Stockton postie through to next round of X Factor

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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A SINGING postie from Teesside is heading to London's O2 arena after sailing through to the next round of the X Factor auditions.

Parcelforce worker Stephen Kent, 30, from Stockton, has high hopes for the future after he secured a place in the next round of the talent contest after impressing judges with his rendition of classic tune Lean on Me.

The dad, who lives with wife Katharine, 33, and their children Amanda, nine, Leo, five, and two-year-old Stephen, said: “It’s really exciting. I have a good feeling about this year, I’m feeling positive.

“I’ve been here before and it’s hard when you get knock-backs but this time things seem to be clicking into place. I had a really good day at the initial auditions - the atmosphere was fantastic - and I’m glad I did it.

“My little boy’s been saying ‘I’m so proud of you dad’ and asking if he can take me into his school for his show and tell, which is amazing.

“I feel like this year’s my year - I hope it is.”
Also hoping this year might bring some singing success is dental nurse Cheryl Riley from Easterside.

Cheryl, 20, also impressed producers at the first round of auditions and is now awaiting her information about the next round.

She said: “If and when I get my letter I’ll be going along to the next stage, yeah. I’m glad I auditioned, but it was really scary. I did part of my audition in front of a CEO of Simon Cowell’s company Syco so that was pretty daunting!”

The luck wasn’t quite in for the other Teesside hopefuls the Gazette spoke to on the day of auditions.

But 17-year-old Hannah Norman, of Carlton, said the knock-back wouldn’t put her off auditioning again in the future.

She said: “They told me I should come back next year and that I shouldn’t let it put me off. At first I was a bit disheartened but then I thought of Olly Murs - he was told no three times before he got through, and look at where he is now.

“I’m pleased that Simon Cowell’s been talking about possibly getting people doing their own music in the future as I think that shows you have something a bit extra to offer.

“I think I will audition again next year - at least I know what to expect now - but in the meantime I’ll be finishing college and I’m hoping to study dentistry at Teesside University next year.”

Did you get through the auditions but haven’t spoken to the Gazette? Speak to Lindsey on 01642 234215.

[Bahia Feliz]

Well done to him and all that BUT Is a Parcelforce worker actually a 'postie'?

[CORTINA]

Does he sing have you got a light boy...?

[R@YAL F@IL]

Well Done

[Lounge Lizard]

The dad said: “It’s really exciting. I have a good feeling about this year, I’m feeling positive". then he woke up and remembered who he worked for.