THOMAS SWEEPS THROUGH TO WIN SPOT IN JUDGE’S HOUSE
XFACTOR contestant Thomas Pound from Bridgend – who is a cleaner by day and a drag queen by night – is through to the judges’ houses after narrowly avoiding being sent home.
The Six Chair Challenge continued in the Wembley Arena last night and 20-year-old Thomas, who performs as his alter-ego Lady Freida Wylde, gave an emotional rendition of This is Me from The Greatest Showman.
And after a series of dramatic twists and a sing-off, the Welsh singer was given a place in the next round of the competition.
Before his first performance of the night, Thomas told the crowd: “All my life I’ve been explaining myself to people and today more than anything is to prove to everyone ‘be who you are, be different and stand out’.”
He kicked off his act as Lady Freida, dressed in full drag with fabulous hair and dramatic make-up while decked out in a red cloak and heels.
Partway through, he dropped the glamorous gown while singing the lyrics “this is me” to reveal the grey suit which he wore for his first audition.
Then seconds later, there was another dramatic moment when Thomas ripped off his long dark wig.
At the end of the show-stopping performance, the audience gave a standing ovation, with all four judges standing on their feet.
Presenter Dermot O’Leary said: “What a showman.”
Kicking off the judges’ comments, Simon Cowell said: “I like people who are unique and put on a show. I would tune in to see you any day of the week.”
Ex-One Direction star Louis Tomlinson, who is mentoring the boys in this year’s X Factor, added: “This is an easy decision. You’ve got a seat.”
But after winning one of the six seats, Louis dropped a massive bombshell and replaced Thomas with 24-year-old Dalton Andre Harris, who flew from the Caribbean for his chance to impress the judges.
Thomas then grabbed the microphone and told the audience: “Please don’t be angry. I can promise you I am not leaving this arena tonight without a seat.”
Louis decided to do a sing-off, with Thomas going up against 25-year-old J-Sol.
Thomas sang Tina Turner’s Simply the Best and dedicated the song to his “amazing mother”.
At the end of the dramatic singoff, Louis decided to keep both and send home 20-year-old Tommy Ludford from Sussex.
The final six boys going to judges’ houses are Anthony Russell, Armstrong Martins, Brendan Murray, Dalton Andre Harris, J-Sol and Thomas Pound.