UK: Five celebrities who once auditioned for X Factor

The X Factor was once a dominant reality TV show in the United Kingdom, drawing millions of viewers in its search for the nation’s next pop star.

Launched by Simon Cowell in 2004, the ITV talent show produced some of Britain’s most successful acts, including One Direction, Little Mix and Alexandra Burke. 

However, after a sharp decline in ratings, the show went on a break following the 2018 series. Three years later, Cowell confirmed it would not be returning.

While it propelled many singers to stardom, some well-known personalities also auditioned before finding fame elsewhere.

In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at some prominent figures who once auditioned for The X Factor, according to the Daily Mail.

1. Max George

At just 16, Max George of The Wanted tried his luck on the show with a broken arm. He auditioned at Salford’s Lowry Hotel in front of Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne, impressing the panel and even being described by Cowell as “a young Robbie Williams.” 

However, he was eliminated at the bootcamp stage. George returned the following year as part of the boyband Avenue, who reached the live finals before being disqualified over a professional representation dispute. Reflecting on his first audition, he later said: “That day at The Lowry was when it all changed.”

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2. Mollie King

Before she rose to fame with The Saturdays, Mollie King auditioned twice for the competition. Her first attempt came in 2005, when she performed “I Just Want To Make Love To You” but left judges underwhelmed. Sharon Osbourne criticised her wardrobe while Simon Cowell offered lighter remarks. 

Two years later, she returned with the girl group Fallen Angelz, but their performance of Avril Lavigne’s “Girlfriend” also failed to win over the judges.

3. Jasmin Walia

Reality star Jasmin Walia, best known for The Only Way Is Essex, auditioned in 2014 alongside her brother at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. The panel, which included Simon Cowell, Mel B, Louis Walsh and Cheryl, unanimously rejected her, leaving her in tears. 

She later admitted, “The X Factor was brutal but I just tried to take it all on the chin. I don’t regret it.” Despite the setback, Walia went on to earn praise for her singing in later performances.

4. Bianca Gascoigne

Bianca Gascoigne, adopted daughter of former footballer Paul Gascoigne, also tried her luck in 2012. She auditioned for Gary Barlow, Tulisa, Louis Walsh and guest judge Rita Ora, saying beforehand: “This is really what I want, I love singing.” 

However, her version of Mary J. Blige’s “I’m Goin’ Down” received negative feedback, with Barlow describing it as “a bit of a mediocre audition.” All four judges turned her down.

5. Louis Smith

Even Olympic gymnast Louis Smith made an appearance in 2009. After winning bronze at the 2008 Beijing Games, he auditioned with East 17’s “If You Ever,” but Cowell dismissed the effort, telling him: “It wasn’t good enough. I don’t think you’ll ever be good enough.” Smith later explained that it was simply “a bit of fun,” revealing he had once considered pursuing singing before dedicating himself to gymnastics.

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