X Factor 2017 gets off to glowing start as judges hand out wave of yeses
A number of acts are already on their way to boot camp after receiving top marks from the judges.
The X Factor’s 14th series has got off to a glowing start with judges generously handing out positive votes for this year’s hopefuls.
ITV aired this year’s first round of auditions on Saturday, delighting viewers with stunning talent of all ages and backgrounds.
Returning judges Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne, Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh sent a number of acts to the famous X Factor boot camp, such as 20-year-old warehouse assistant Grace Davies, who wowed with her original song Roots.
Performing it to an audience for the very first time, Walsh labelled it a “hit” while Cowell described it as a “beautiful, beautiful song”.
Other original creations to receive a full house of yeses included I’m Feeling You by boyband Rak-su.
While their first attempt to cover Justin Timberlake’s Senorita failed to impress, their all-singing, dancing and rapping number earned high praise from Cowell, who hinted they could be the best group on the show since 2011 winners Little Mix.
Among an audition bill peppered with Ed Sheeran covers, Oxford graduates Jack and Joel stood out with their medley of Divide’s best tracks, remixed with acoustic guitar and human beat-boxing.
This weekend’s opening programme, hosted by Dermot O’Leary, also unveiled some key moments for the judges.
Music mogul Cowell found himself transfixed when Elisangela Mahogany – who many waiting contestants compared to his former partner Sinitta – took over the room with her scantily-clad Brazilian moves.
After a belting rendition of Evanescence’s My Immortal, the music expert told the emotional 27-year-old: “Stop all the crap about the weight, it doesn’t matter, it’s who you are, if you want to be, and if you are comfortable then show it.”
The second round of X Factor auditions continues on ITV at 8pm on Sunday.
