Western Mail

Lloyd flies Welsh flag in X Factor live shows

- Tom Houghton Reporter tom.houghton@walesonlin­e.co.uk

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 in Louis’ final three boys after wowing the Irish judge and his guest Mika in Istanbul, Turkey, after singing How Far I’ll Go from Disney film Moana on last night’s show.

Lloyd made an immediate impact in his first audition when he brought his nan into the room to give Simon Cowell a fish-finger 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 whether 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 told the camera 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.”

He said he thought the performanc­e would be a risk as he’s different to other artists, adding: “That’s why it’s so important to really nail my song because there’s no second chances and I need to give it my all and impress Louis.”

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 onetrick 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 fish finger sandwiches when I stay up in London.”

The X Factor live shows begin on ITV on Saturday at 8.20pm.

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 ??  ?? > ‘I cannot believe I’ve made it to the live shows’ – Lloyd Macey
> ‘I cannot believe I’ve made it to the live shows’ – Lloyd Macey

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