X-Factor Costa Blanca

x-factor-costa-blanca-_2_The biggest and best talent competition, X-Factor Costa Blanca, got underway last week with eight people battling it out in the first heat. The night saw friends and supporters descend on the Emerald Isle, La Florida, to hear judges Eva Ford, Chis Curran and Dave Naughton share their thoughts with the audience. First on stage was 17 year old Jay Bryant, this is never any easy slot and the nerves were evident as Jay launched into I’m Yours by Jason Mraz. However, his second performance was much more confident. Ed Williams was next up with Deep Blue Something’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s. He impressed the judges and Chris Curran likened him the Suede front man Brett Anderson. The third contestant was returning singer Claire Whittaker, who Eva Ford remembered from last year’s competition. Claire has evolved vocally during that time and impressed with her vocals, particularly on Kelly Clarkson’s Beautiful Disaster, and stage presence.

The next contestant is one of the youngest in this year’s competition, 13 year old Aine Carroll. However, this young lady opened her mouth and amazed everyone by singing Someone like you, better than Adele. This was a seriously talented performance and the judges all agreed it was powerful and pitch perfect. Next to burst on stage was 19 year old Spaniard Artur Guillen, who wowed the audience with a rousing performance of Tom Jones’ It’s not Unusual. He then completely amazed everyone with an operatic rendition of O Sole Mio as his second choice.

Maria Evans, 29, was next and gave a very polished performance of Norah Jones, which led the judges to question her professional status. However, despite singing professionally in local bars for a year, her version of Alicia Keyes went awry. 18 year old Janelle was next and chose some difficult song choices, but carried them off with a strong voice full of emotion. Judge Dave Naughton said he was stunned that such a huge voice could belong to such a small person. Finally Millie Leonard took to the stage in an impromptu performance as there was one contestant that didn’t show. Millie sang Amy Winehouse and had the voice, the gestures, and the moves so spot on that the judges asked if she was a tribute artist.

Then it was time for the judges to deliberate and make that all important decision and unfortunately for Jay Bryant he was eliminated…but has the chance to come back under the competition’s wild card provision.

If you would like to take part or watch the X-Factor Costa Blanca visit the Emerald Isle on Monday evenings from 7.30pm.
Written by Mireille Toddington