, let's go.
Up first is retired grandmother, Susan Pryce and although she seems like a nice person, her version of 2 Unlimited's 'No Limit' made me reach for the volume button on my remote. The judges seemed to like it though and 'techno' notice of her bad singing. Susan got the first 4 yeses of the 2015 series.
Dentist receptionist, Lauren Murray took a day off (sick) to attend, and her audition must have been at 2.30 (tooth hurty)...tough crowd. Back to the singing. Wow, what a vocal, absolutely brilliant, it was effortless and Lauren oozed quality. One to watch. 4 Yeses. Simon said "I didn't just like that, I loved it. Seriously, I thought that was absolutely bloody fantastic. Do you know what I really like about you? You have no idea how good you are."
Next up were a Man & Woman called, well, Man & Woman. The on, off couple took on, (and failed miserably) Michael Jackson's 'You Are Not Alone'. It was out of tune, it was out of time and at one point, they were singing different lines. It's a big fat NO from me....thankfully the judges agreed.
Thank goodness for the next auditionee, Jennifer Phillips. She did an awesome job of 'Shackles' and she instantly put my faith back in the show. It was without doubt a remarkable vocal and when the rap kicked it, so did a huge smile on my face. I really like Jennifer. 4 yeses.
Tom Davies danced his way through to the next round and he was joined by Mason Noise. Both did enough to ensure a place a bootcamp. It will be interesting to see what they do next.
Leeds lad Tom Bleasby is the first Team Midas act to appear on the new series. The build up given to 19 year old politics student made it look like he was going to be rubbish. How wrong. Tom's vocal ability is golden, I could listen to him sing all day. However good Tom sounded tonight (and it was blooming brilliant) I know, there is much, much more to come. One to watch. 4 yeses. Simon said "Some people will say that was incredible"
Meet Mylene, Celina, Irene & Almira Cercado AKA, Philippine girl band 4th Power. Usually on the X Factor, most of the girl groups look great but are vocally off. Not tonight. From the minute they started singing, until the minute they stopped, I was captivated. Vocal perfection from every single member of the band. I love them. 4 yeses. Simon said "People say it's the British X Factor, should it just be British talent but I've always said we welcome talent from around the world and you are incredible welcome."
We never saw much of Dani Clay, but her brief segment made me want to see more. Olly Murs' mate, Jon Goodey was up next and although he gave it his best shot, sadly for him, even having a superstar friend wasn't enough to save him. Look, vocally it wasn't that bad but on this occasion, the judges said no. For the record Jon, it was a yes from me. Good Luck mate.
The nerves got the better of Kelly Kiernan & Jamie Mitchell and their journey ended, a quickly as it began.
Last up is 17 year old Louisa Johnson from Essex and yes the secret is out, Team Midas are promoting her during her X Factor campaign. Without being in any way biased, this was quite simply one of the best auditions in X Factor history. A faultless, world class vocal from (in Cheryl's words) a "superstar". The judges gave her a standing ovation, I think most of the UK joined in.
Breathtaking stuff, goosebumps doesn't even cover it. Tonight, a star was born and her name is Louisa Johnson. Simon said "That is what you call a singer, You are the one to beat right now, it was an incredible performance. I really want to mentor you."
Our X Factor review written by Dean Maynard - @Team_Midas
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