X FACTOR HOPEFUL LLOYD LOOKING FORWARD TO LIVE SHOWS
WALES will have a representative in the X Factor live shows after pop and musical theatre singer Lloyd Macey made it into judge Louis Walsh’s final three.
Lloyd, from Ynyshir, Rhondda, will fly the flag for Wales in the live shows next week in the final 12 of the ITV singing contest.
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 Moana on yesterday’s show.
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 never thought in a million years I would. 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 picking 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.
He said: “A week ago I was back at home in the Valleys and now I’m sat in judges’ houses. I can’t believe it.”
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 granny over the phone, saying: “You’ll have to start making more fishfinger sandwiches when I stay up in London.”
Speaking after the show, Lloyd added: “They are all so proud of me. My nan went crazy – she was jumping about, screaming.”
Now, he is working hard to prepare for the live shows. He said: “I am going to work hard. I am a bit nervous because it’s live and there’s nowhere to hide but so excited to step on that stage. Louis has been a fantastic mentor. He’s so supportive and he really believes in us.”
As for the fame from appearing on Saturday and Sunday nights on live TV, would that change him? He said: “I haven’t changed at all up to now and I am just going to keep being who I am and keep trying to enjoy the process for what it is.”
The X Factor live shows begin on ITV on Saturday at 8.20pm.