This year’s X Factor starts next Saturday, and already there’s been more speculation than ever about the contestants. That’s because the rules have changed to allow artists with management to enter, so a number of singers and bands who already have a fanbase and a reputation in the industry are taking part. Here are a few you should be looking out for:
From Above
Girlband From Above have been around since 2008 and got an unexpected lucky break when they were signed to Matthew Knowles’ (Beyoncé’s dad) management company. They were flown to the U.S. and had their own TV show, but it was a massive flop, as was their single Not The Same Girl earlier this year. The group, which features former S Club 8 member Daisy, are believed to have made it through to bootcamp but only after receiving some highly critical feedback from the judges.
Starboy Nathan
25-year-old Nathan Fagan-Gayle has been around the pop block several times already. Originally he was known just as Nathan, released a few singles and appeared in Big Brother. He was relaunched as Starboy Nathan in 2009 and a lot of money was put into the project, as he supported JLS on numerous arena tours. Because of the JLS link he’s got a huge online following but the closest he’s come to a hit was no. 23 with Diamonds last year. Will his fans pick up the phone if he reaches the X Factor finals?
GMD3
Teen trio GMD3 also have a big online presence, with over 3 million YouTube views, and again it’s thanks to a boyband connection. The boys went to Sylvia Young stage school with Nathan from The Wanted and used to share the same management. They’ve been together for a few years now but haven’t had a record deal or released any music. Due to their age they’ll undoubtedly be compared to One Direction, but I do think there’s room for a three-piece boyband, so they have a good chance of success.
Triple-J
GMD3 will have competition from a few other boybands in The X Factor this year, including another three-piece called Triple J. Although the group, formed of Jaymi, JJ and Josh, are new they were all previously part of another group called Rewind who never really got off the ground. They’re managed by Blair Dreelan, who joined East 17 for their recent unsuccessful relaunch, and have a general air of ropeyness. However, they did reportedly get a great reaction at their first audition so could be a surprise hit.
JukeBoxx
And now onto boyband number three, JukeBoxx! This group have been around for about two years, although some of them have been in bands before. As a mixed race harmonising four-piece they’ll be compared to JLS, but their music is more retro-inspired and their look a bit more East London. I don’t rate them vocally (some are stronger than others and their harmonies can be messy) but think their distinct group identity will help them in The X Factor.
Hayley Evetts
Hayley Evetts is about to make the reality TV triple, as she’s competed in Popstars, Pop Idol and now X Factor! She came fifth in Pop Idol and although she didn’t get a record deal, she carved out a presenting career and even hosted the second series of Pop Idol Extra. Since then things have gone pretty quiet, although she did at long last release a single last year. It should be interesting when she and Caroline Flack meet on The Xtra Factor, as Hayley not only used to have that job, but also looks just like Caroline!
Carolynne Poole
Another singer who has already had a few shots at reality TV fame is Carolynne Poole, formerly known as Carolynne Good. She came third in the second series of Fame Academy and last year she made it to Judges’ Houses on The X Factor. She has reportedly returned for 2012 and as she is a great singer, she will have a good chance in the overs category. However, if she didn’t get a record deal after coming third in another show in her early 20s, she’ll presumably have to win X Factor to get one now.
Kye Sones
Kye has not appeared on a reality show before, but has had several near-misses with pop success. He was in a boyband called 365 and was signed to Sony as lead singer of electro-pop act Diagram of the Heart (who, rather ironically, had a song about the dark side of reality TV shows such as X Factor). I saw Kye’s audition myself at The O2 a few months ago, and he got a great response from the judges and the crowd, singing this mash-up of various recent hits. But will his negative attitude about the show hold him back?
Have you heard anything else about The X Factor 2012? Leave all your gossip in the comments box below!
Hmmm…looks like Simon Cowell is trying to boost the falling ratings by changing the rules, makes it slightly unfair for the non-manufactured acts though, don’t you think? Totally goes against what it stood for in the first place – giving people who wouldn’t usually have the opportunity a chance of achieving fame. Saying that, after all the inspirational performances in the Olympics is anyone going to care about X-Factor anymore? I admit it’s always been a bit of a Guilty Pleasure of mine but this year I really couldn’t give a monkeys about it.
Hayley Evetts? Amazing.
T he X Factor just got interesting with the arrival of Hayley Evettes, one of the best auditions ive ever seen! The danger is that hayleys voice is almost too good so her performances may lack edge. Song choice is therefor crucial, would love to hear her version of winehouses “Tears Dry on their Own” or Keys” “A Womans Worth.” Go Hayley!