Valleys get behind Lloyd for X Factor live shows
PEOPLE in the Rhondda have thrown their support behind Lloyd Macey, the local boy who has made it through to the live shows of this year’s X Factor.
Lloyd, from Ynyshir, will now fly the flag for Wales starting this weekend in the final 12 of the ITV singing contest.
People have been getting behind the pop and musical theatre singer on Facebook after he made it into judge Louis Walsh’s final three.
That included his mum, Christine Macey, who wrote: “He’s worked hard for years to get this far, fingers crossed it’s the start of something big for him!”
Leanne Everest posted: “Well done Lloyd. So happy our Welsh Boy is through to the lives. Wishing you every success.”
While Chris Jones wrote: “Not to typecast Lloyd, but I can see Andrew Lloyd Webber phoning him sometime very soon! He will never be out of work with such a voice. Well done that man!”
The 23 year old won his place after wowing the Irish judge in Istanbul, Turkey, after singing How Far I’ll Go from Disney film Moan.
Lloyd made an immediate impact in his first audition when he brought his nan into the room to give Simon Cowell a fishfinger sandwich.
He said: “I’m really excited. I cannot believe I’ve made it to the live shows I’m overwhelmed, to be honest.”
Now he has high hopes of making the final, but was coy when asked if he could win the entire competition.
He said: “I just want to work my hardest and give it my everything. I think anyone [of the last 12] could get to the final – it’s all about the right songs and being the best you can be on the night.”
Appearing on the show last night, he said he had brought in a heart-shaped stone given to him by his nan Christine, for good luck.
Before singing the song, he told Louis and Grace Kelly singer Mika: “I think it’s the right time to sing this song, because how far will I go? Will I reach the live shows? I’ve always been searching for that extra something. I feel that being a recording artist is that extra something.”
After Lloyd sang, Mika told him: “I think there’s no-one like you. You hold up your difference like a flag.” Welling up, Lloyd responded: “I have taken a big risk to do musical theatre and pop together and it means so much to me that you respect what I’m doing.”
After he left, Louis described Lloyd as “not a typical pop star”, adding: “It’s a bit bland but there’s so much more there.”
After all of the acts had performed for him, Louis told Lloyd: “I know you’re a great singer. I know you’re a great worker. But can you sing different types of songs? Are you a one-trick pony? I have to pick the guys I believe in most.
“You’re going home, okay? But you’re going home to tell everyone you’re on the live shows!”
An emotional Lloyd then delivered the good news to his nan over the phone, saying: “You’ll have to start making more fishfinger sandwiches when I stay up in London.”
The X Factor live shows begin on ITV on Saturday at 8.20pm.