WE CHAT TO MISUNDERSTOOD
The X Factor duo spill on rubbing shoulders with the stars
It’s hard to ignore X Factor duo Misunderstood’s infectious energy. They literally answer the phone to us in song – and we love it. If you think the boys look familiar, that’s because they were already doing pretty well for themselves before Simon Cowell came along. The duo (Stephan Benson and Jeffrey Okyere) have worked with Will.i.am, and featured in films – who could forget Stephan’s starring role in Bring It On: Worldwide? They even got to the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent in dance troupe Myztikal in 2010. But they tell us now is their time…
You’ve had pretty good careers already, so why did you decide to do X Factor?
Stephan: We’ve gone down so many different avenues and never really got that spark. And The X Factor this year… I don’t know what it was, but the stars were aligning, so we couldn’t go against fate. This is our time.
As you’ve worked with some amazing people, do you ever get star-struck?
Jeff: We don’t really. Well, there was one moment when we met Fifth Harmony – that was fun.
S: We met Beyoncé at a party in LA. It was only for a couple of seconds – we shook her hand and then walked away.
J: But it was such an incredible experience. She’s one of the people we look up to so much. If we ever got to work with her, that would be incredible.
Has anything surprised you about working with Robbie?
S: I think the biggest thing would be how humble he is. The way that he acts is almost like he’s fresh in the industry, because he’s still got that hunger and that drive.
J: Robbie as a mentor is the best thing since sliced bread. He’s a big kid – like Peter Pan. Whenever we’re with him, it’s not even like we’re working.
What’s it like living in the X Factor house?
S: It is probably the most fun thing that I have ever done in my life – it’s like having a massive sleepover. We’ve got so many new friends now. I think it’s the most people that have ever been in the house, because of the choir, and it’s just so fun. It’s mental, insane, busy, hectic and great. All good vibes.
Watch The X Factor on ITV on Saturdays and Sundays