Music
Here’s a chat with the X Factor touring finalists
As eight X Factor finalists prepare for the Live Tour 2017, find out what they have to say about their experience and what to expect.
The X Factor Live Tour 2017 kicks off in Nottingham on the 23 February 2017, before running across the UK until the 16 March.
Here’s a chat with each of the eight finalists:
Matt Terry
How did you find your experience appearing on The X Factor?
My experience on this show has been the best of my entire life. It’s something I have always wanted to do ever since I can remember but I never felt ready for it until now. I’m so glad I was brave enough to go ahead and audition… my entire world has changed!
What was the best piece of advice given to you whilst doing the show/What have you learnt?
Nicole and my vocal coach Iain both taught me so much when it comes to music. I learnt how to feel and mean what I was singing about. Singing is fun and makes you feel incredible but I’ve learnt it’s so much more than that. I’ve have learnt how to tell a story through music.
Do you miss your mentor/have you been in touch with them?
I really miss Nicole, she’s my big sis! We speak often and I can’t wait to be reunited with her!
What have you been up to since the show finished?
I have been spending time with my friends and family and … I can’t believe I’m saying this… WRITING MY ALBUM!
What are you looking forward to most about The X Factor Live Tour?
Definitely being reunited with my X Factor family, we all grew very close over our journey together, I know we are in for a whole lot of fun!
What can fans expect to see from you on the tour?
All of the stand out performances from all of us! It’s gonna be a brilliant show!
What will you be doing once the tour has finished?
Studio studio studio!
Saara Alto
How did you find your experience appearing on The X Factor?
I loved the X Factor so much. I was able to do shows I had wanted to do my whole life. The whole team were the best in the world and I was honoured to work with them. I felt like I could really show who I was as a performer and I enjoyed the big production numbers. It was also life changing in other ways, I moved to Britain, learnt about British culture and also I immediately felt like this was my home. I’m so grateful I was brave enough to take a chance and audition for the X Factor.
What was the best piece of advice given to you whilst doing the show/What have you learnt?
The best advice was from Sharon Osbourne: “Don’t be polite on stage”. I was also told from the music team: “You have to always show everything you have inside of you, don’t be only half of what you are, be what you truly are”.
Do you miss your mentor/have you been in touch with them?
I’ve been sending some text messages to Sharon and she has asked me how I’ve been doing after the show. She also sent me a beautiful Happy New Year e-card.
What have you been up to since the show finished?
I’ve been super busy and haven’t had a day off! I went to Finland for Christmas and had so many concerts, interviews and meetings there. The whole of Finland watched the X Factor and everybody wanted to see me after the show which was amazing. I’ve now moved to London and I’m in the studio writing songs and also performing all over the country.
What are you looking forward to most about The X Factor Live Tour?
I can’t wait to do big shows again and perform in front of thousands of people! It’s going to be so much fun to sing without the fear of leaving the show! I can just be together with the other contestants and enjoy performing.
What can fans expect to see from you on the tour?
They are definitely going to see a lot from me! Big performances but also stripped down ballads. There will be amazing outfits and good energy.
What will you be doing once the tour has finished?
After the tour has finished I’m concentrating on my own arena concert in Finland in April. It’s already sold out with 13,000 people attending! It’s going to be so exciting and needs lots of work and planning! After this I will be back in the studio working on new songs.
5 After Midnight
How did you find your experience appearing on The X Factor?
Kieran: It was incredible! Such a big learning curve for me and I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to do it!
Nathan: Unlike anything I’ve ever done before, it was intense work but immensely fun!
Jordan: It was a crazy but amazing experience – it made me especially happy knowing that I was making my family proud.
What was the best piece of advice given to you whilst doing the show/What have you learnt?
Kieran: Be true to who you are! That was the best piece of advice given to me because so many people in the world will try to be something they’re not.
Nathan: I think the best advice was to always “be yourself” and to “have fun” with every performance.
Jordan: I’ve learnt that not everyone can do everything in a group; you all have different qualities about you that come together and make the group what it is.
Do you miss your mentor/have you been in touch with them?
Kieran: Yes I had so many jokes with Louis I miss that, I spoke to him a few times over the holiday.
Nathan: Yeah I definitely miss Louis, there’s no one like him – we’ve been messaging here and there for sure.
Jordan: Yeah 100 percent miss my mentor! I have been in touch with him, he told me he’s living the life in Dublin!!
What have you been up to since the show finished?
Kieran: I’ve been getting tour ready… I’ve been going to the gym, working on vocals, dance moves and tricks! And seeing family too.
Nathan: Catching up with friends & family, and working on some new music!
Jordan: We’ve been signed to Syco and been performing gigs around the UK!
What are you looking forward to most about The X Factor Live Tour?
Kieran: Just going around the country seeing everyone that has supported us through the show and proving why they were right to support us.
Nathan: Performing live and catching up with all the other contestants.
Jordan: Just seeing everyone, being with them again and doing what I love to do best – sing, dance and perform
What can fans expect to see from you on the tour?
Kieran: They will see what we were on the show but enhanced so fun, upbeat and smiles times two.
Nathan: Well, not giving too much away…but all the venues are arenas so we’ve got a lot of space to work with. We’re gonna do something huge.
Jordan: We will be giving it our heart and soul – they can expect to see a unique group made with passion for what we do. They’ll be dancing, singing and maybe some explosions too!
What will you be doing once the tour has finished?
Kieran: Working on getting into the music industry properly and dropping our first single.
Nathan: Focus on our recently announced forthcoming album!
Jordan: Working hard with 5 After Midnight and the label, focusing on our debut single and album.
Emily Middlemass
How did you find your experience appearing on The X Factor?
It was crazy. It’s everything you could ever imagine and more. Looking back on it all is just so surreal. I still question myself like, did I actually do that? Has this all just happened? My head is STILL in the clouds….The first day I moved into The X Factor house was my 18th birthday and it’s a birthday I will never forget. I will be honest, it was hard at some points, I really had to put my absolute everything into it and work harder than I had ever worked in my life. But, anything blood sweat and tears was worth it, the outcome of performing on that stage every Saturday night is honestly THE BEST feeling I have ever experienced. There is nothing that beats the feeling of being on a stage and performing to people. Pushing myself out of my comfort zone some weeks and then discovering things I didn’t know I was capable of. I found myself.
What was the best piece of advice given to you whilst doing the show/What have you learnt?
The best, yet the most simple piece of advice I had was from my dad. He wrote it on a little bit of paper I put up in my room and he told me this every single day and it is to “never give up”. Three simple but the most effective words. DO NOT give up on your dreams.
Do you miss your mentor/have you been in touch with them?
I actually do miss Simon. We had this bond that was special – I think it’s because we think so alike. Simon said I can give him a call anytime I like, in my own time.
What have you been up to since the show finished?
I have been writing lots and been in the studio recording some of my music. I have been rehearsing for the tour lots, its going to be an amazing show, I am super super excited about it.
What are you looking forward to most about The X Factor Live Tour?
It has got to be performing in front of and meeting the people who voted for me and made my dreams come true. I can’t wait to see everyone personally and thank them for supporting me throughout this crazy journey.
What can fans expect to see from you on the tour?
There is going to be lots of surprises on the tour. I can’t give too many clues away BUT I am super excited for especially one of them! I will have more of a chance to connect and talk to the audience more. I love getting to know the crowd and getting them all on their feet to sing along. I LOVE live performances, they give me goosebumps listening to the crowd!
What will you be doing once the tour has finished?
I am hoping to be releasing a single after the tour. I want my single to be something that people can connect with. And then an album following with lots of different types of songs with lots of personal experiences in them, just to let the people who support me get to know me better.
Ryan Lawrie
How did you find your experience appearing on The X Factor?
I found my experience on The X Factor special. It was exciting, nerve wracking, stressful, but overall fun. One of the best experiences of my life.
What was the best piece of advice given to you whilst doing the show/What have you learnt?
The best thing I’ve learned from my experience is to take risks. To do things that are out of your comfort zone.
Do you miss your mentor/have you been in touch with them?
Nicole was a great mentor, she looked after me on the show. I’m sure we will cross paths again.
What have you been up to since the show finished?
Since the show has finished I have been in the studio a lot writing as that is what I am focused on at the moment.
What are you looking forward to most about The X Factor Live Tour?
The thing I am looking forward to most about the tour is getting to perform to thousands of people in the best music venues in the UK.
What can fans expect to see from you on the tour?
Fans can expect amazing lights, crazy moves, possibly some hair flicks! Just lots of rocking out and having fun!
What will you be doing once the tour has finished?
When the tour is over I will return to the studio to write as usual. Song writing is my priority.
Honey G
How did you find your experience appearing on The X Factor?
Completely life changing and amazing. I loved every minute of it and now feel like I was born to perform as a rapper.
What was the best piece of advice given to you whilst doing the show/What have you learnt?
“Nothing is impossible”. I proved this by coming back as a wild card in the competition and then going through to the live shows and coming 5th in the competition.
Do you miss your mentor/have you been in touch with them?
Sharon Osbourne and I are very good friends, yes I do miss her a lot. We text each other frequently and I just think she’s an incredible woman. If it wasn’t for her I would not be where I am now.
What have you been up to since the show finished?
I’ve been very busy touring the UK and Ireland doing loads of gigs which are going really well, they love me everywhere I go I’ve had a very encouraging reception. I’ve also released my own single, The Honey G Show which I’ve also been promoting. I’ve also been to a couple of premieres.
What are you looking forward to most about The X Factor Live Tour?
I really can’t wait to get up on those stages and perform in front of thousands of people. I’m in my element when I’m up there.
What can fans expect to see from you on the tour?
A mega production and Honey G growing as a real global rap star performing some big numbers.
What will you be doing once the tour has finished?
I’ll be continuing to perform and tour the UK and Ireland. I’m hoping to do some high profile performances at festivals in the summer. I’m hoping to take Honey G global ASAP. Then hopefully release an album and hopefully sell millions of records!
Sam Lavery
How did you find your experience appearing on The X Factor?
Appearing on The X Factor has always been a massive dream of mine and the fact I got to experience the incredible journey was amazing. The X Factor is such a life changing experience, whilst getting to meet and work with the most incredible team who help you grow as an individual artist.
What was the best piece of advice given to you whilst doing the show/What have you learnt?
Straight away I learnt with the show to always be yourself. Don’t be afraid to show the real you and always makes sure you are happy and confident with the choices being made around you. The whole team you work with want to hear your opinions and want you to enjoy every second of the experience.
Do you miss your mentor/have you been in touch with them?
Having Simon as a mentor was incredible as he really made me feel confident and spent a lot of time with us over the whole period. He made sure we were comfortable and confident and over all happy with everything going on. I am now working and using all the comments and advice he gave to me to keep building myself as an artist.
What have you been up to since the show finished?
Since the show has finished for me it’s being a whirlwind. I’ve done so many shows and performed all over the country, I performed at my hometown arena alongside John Legend, James Arthur, Craig David etc… I’ve done shows with Ronan Keating, special guest on the Matt Goss tour, Fleur East.
Some of these artists whilst I was on the X Factor show came and gave me advice.
I’ve been practically living in the studio writing and recording original songs with some incredible writers and producers to prepare songs that have my exact sound and style for everyone to hear soon.
What are you looking forward to most about The X Factor Live Tour?
For me I’m so looking forward to reuniting with the other contestants and travelling together performing in arenas all over the country.
I haven’t visited some of the places the tour goes to so it’ll be incredible that the first time I’m going is to perform at their home town arena. I am so excited for the Newcastle date on the tour as it’s my home town arena and I know all my family and friends will be in the crowd, plus i can show the other contestants around Newcastle before the show!
What can fans expect to see from you on the tour?
I am so excited to perform my songs on tour and I’m going to have fun with it and enjoy every second. I want to involve the audience as much as possible and just have the most incredible time with everyone! I can’t wait to see everyone who has supported me and hopefully I’ll get to say hi to them especially in the meet and greets.
What will you be doing once the tour has finished?
When I come off the show I’m straight away back to performing at shows and festivals whilst also working with more writers and producers in the studio co-writing original songs.
Four of Diamonds
How did you find your experience appearing on The X Factor?
We found our experience on the Xfactor truly amazing! It was so fun, everything was non-stop! The experience really helped us grow together as band and our bond has become much stronger! It was an experience we’ll never forget.
What was the best piece of advice given to you whilst doing the show/What have you learnt?
The best piece of advice that we were given on the show was actually from Simon Cowell himself, he sat us down after week 3 and said: “Girls, this is such a big opportunity for you, you have the talent, so make sure you make bold decisions about everything you do, from the way you dress to the song you sing”.
Do you miss your mentor/have you been in touch with them?
We really miss Lou Lou and his bear hugs. He used to give us the best advice and was always totally honest with us. We’ve exchanged a few texts since the end of the show, he’s always so lovely!
What have you been up to since the show finished?
We have really enjoyed doing lots of gigs since the show finished, its been amazing meeting lots of people who supported us whilst on the show. We have also been resting and spending time with our families before all the tour madness starts!
What are you looking forward to most about The X Factor Live Tour?
We’re looking forward to being back with all the other X Factor contestants, of course! But also looking forward to performing on such massive stages all over the UK! We feel like since the show we’ve improved our performance skills loads through gigging and we’ve learnt how to make the most of being up there and enjoy every minute, so bring it on!
What can fans expect to see from you on the tour?
More than anything we’re going to enjoy every moment of being on stage and want all our fans to just have loads of fun with us!
What will you be doing once the tour has finished?
After the tour, we’re looking forward to getting in the studio together and working on our own material. We’re so excited for the future of Four Of Diamonds.
Here are those dates in full:
23 February – Nottingham Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham
24 February – Genting Arena, Birmingham
25 February – The O2, London (Matinee and Evening shows)
26 February – Liverpool Echo Arena, Liverpool
28 February – AECC, Aberdeen
1 March – Glasgow Braehead, Glasgow
3 March – Sheffield Arena, Sheffield
4 March – Manchester Arena, Manchester (Matinee and Evening shows)
6 March – Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth
8 March – Cardiff Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff
10 March – Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle
11 March – First Direct Arena, Leeds
13 March – The SSE Arena, Belfast
14 March – 3 Arena, Dublin
16 March – Brighton Centre, Brighton
Grab the remaining X Factor Live Tour 2017 tickets now through Ticketmaster.co.uk.
