X Factor Archives | Wonderland

Megan McKenna

Wonderland Staff — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 15:29:04 +0000

Celebrity X-Factor winner Megan McKenna makes all her wildest dreams come true in the video for “This”.

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Premiere: Joe McElderry – “Baby Had Your Fun”

Wonderland Staff — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 11:18:49 +0000

Joe McElderry has just the cure for the January blues with his country-disco hit “Baby Had Your Fun”.

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New Noise: Chloe Rodgers

Wonderland Staff — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 11:24:25 +0000

Meet Chloe Rodgers, the winner of Nottingham’s X Factor and the ethereal voice behind Twenty Committee’s host of rotating talent.

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Dalton Harris

Wonderland Staff — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 17:10:57 +0000

After fighting for his space, the singer is ready to command centre-stage.

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I’m Lovin’ It

Wonderland Staff — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 11:17:42 +0000

Louisa Johnson’s debut X-Factor appearance last year left the show’s judges so slack-jawed they jokingly considered ending the series there and then.

Taken from the Autumn Issue of Wonderland

T-shirt RAT & BOA, shorts MIU MIU

We all know how the X-Factor works: the saccharine personal assassinations showreel comprises sob stories about dead kittens, and emotional montage scores that, despite your best efforts to remain cynical, make your hairs stand on end. Sometimes however, a singer comes along who makes you sit up and take notice. When then 17-year-old Louisa Johnson took to the X-Factor stage in ripped jeans, air max and (what would become her signature) red bandana and belted a spellbinding cover of Michael Jackson’s “Who’s Loving You?”, it was the first time I stopped dunking my chocolate digestives into a mug of tea and paid attention. The judges did the same, bolting upright like they’d just been on the receiving end of an electric shock. Before she’d even finished her 15 seconds of onstage fame, the whole audience were on their feet applauding like a stampede of elephants, and as she warbled the last note, next to tears at their reaction, the judges attempted to lift their jaws off the floor.

“That is what you call a singer!” Exclaimed Simon Cowell. “A little superstar,” said Cheryl Cole, grinning from ear to ear, and the battle between the industry insiders to secure Johnson as their own began. Johnson, who grew up on episodes of X-Factor, never expected this to happen. “I watched it just growing up and knew this was something that I had to do. Leona Lewis was just amazing and so pretty, and it’s when I saw her on it that I really started to take it seriously as a goal.”

Johnson eschewed her place at performing arts school Urban Edge near Chelmsford to take part in the competition. How wild were these days? “To be honest, I would always rather just be in my room singing karaoke,” the singer admits. “I just wanted to sing, it’s all I really cared about.”

It’s certainly paid off, with the judges agreeing in unison that there was almost no point in continuing with the show after her initial performance. The show did go on, however, with Johnson under the mentorship of Rita Ora. “I think Rita inspired me the most, because she’s young too and we had so many ideas together. She helped me a lot,” Johnson enthuses. “She always told me to be myself, to remain strong mentally. I think it’s the most important advice anyone can give you.”

Throughout the twelfth series of X-Factor, we were treated to a plethora of awe-inspiring performances from the star, who took each track and made it her own. Her cover of Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself ” broke hearts the country over, in a way only Biebs had managed to at this point. The real winner (quite literally) was Johnson’s performance that stole and won her the show, an entirely unexpected version of Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young.” I have to admit as a die-hard Dylan fan I was dubious about the bold choice, but in true Louisa Johnson fashion, she made it her own — to the point of almost making the audience believe she wrote it herself.

How has everyone reacted to her shoot to fame, I ask? “Everyone’s been so supportive and amazing!” she says, with a Cheshire cat grin. “My family, friends, my fans. I love them and I love to inspire them daily via my Instagram,” she explains. “I just want to make them feel like they are important and special, because everyone is.”

Signed to Simon Cowell’s label Syco, it looks like Johnson has the ideal dream team in place. “I really admire [Cowell],” She says. “It’s definitely scary, the fame that comes with X-Factor, but I’m doing everything I’ve always dreamed about and him and Rita have helped me so much.They’re so supportive and it’s really great.”

So when can we expect the album, I venture? “I’m in the studio quite a bit at the moment, which is super-fun!” she exclaims. “It’s been quite difficult to go straight from the show to the studio, but I just want to share my music. For me, my music is like a diary: it’s very real and honest, and I like to be open.”

“It’s not one kind of genre,” she continues. “I love Caribbean-vibe music, Beyoncé, old school R&B and everything from the 90s. I think people are going to be surprised when they hear it!” Does she have any stories from the studio, then? “It’s really hard to explain, it’s just all about the vibe… like, it’s crazy and I’m always saying: ‘Oh god! We started with one word and now we’re here.’”

Jacket, shirt and jewellery MIU MIU

Jacket ALPHA INDUSTRIES, jumper MARKUS LUPFER, skirt KSUBI, necklace TATTY DEVINE, socks FALKE, shoes ZADIG & VOLTAIRE

Jumper LIBERTINE, shorts KSUBI

Coat J.CREW, top NOORVANA, shorts MIU MIU

Photographer: Rosaline Shahnavaz

Fashion: Sam Carder

Hair: Hiroshi Matsushita using KIEHL’S

Makeup: Jade Bird using MAC COSMETICS

Nails: Jess Young using TOPSHOP

Photographer’s assistant: Meg Nixon

Fashion assistant: Eva Klein

Words: Laura Isabella

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Profile: Lauren Platt

Wonderland Staff — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 14:42:34 +0000

“All that’s left now is to work really hard and everything should fall into place!” We catch up with Lauren Platt post X Factor.

Pink short suit with gold buttons, pink crop top by Versace, earrings stylist’s own.

I expect a sugary, even saccharine, conversation with Lauren Platt. Backed by the nation’s sweetheart, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini on The X Factor, Lauren was painted as the girl-next-door who could pack a punch with her powerhouse voice. Her talent is unquestionable, but being a 17 year old who’s gone from school-girl to celeb in a matter of weeks, I’ve prepped myself for a solid half hour of rehearsed lines about her “journey”, littered with clichés we’re both tired of. Instead of a teenager, I find a music industry professional, reserved, aware and relaxed and I find myself privately embarrassed to have expected a pocket-sized diva. She could teach some of our chart-toppers a thing, or 10, about conducting themselves that’s for sure.

Fast forward two weeks and Lauren is no longer in the competition, surely a shock for the starlet who was one of Simon Cowell’s personal picks as a finalist. Having Cheryl, a reality show success herself, teach her the tricks of the trade has no doubt helped to prolong Lauren’s time on the show and she can’t insist enough how much she appreciates it. “She’s so hands-on, she’s so nice, she gives me advice all the time!” Lauren says, in one uninterrupted breath of admiration. Now, I’m no Cheryl, hey, I’m not a Mel or even a Louis, but Lauren says her mentor told her, “This is your one opportunity so take it!” Surely only motivational words, but I don’t believe for a second that the door to the VIP lounge is now eternally closed for Lauren.

I’m hoping it’s been left slightly ajar, so she can peek in and re-join the party whenever she fancies rather than hurtling head first down the rabbit-hole. Outside ITV HQ is a pack of paparazzi, leaning through the gates like vultures. That’s just round the back. At the front is a group of tween girls, nearly as scary but less sinister, camped out complete with suitcases, waiting to catch a glimpse of a reality show star. School attendance rates and X Factor hysteria must be worryingly correlational. No matter how professional she may be, it’s hard not to worry about anyone, let alone a teenager, who’s been swept up by this whirlwind of a ride. Tugging on my heartstrings, I ask Lauren what she would have done if she’d won the competition and like a reflex, she spurts out with a smile, “Go home!” Apparently even pop stars need their parents.

Lauren explains that her family have always been fuelling her musical interests. Her mum put her in singing lessons and her nan bought her the first CD she ever owned (the dulcet tones of Katie Melua, FYI). Her thirteen year old brother even joined her on stage as a dancer in week 8. She even looks up to him, metaphorically. “He’s had to overcome quite a lot in his 13 years of living, the way he’s done it, he’s very inspirational.”

Even now the marathon is over, I catch up with Lauren and she remains gracious and focused. “I feel really and truly honoured when I look back on my experience. I had so much support from everyone,” she gushes. “Cheryl had given me an amazing opportunity and the show was just the most amazing experience of my life.” She’s certain that they’ll remain friends, which leaves me slightly envious that I’m not 17 and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini’s protege. Not a hint of bitterness or a whisper of brattiness, Lauren is simply ready to go back to work, this is her job now. “I’m so unbelievably excited for the tour to start and to get myself in gear and really start working hard for what I want, because at the end of the day I’ve been given my platform. I’ve been given my name so all that’s left now is to work really hard and everything should fall into place!”

Green sequin dress by Ashish.

Green mohair jumper by Topshop Boutique, bronze leather skirt by MCQ.

Cream dress with fur collar by Simone Rocha, earrings stylist’s own.

Red crop top by Marni, blue and white stripe trousers by Fendi.

Black, white and silver pleated dress by Topshop Unique, white and green Stan Smith’s by Adidas.

Words: Lilly Walker.

Stylist: Isabella Brunner.

Photographer: Stella Asia Consonni.

Make Up: Jessica Taylor using NARS.

Hair: Rebecca Amoroso.

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SUMMER PLAYLIST – Aiden Grimshaw

Wonderland Staff — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:31:19 +0000

X Factor’s surliest alumnus Aiden Grimshaw releases his debut album Misty Eye this week, and even anti-Syco types have to admit that it’s, well, pretty good. Who would have expected the show that created Alexandra Burke to spit out someone who ended up working with Lana Del Rey’s producer? To celebrate Misty Eye’s release, we asked the bequiffed one to send us his summer playlist.

1. Bill Withers – Use Me Up

What a tune, this was a big hit on all the lads’ iPods when I was at home. So much funk you can’t help but snarl your lip and form some sort of funky air band.

2. Sub Focus – Into The Blue

Perfect song for the sun, even better if you’re on a long drive and this comes on shuffle. I have to keep an eye on the speed when a tune like this comes on though.

3. Maximo Park – Going Missing

I probably heard this for the first time in my dads back garden, as soon as the sun come out, the shirt comes off and the tunes go on. Maximo Park are one of his favourites and this is one of mine!

4. Dodgy – Good Enough

Brilliant tune, love these golden oldies. I seem to know all the words and I don’t know how, I blame the parents!

5. Gorillaz – Feel Good Inc

What a song, perfect for the sun and another big hit on my iPod… big fan!

6. Red Hot Chilli Peppers – Scar Tissue

The first album I ever bought was the Red Hot Chilli Peppers Greatest Hits, jumping around my bedroom to ‘Suck My Kiss’ as a little tubster. No doubt this will be getting tanked on my ipod over summer.

7. Alabama Shakes – Hold On

I saw this band at The Great Escape in Brighton, they were really good and the lead singer is phenomenal. This song in particular, I heard it on the radio and instantly started to air drum! Brilliant tune.

8. Nero – Guilt

Great song – perfect for the sun, it’s so aggressive and uplifting.

9. Young MC – Know How

Again, this reminds me of summer at home with my friends. I think it’s safe to say I know every word to this tune.

10. Mumford and Sons – The Cave

Brilliant tune, did this at a few little gigs over last summer and loved it. Big fan of the band, big fan of this song.

Words: Gavin Jewkes

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BEST AND WORST… reality TV performances

Wonderland Staff — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:07:21 +0000

The Voice tour was cancelled yesterday since nobody bought tickets. (Fair enough.) Does this mean reality TV contests are losing the millions of viewers they used to coax in? Wonderland looks back on the best and worst performances over the years…

THE BEST:

(1) Tora Woloshin: I Want You Back, X Factor USA 2011

Tora’s electrifying rendition of Jackson 5’s ‘I Want You Back’ excited the audience and judges and added a little edge to the typically characterless X Factor USA.

(2) Alexandra Burke: Candyman, X Factor 2008

Alexandra Burke emerged as a genuine pop powerhouse with this performance thanks to her voice – and that £900 McQueen nautical dress.

(3) Bianca Ryan: And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going, America’s Got Talent (2006)

This 11 year old shocked everyone with her incredible voice – watch Brandy stand up in disbelief, cross her arms and then shake her head in amazement.

THE WORST:

(1) Ablisa’s audition, X Factor 2010

If Vikki Pollard and her twin sister made their debut on X Factor, this would be it. Their nasty attitude meant that they were booed before they even opened their mouths – nice going, girls.

Geo Godly’s audition, X Factor 2011

Geo Godly’s hilarious/disturbing strip tease during his audition caused Paula Abdul to throw up – which might be a slight overreaction on her part. But hey, it makes for great TV!

Xander Alexander’s audition, X Factor 2011

The deluded “bitchy nasty diva”, Xander Alexander, faces off with Simon Cowell – but not before getting the judge’s name wrong.

Words: Christabel Reed

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Stacey Solomon

Wonderland Staff — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 11:02:19 +0000

Smouldering at the camera in a Shoreditch studio, dressed in jodhpurs and brandishing a whip, Stacey Solomon doesn’t look much like the gawky, 19-year-old Dagenham girl of her first X Factor audition. Back then, she giggled constantly, was dressed in plimsolls and cutoffs and burst out with things like “I can’t believe you just said my name!” But Simon Cowell and the rest fell head over heels with the way she sang.

Stacey was an easy-to-love character, both on The X Factor, where she was self-deprecating, upbeat and sang power ballads in floor-length gowns; and on I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, where she got regularly covered in cockroaches and made an unlikely new BFF in Madchester survivor Shaun Ryder.

There was the heart-warming back-story, too: Stacey is a single mum (although she’s been going out with her decorator boyfriend Aaronfor over a year now); she had a job in a fish and chip shop called “Oh My Cod”; her life’s dream was to buy a house for her and son Zach. Although she lost out in The X Factor to Joe McElderry, Stacey’s good-natured and surprisingly wise attitude in the outback won her plenty more fans. She was crowned Queen of the Jungle, and is making the most of the attention with an autobiography coming out in May, a freshly inked album deal with Warner Brothers, and a TV presenting gig for a charity singing contest lined up alongside Vernon Kaye. Oh yes, she’s also the new Iceland mum.

Has fame changed you?
Me? Nah. My job’s different, but nothing else is.

Who’s the best celeb you’ve met?
I met Bob Hoskins which was massive, because he’s Smee from Hook and that was one of the best films ever made! And I met the man who drew the characters for Aladdin – I was in awe. I love Disney so much, it’s the best. Not because I’m a cheesy over-excited weirdo, but because I just think that it’s so clever, and it’s happy. It’s the nicest thing to grow up seeing happy endings all the time.

Is that your secret to being so cheerful?
I don’t get why some people are constantly miserable. I’m so happy that I’m alive, I don’t really care about anything else.

And you must have nothing left to be afraid of, after I’m A Celebrity.
My only fear is dying. There’s so much I want to do.

Who’s your TV idol?
Who I’d like to be like? I don’t know, I try and be whatever I am. I think that genuine people are easy to see. I’m always honest, and I’m not interested in bitching.

What’s the closest you’ve come to throwing a diva strop?
Nothing means that much to me that I’ll get nasty.

Max Clifford does your PR work, is he not pushing you to get some fake celebrity boyfriend?
No! No one can tell me what to do, ever.

What are you singing in the shower these days?
I love Kate Nash, Jamie T, Two Door Cinema Club. I’m not really a chart music person, I like bands like Mumford and Sons. I’d love to do a duet with Coldplay.

That’s funny, people associate you with ballads and pop songs.
Yeah, because that’s the show that you’re on, you have to sing that kind of thing. There’s no getting away from it.

Will your album be quirkier?
Well, not too quirky or it won’t be played on the radio, so you have to find a happy medium. You know that iPod advert? [Sings a line from Feist’s “1234”] I love things like that.

Will there be any covers on there?
Not on the first album. I don’t feel like I can cover people’s songs because I’m no one. I haven’t even had my own songs, so who am I to sing someone else’s?

Do you ever meet up with Shaun Ryder for a pint?
I haven’t seen him in ages actually. He does ring and texts and keeps in touch. He leaves really funny messages, swears a lot.

Have you always been confident?
I’ve just never cared. I’ve got a Jewish nose and big hips, I’m not perfect but I’m happy.

Are you sick of any of those ballads that you had to sing over and over again?
Yeah, I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve sung “Who Wants to Live Forever”, God!

When you sing it’s like this hidden side of you comes out, that’s more passionate and serious.
I think I’m very serious, but I don’t take life too seriously. People misconceive it as being not so serious or not so clever.

You must be ambitious too.
Yeah but one minute you’re here, the next you’re not. You have everything, then you have nothing. If I took everything too seriously I’d go mental.

Photography: Amarpaul Kalirai
Words: Jess Holland

A full version of this article first appeared in Wonderland #26, April/May 2011

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