Maybe it's the pressure. Or the hot stage lights. Or the tantalising proximity of Simon's high-waisted trousers. But it wouldn't be a series of The X Factor without rumours of romances. Already this year we've had the usual nudges and winks wiggling their way out from Boot Camp.
But it's only in the pressure cooker of live shows that things really start heating up - and acts inevitably turn to each other for comfort. So prepare yourself with seven of our favourite ever X Factor romances...
1. Wagner and Mary Byrne (2010)
Is it any surprise that 54-year-old, Brazilian-born Wagner turned out to be something of a ladies' man? No woman can resist a guy with bongos, and his throwback picture of himself holding a lion's tail paved the way for men posing with big cats on dating apps.
In this case, the woman he allegedly wooed was Ballyfermot's Tesco Mary, with...
But it's only in the pressure cooker of live shows that things really start heating up - and acts inevitably turn to each other for comfort. So prepare yourself with seven of our favourite ever X Factor romances...
1. Wagner and Mary Byrne (2010)
Is it any surprise that 54-year-old, Brazilian-born Wagner turned out to be something of a ladies' man? No woman can resist a guy with bongos, and his throwback picture of himself holding a lion's tail paved the way for men posing with big cats on dating apps.
In this case, the woman he allegedly wooed was Ballyfermot's Tesco Mary, with...
- 10/23/2015
- Digital Spy
The X Factor auditions are finally over and tonight we're through to Boot Camp, the source of some of X Factor's all-time best moments (Zayn Malik throwing a strop and refusing to dance, anyone?) It certainly looks as though we're in for our fair share of drama tonight.
Grab a cup of tea (or a bottle of wine, a beer and a few double voddies if you feel like emulating some of the more dramatic contestants), read up on some backstage gossip and secrets from filming and join us live from 7pm as we bring you all the action as it happens.
20:59And so that's the episode over! There were ups, there were downs, there were tantrums, there were a Lot of missed lyrics. Judging from next week's preview it looks like we are set for even more drama - join us from Sunday, September 27 at 7pm and we'll be liveblogging it all!
Grab a cup of tea (or a bottle of wine, a beer and a few double voddies if you feel like emulating some of the more dramatic contestants), read up on some backstage gossip and secrets from filming and join us live from 7pm as we bring you all the action as it happens.
20:59And so that's the episode over! There were ups, there were downs, there were tantrums, there were a Lot of missed lyrics. Judging from next week's preview it looks like we are set for even more drama - join us from Sunday, September 27 at 7pm and we'll be liveblogging it all!
- 9/20/2015
- Digital Spy
Ever get a feeling of déjà vu while you're watching The X Factor? That's because after 11 series and hundreds of contestants, the live shows have seen a whopping 728 tracks performed so far. But like a wedding DJ reaching for his failsafe party anthems CD, the top five most popular songs have been dusted off and rolled out over 33 times between them.
Our geeky rules state that we're counting all live show performances and group songs, but not repeat performances from the same act in the same series.
=5. 'Feeling Good': 6 performances
Performed by: Beverley Trotman, Rachel Hylton, Stacey Solomon, James Arthur, Rebecca Ferguson, Andrea Faustini
Made famous by Nina Simone, this classic usually pops up in the traditional 'Big Band Week', and is a good excuse for an act to show off their sultry side. Stacey had a go with Michael Bublé in 2009, while Andrea tried out a more powerhouse version last year.
Our geeky rules state that we're counting all live show performances and group songs, but not repeat performances from the same act in the same series.
=5. 'Feeling Good': 6 performances
Performed by: Beverley Trotman, Rachel Hylton, Stacey Solomon, James Arthur, Rebecca Ferguson, Andrea Faustini
Made famous by Nina Simone, this classic usually pops up in the traditional 'Big Band Week', and is a good excuse for an act to show off their sultry side. Stacey had a go with Michael Bublé in 2009, while Andrea tried out a more powerhouse version last year.
- 9/12/2015
- Digital Spy
Downton Abbey already counts the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge among its fans, and now one more member of the Royal Family can reportedly be added to that list.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Queen Elizabeth II is a big fan of the ITV show - and also one of its biggest critics.
"[The Queen] loves watching Downton Abbey and pointing out things they have got wrong, partly because she is familiar with Highclere Castle, where it is filmed," author and royal chronicler Brian Hoey told the newspaper.
"She is the same when she is watching anything on television. In one programme she was watching, the Queen noticed that a British officer was wearing medals that were from the wrong era. It was set in the First World War but the medals he was wearing did not come in until the Second World War."
Hoey also added that Her Majesty enjoys watching Dad's Army,...
According to The Daily Telegraph, Queen Elizabeth II is a big fan of the ITV show - and also one of its biggest critics.
"[The Queen] loves watching Downton Abbey and pointing out things they have got wrong, partly because she is familiar with Highclere Castle, where it is filmed," author and royal chronicler Brian Hoey told the newspaper.
"She is the same when she is watching anything on television. In one programme she was watching, the Queen noticed that a British officer was wearing medals that were from the wrong era. It was set in the First World War but the medals he was wearing did not come in until the Second World War."
Hoey also added that Her Majesty enjoys watching Dad's Army,...
- 9/5/2015
- Digital Spy
Mary Byrne has admitted that she was ‘sad’ when she heard Cheryl Cole had been sacked from The X Factor, but has urged the star to try and put the whole experience behind her.
The Dublin born singer competed on the ITV show last year – finishing in fifth place in the December final – and commenting on Cole’s departure from the UK show, only to be axed from the Us version, the crooner told Rte ten:
It was quite sad, but do you know what, I think the best thing Cheryl could now is get out, hold her head up high, and if she wants to go back to The X Factor well and good, but if not just forget about what happened.
She added:
What happened didn’t damage her that much.
Mary also gave her opinion on the new UK judging panel, which consists of Take That’s Gary Barlow,...
The Dublin born singer competed on the ITV show last year – finishing in fifth place in the December final – and commenting on Cole’s departure from the UK show, only to be axed from the Us version, the crooner told Rte ten:
It was quite sad, but do you know what, I think the best thing Cheryl could now is get out, hold her head up high, and if she wants to go back to The X Factor well and good, but if not just forget about what happened.
She added:
What happened didn’t damage her that much.
Mary also gave her opinion on the new UK judging panel, which consists of Take That’s Gary Barlow,...
- 8/15/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Mary Byrne performed in her first professional stage show last night and admitted that she ‘loved’ every minute of it.
The 51 year old singer – who shot to fame when she finished in fifth place on last year’s X Factor series – took on the role of ‘Teen Angel’ in ‘Grease’ which opened last night at Dublin’s Grand Canal Theatre.
Speaking about her theatre debut to The Irish Times, the Dublin born mum of one admitted that the whole experience was “very exciting”. She added:
“ I just loved it, it’s a great buzz and a beautiful theatre.”
Byrne also revealed that she has never properly acted before and certainly received no former training, she explained:
“Well, I’ve probably been acting all my life but I’ve never had to get out on stage and act.”
She went on to confess that she was incredibly nervous because of this...
The 51 year old singer – who shot to fame when she finished in fifth place on last year’s X Factor series – took on the role of ‘Teen Angel’ in ‘Grease’ which opened last night at Dublin’s Grand Canal Theatre.
Speaking about her theatre debut to The Irish Times, the Dublin born mum of one admitted that the whole experience was “very exciting”. She added:
“ I just loved it, it’s a great buzz and a beautiful theatre.”
Byrne also revealed that she has never properly acted before and certainly received no former training, she explained:
“Well, I’ve probably been acting all my life but I’ve never had to get out on stage and act.”
She went on to confess that she was incredibly nervous because of this...
- 8/11/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Mary Byrne has spoken out about her devastation when she lost both her mother and father to dementia.
The former X factor contestant was in Ballymena, Northern Ireland this week, backing a UK Dementia Community Roadshow, when she admitted that she and her brother had been left broken by the experience of watching their parents get more and more distant before their deaths.
The Dublin born mum of one was back in Tesco for the day when she explained that her mum 69 year old mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 1993 and died just two years later. Here dad suffered from dementia and died aged 82, in 2004.
She told The Belfast Telegraph:
“It was very tough emotionally and physically on my younger brother and myself.”
“My mum died two years after she was diagnosed, but she had it for years prior to that. We knew nothing about it because the information was not there.
The former X factor contestant was in Ballymena, Northern Ireland this week, backing a UK Dementia Community Roadshow, when she admitted that she and her brother had been left broken by the experience of watching their parents get more and more distant before their deaths.
The Dublin born mum of one was back in Tesco for the day when she explained that her mum 69 year old mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 1993 and died just two years later. Here dad suffered from dementia and died aged 82, in 2004.
She told The Belfast Telegraph:
“It was very tough emotionally and physically on my younger brother and myself.”
“My mum died two years after she was diagnosed, but she had it for years prior to that. We knew nothing about it because the information was not there.
- 7/23/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Mary Byrne has barely stopped working since she left The X Factor last year.
The 51 year old singer got as far as the semi finals on the ITV show in December 2010 and after recently performing for The Queen, she has now been announced as part of the entertainment at the upcoming Dublin Super Cup.
The event takes place on the 30th and 31st July at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin and Mary will take to the stage on the second day of the tournament and give the crowd a few songs during the interval between the two scheduled matches.
Byrne – who was recently confirmed as the support act at Neil Diamond’s Aviva show on the 25th June – commented:
“I’m extremely excited to be performing again at the Aviva Stadium and during the Dublin Super Cup weekend. To be in the company of some of the world’s most talented...
The 51 year old singer got as far as the semi finals on the ITV show in December 2010 and after recently performing for The Queen, she has now been announced as part of the entertainment at the upcoming Dublin Super Cup.
The event takes place on the 30th and 31st July at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin and Mary will take to the stage on the second day of the tournament and give the crowd a few songs during the interval between the two scheduled matches.
Byrne – who was recently confirmed as the support act at Neil Diamond’s Aviva show on the 25th June – commented:
“I’m extremely excited to be performing again at the Aviva Stadium and during the Dublin Super Cup weekend. To be in the company of some of the world’s most talented...
- 6/18/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Mary Byrne has revealed that the Queen watches The X Factor. The singer, who finished fifth in last year's show, performed U2's 'All I Want Is You' for Her Majesty at a concert marking the end of her official visit to Ireland. Byrne told The Sun: "She said, 'You are the lady off The X Factor. Your song was fabulous'. "I asked if she watched the show. She said, 'It could be too late for me but I do watch (more)...
- 5/21/2011
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
Mary Byrne looked elated as she met the Queen at a recent event.
The X Factor star performed at a concert in Dublin, staged to round off the Monarch’s historic visit to Ireland and sang U2′s classic All I Want Is You.
She revealed that Queen Elizabeth II revealed that she is a big fan of the ITV show and told The Sun:
“She said, ‘You are the lady off The X Factor. Your song was fabulous’.
“I asked if she watched the show. She said, ‘It could be too late for me but I do watch it the next day’. They record it for her.”
You can watch Mary’s performance below and much as we Love the 51 year old star, we think she could have chosen a better song for the occasion!
View the original post X Factor: Mary Byrne meets the Queen! (Video) on Unreality...
The X Factor star performed at a concert in Dublin, staged to round off the Monarch’s historic visit to Ireland and sang U2′s classic All I Want Is You.
She revealed that Queen Elizabeth II revealed that she is a big fan of the ITV show and told The Sun:
“She said, ‘You are the lady off The X Factor. Your song was fabulous’.
“I asked if she watched the show. She said, ‘It could be too late for me but I do watch it the next day’. They record it for her.”
You can watch Mary’s performance below and much as we Love the 51 year old star, we think she could have chosen a better song for the occasion!
View the original post X Factor: Mary Byrne meets the Queen! (Video) on Unreality...
- 5/21/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Fox has unveiled a new promo for The X Factor USA. The 90-second clip introduces the Us audience to newcomers Cheryl Cole and Steve Jones, as well as heralding the on-screen reunion of former American Idol judges Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul. Also featured in the advert are various UK contestants including Aiden Grimshaw, Cher Lloyd, Mary Byrne and One Direction. It ends up by telling viewers to prepare themselves for "TVs biggest event", before featuring familiar slogan, "It's time to face the music". The four judges continue filming studio auditions in Chicago today, (more)...
- 5/20/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Fox has unveiled a new promo for The X Factor USA. The 90-second clip introduces the Us audience to newcomers Cheryl Cole and Steve Jones, as well as heralding the on-screen reunion of former American Idol judges Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul. Also featured in the advert are various UK contestants including Aiden Grimshaw, Cher Lloyd, Mary Byrne and One Direction. It ends up by telling viewers to prepare themselves for "TVs biggest event", before featuring familiar slogan, "It's time to face the music". The four judges continue filming studio auditions in Chicago today, (more)...
- 5/20/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Katie Waissel has insisted that she does not expect anything from Cheryl Cole away from The X Factor. The Girls Aloud star served as mentor to Waissel and the other female singers on last year's series of the ITV1 competition. However, Mary Byrne previously revealed that Cole has not been in touch with any of the singers since the show ended in December. "She's really cool," Waissel told Metro. "I'd love to have a big (more)...
- 4/19/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Mary Byrne remains at number one in the Irish album chart for a second week. The X Factor star's debut collection Mine & Yours continues its chart reign, holding Adele in second place with 21. Bell X1 score this week's highest new entry with their LP Bloodless Coup. It pushes Adele's debut album 19 down one spot to number four, while Ronan Keating holds firm at number five with When Ronan Met Burt. Elsewhere in the Top 10, The Villagers climb 27 places to number nine with Becoming A Jackal. Jamie Lawson's Wasn't Expecting That debuts at number 11, while Britney Spears falls eight to number 12 with her seventh album Femme Fatale. Other notable climbers this week include: The Overtones at number 24 with Good Ol' Fashioned Love, Pink's Greatest Hits (more)...
- 4/8/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Mary Byrne has debuted at number one in the Irish album chart this week. The X Factor star's Mine & Yours LP ends Adele's reign at the top spot. 21 falls to number two, followed at number three by the singer's debut collection 19. 'Till The World Ends' singer Britney Spears enters the chart at number four with her seventh album Femme Fatale. Previous releases Circus and Blackout peaked at numbers two and one respectively. Ronan Keating's latest offering When Ronan Met Burt climbs 15 places to number five, while Radiohead enter at number seven with The King of Limbs. Notable climbers this week include: Katy Perry's Teenage Dream at number 20, Michael Bublé's Crazy Love at 21, Katherine Jenkins's Sweetest Love at 25 and (more)...
- 4/1/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Mary Byrne has admitted that she would love to follow in the footsteps of Tina Turner and record a James Bond theme tune.
The X Factor star told the Pa that her management have put her name forward as a possible singer for the 23rd movie in the famous franchise but confessed that she hasn’t yet heard back from the film bosses.
“We have talked about it,” she said. “We have put it out there, but they haven’t got back to me yet.
“I would be the happiest woman on this planet, and that’s the truth. To sing a Bond song, you would be up there with the greats, the likes of Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones and Paul McCartney. To even consider me would be a phenomenal feeling, and I would be so honoured and proud.”
Byrne added: “I love James Bond movies – I loved them from the Sean Connery ones.
The X Factor star told the Pa that her management have put her name forward as a possible singer for the 23rd movie in the famous franchise but confessed that she hasn’t yet heard back from the film bosses.
“We have talked about it,” she said. “We have put it out there, but they haven’t got back to me yet.
“I would be the happiest woman on this planet, and that’s the truth. To sing a Bond song, you would be up there with the greats, the likes of Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones and Paul McCartney. To even consider me would be a phenomenal feeling, and I would be so honoured and proud.”
Byrne added: “I love James Bond movies – I loved them from the Sean Connery ones.
- 4/1/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Mary Byrne has revealed that she would like to sing the theme tune for the 23rd James Bond film. The X Factor star told the Pa that being chosen to perform the track for the still-untitled movie would be a "phenomenal feeling". "We have talked about it," she admitted. "We have put it out there, but they haven't got back to me yet. "I would be the happiest woman on this planet, and that's the truth. To sing a Bond song, you would be up there with the greats, the likes of Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones and Paul McCartney. To even consider me would be a phenomenal feeling, (more)...
- 3/31/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Mary Byrne has revealed that she did once enjoy a love affair with a woman, but insisted that she is not a lesbian.
The X Factor star, who released her debut album Mine and Yours earlier this week, said that the fling happened decades ago and was borne out of a bad relationship she had with a man.
She told New magazine:
“A long time ago, in my early 20s, I had a fleeting relationship with a woman. It was just a one-off thing. I’d just come out of a bad relationship with a man and someone was there.”
When Mary hit the big time, her one time lover was quick to sell her story to the newspaper but the Dublin singer denied claims that she is a lesbian.
She added: “She came out of the woodwork to say, ‘I know Mary Bryne – she’s a lesbian’. That’s totally not true.
The X Factor star, who released her debut album Mine and Yours earlier this week, said that the fling happened decades ago and was borne out of a bad relationship she had with a man.
She told New magazine:
“A long time ago, in my early 20s, I had a fleeting relationship with a woman. It was just a one-off thing. I’d just come out of a bad relationship with a man and someone was there.”
When Mary hit the big time, her one time lover was quick to sell her story to the newspaper but the Dublin singer denied claims that she is a lesbian.
She added: “She came out of the woodwork to say, ‘I know Mary Bryne – she’s a lesbian’. That’s totally not true.
- 3/31/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Mary Byrne has revealed that she once had a lesbian affair. The X Factor finalist, who released her debut album Mine & Yours this week, insisted that the brief relationship didn't mean anything. She told New: "A long time ago, in my early 20s, I had a fleeting relationship with a woman. It was just a one-off thing. I'd just come out of a bad relationship with a man and someone was there." The 51-year-old explained that her former lover has claimed she is a lesbian but Byrne has insisted that (more)...
- 3/30/2011
- by By Kristy Kelly
- Digital Spy
Mary Byrne has admitted that she turned down an offer to have a gastric band fitted for free. The X Factor singer's daughter had previously suggested that her mother "probably would" use the band as a last resort to lose weight. However, speaking to New magazine, Byrne said that she does not aim to be skinny and revealed that her weight loss has continued since the ITV1 show ended in December. "I lost a stone on the show and I've lost another half a stone since. But I do have an underactive thyroid so it's slow to come down," she said. "I was offered a gastric band free in Dublin but I turned it down. (more)...
- 3/29/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Mary Byrne has admitted that she once got so carried away during a meeting with Simon Cowell, that she couldn’t help telling him he was gorgeous!
Most X Factor hopefuls are terrified and in awe of the 51 year old star, but being the same age herself, Mary wasn’t intimidated at all and felt he had to know how beautiful his eyes were!
Speaking to new! magazine about her relationship with the music mogul, the Dublin singer said:
He’s a good man. He has the most dreamy eyes when you get close to him.
I always looked at him and thought, “Yeah, he’s attractive.”
But one day, I was sitting talking to him in his office and I said, “You know what, Simon? You’re gorgeous.” And Simon said, “I know. Thank you.”
Rebecca Ferguson said, “Don’t be saying that to him!” But she felt the same way,...
Most X Factor hopefuls are terrified and in awe of the 51 year old star, but being the same age herself, Mary wasn’t intimidated at all and felt he had to know how beautiful his eyes were!
Speaking to new! magazine about her relationship with the music mogul, the Dublin singer said:
He’s a good man. He has the most dreamy eyes when you get close to him.
I always looked at him and thought, “Yeah, he’s attractive.”
But one day, I was sitting talking to him in his office and I said, “You know what, Simon? You’re gorgeous.” And Simon said, “I know. Thank you.”
Rebecca Ferguson said, “Don’t be saying that to him!” But she felt the same way,...
- 3/29/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Mary Byrne has spent the last three months gigging and touring the UK and spent three months before that competing on The X Factor, however the 51 year old singer says she has only earned £7,000 in all that time.
The mum of one worked on a checkout at Tesco until she shot to fame on the ITV show and seemed thrilled with the turn her life has taken when we chatted to her at London’s O2 last week. However, despite all her hard work, Mary is not yet rolling in cash.
The singer, whose debut album Mine & Yours is released tomorrow told The Mail On Sunday:
“I did two gigs in England and I think I got seven grand for it but I haven’t received anything so far.”
“There will be an advance from the album but I haven’t seen any of that. And then I have the...
The mum of one worked on a checkout at Tesco until she shot to fame on the ITV show and seemed thrilled with the turn her life has taken when we chatted to her at London’s O2 last week. However, despite all her hard work, Mary is not yet rolling in cash.
The singer, whose debut album Mine & Yours is released tomorrow told The Mail On Sunday:
“I did two gigs in England and I think I got seven grand for it but I haven’t received anything so far.”
“There will be an advance from the album but I haven’t seen any of that. And then I have the...
- 3/27/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Mary Byrne has revealed that she has only earned £7,000 since The X Factor finished last year. The singer, whose debut album Mine & Yours is released tomorrow, admitted that she is using her savings to get by. "I did two gigs in England and I think I got seven grand for it but I haven't received anything so far," she told The Mail on Sunday. "There will be an advance from the album but I haven't seen any of that. And then I have the X Factor tour but I won't get that until the tour is finished. I haven't actually got anything. "I'm the still the same as before, except with the extra seven grand from the two (more)...
- 3/27/2011
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
Mary Byrne has admitted that she doesn’t know if America will ‘get’ Cheryl Cole.
Speaking to Digital Spy while promoting her new album Mine and Yours, the Dublin mum of one was asked if she thinks Cole would be a good judge on the Us version of The X Factor.
Not sounding too enthusiastic, Mary said:
“I think she would be good, but I don’t think the Us would get her in the same way that we do. They don’t know the things that she’s been through – the good times and the sad parts – but we’ve followed her through it. I don’t know whether Americans would take to her without that knowledge. Saying that, Victoria Beckham has made it over there, so she obviously stands a reasonable chance.”
Mary got to know Cheryl when she competed on The X Factor in 2010. She finished in...
Speaking to Digital Spy while promoting her new album Mine and Yours, the Dublin mum of one was asked if she thinks Cole would be a good judge on the Us version of The X Factor.
Not sounding too enthusiastic, Mary said:
“I think she would be good, but I don’t think the Us would get her in the same way that we do. They don’t know the things that she’s been through – the good times and the sad parts – but we’ve followed her through it. I don’t know whether Americans would take to her without that knowledge. Saying that, Victoria Beckham has made it over there, so she obviously stands a reasonable chance.”
Mary got to know Cheryl when she competed on The X Factor in 2010. She finished in...
- 3/18/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Mary Byrne has suggested that Cheryl Cole will struggle to achieve success in the Us. The former X Factor contestant, who is gearing up for the release of her debut album Mine & Yours later this month, believes that America wont "get" the '3 Words' star because they don't know her back story. Asked if she thought Cole would make a good judge on the Us version of The X Factor, she told Digital Spy: "I think she would be good, but I don't think the Us would get her in the same way that we do. "They don't know the things that she's been through - the good times and (more)...
- 3/18/2011
- by By Robert Copsey
- Digital Spy
Mary Byrne has revealed that her management is currently planning her own solo tour.
The Dublin mum of one shot to fame on last year’s X Factor series and is currently performing all around the UK on the show’s nationwide tour.
Speaking to Digital Spy Mary explained that she will be performing on her own solo tour soon, and revealed that show venues have already been booked in Ireland.
She said:
“I’ve still got The X Factor tour for now, which is hectic, but you’re rewarded when you go out on that amazing stage every night. I think my own tour is being discussed at the moment. I don’t know if it will be in England as well but I hope to play some smaller venues here. There’s definitely going to be some shows in Ireland, which I can’t wait to do! Long may it last,...
The Dublin mum of one shot to fame on last year’s X Factor series and is currently performing all around the UK on the show’s nationwide tour.
Speaking to Digital Spy Mary explained that she will be performing on her own solo tour soon, and revealed that show venues have already been booked in Ireland.
She said:
“I’ve still got The X Factor tour for now, which is hectic, but you’re rewarded when you go out on that amazing stage every night. I think my own tour is being discussed at the moment. I don’t know if it will be in England as well but I hope to play some smaller venues here. There’s definitely going to be some shows in Ireland, which I can’t wait to do! Long may it last,...
- 3/18/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Mary Byrne has disagreed with critics of The X Factor, saying that wannabe singers need the show as a platform.
The reality TV series has been heavily criticised by stars like Elton John and Lily Allen, who think that Simion Cowell and his team are ruining the current music industry, however Byrne – who worked on the tills at Tesco before making it to the X factor semi final – says some people would never have a shot at fame without it.
Byrne told iVillage.co.uk:
“There are obviously other ways [to get a record deal] but we need a show like The X Factor badly because the industry is so hard to get into.
“There are people who wait for years and never get a chance – like myself. I know people knock it but in some cases it gives people a great opportunity to voice their talent.”
Asked if entering the menopause had inspired her...
The reality TV series has been heavily criticised by stars like Elton John and Lily Allen, who think that Simion Cowell and his team are ruining the current music industry, however Byrne – who worked on the tills at Tesco before making it to the X factor semi final – says some people would never have a shot at fame without it.
Byrne told iVillage.co.uk:
“There are obviously other ways [to get a record deal] but we need a show like The X Factor badly because the industry is so hard to get into.
“There are people who wait for years and never get a chance – like myself. I know people knock it but in some cases it gives people a great opportunity to voice their talent.”
Asked if entering the menopause had inspired her...
- 3/17/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Mary Byrne has said that singers need The X Factor to help them break into the music industry. The former Tesco checkout worker was voted off at the semi-final stage of last year's competition and this month releases album Mine & Yours. Asked if the reality talent show is the best route into the industry, Byrne told iVillage.co.uk: "There are obviously other ways but we need a show like The X Factor badly because the industry is so hard to get into. "There are people who wait for years and never (more)...
- 3/17/2011
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
Katie Waissel has said that she could always turn to Cheryl Cole when she was on The X Factor. In an interview for the upcoming issue of Flavour Magazine, the singer suggested that Cole helped her survive the criticism she received in the press. Asked if Cole had offered her support, Waissel said: "To be honest she was so real - we could knock on her door anytime. She was always there to give us advice. She was always somebody to turn to. "I was told by a few people not to read what was going on in the papers, but I couldn't help it. I always wanted to know what was been said so I could put the truth out there." Last month, Mary Byrne claimed that Cole has (more)...
- 3/7/2011
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
Mary Byrne will release her debut album in time for Mother’s Day this month and it has been revealed that the star will take to shopping channel QVC to shift some extra copies.
The 51 year old Dublin singer shot to fame on the last series of The X Factor, in which she came in fifth place. The former Tesco till operator subsequently landed a record deal with Sony Music and worked with industry expert and producer Nigel Wright on her first record – Mine and Yours.
She will now follow in the footsteps of Britain’s Got Talent star Susan Boyle – who launched her debut album I Dreamed A Dream on QVC – and appear on the TV channel at the end of this month.
A source told The Sun:
“It makes perfect sense to flog the album on a phone-in show.
“Mary’s fans have already proved they like using...
The 51 year old Dublin singer shot to fame on the last series of The X Factor, in which she came in fifth place. The former Tesco till operator subsequently landed a record deal with Sony Music and worked with industry expert and producer Nigel Wright on her first record – Mine and Yours.
She will now follow in the footsteps of Britain’s Got Talent star Susan Boyle – who launched her debut album I Dreamed A Dream on QVC – and appear on the TV channel at the end of this month.
A source told The Sun:
“It makes perfect sense to flog the album on a phone-in show.
“Mary’s fans have already proved they like using...
- 3/3/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Mary Byrne will promote her debut album through shopping channel QVC. The X Factor finalist, who finished fourth in last year's series, will appear on the channel on March 7 to plug the LP, called Mine & Yours. A press release states that she will also perform a number of tracks from the record, including renditions of 'This Is A Man's World' and 'I Who Have Nothing'. (more)...
- 3/2/2011
- by By Robert Copsey
- Digital Spy
Cheryl Cole has not spoken to Cher Lloyd, Rebecca Ferguson or Katie Waissel since The X Factor ended, it has been claimed. Speaking to The Sun, ex-contestant Mary Byrne revealed that the judge has failed to make contact with the trio after mentoring them during their time on the show. "Matt has heard from Dannii [Minogue], I'm sure the boys have been in touch with Simon [Cowell], but I know Cheryl hasn't been in touch with any of the girls," she told (more)...
- 2/24/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Cheryl Cole has been so busy with her own life, that she hasn’t bothered making contact any of her ‘X Factor’ protgees since the series ended in December.
The ‘Promise This’ singer – who is focussed on landing a job mentoring contestants on the American version of the reality TV show – reportedly abandoned Rebecca Ferguson, Cher Lloyd and Katie Waissel following the final of singing series two months ago.
This fact is made worse by the knowledge that all her fellow judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue have remained in contact with their performers, boyband One Direction, Irish diva Mary Byrne and winner Matt Cardle.
Mary explained: “Matt has heard from Dannii, I’m sure the boys have been in touch with Simon, but I know Cheryl hasn’t been in touch with any of the girls.”
In spite of her lack of contact with her mentor, 17-year-old...
The ‘Promise This’ singer – who is focussed on landing a job mentoring contestants on the American version of the reality TV show – reportedly abandoned Rebecca Ferguson, Cher Lloyd and Katie Waissel following the final of singing series two months ago.
This fact is made worse by the knowledge that all her fellow judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue have remained in contact with their performers, boyband One Direction, Irish diva Mary Byrne and winner Matt Cardle.
Mary explained: “Matt has heard from Dannii, I’m sure the boys have been in touch with Simon, but I know Cheryl hasn’t been in touch with any of the girls.”
In spite of her lack of contact with her mentor, 17-year-old...
- 2/24/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Mary Byrne has officially finished with Tesco and admitted that she is scared to be without her safety net.
The X Factor star has reportedly landed a recording contract with show boss Simon Cowell and reports suggest that he has committed £1 million to advancing Mary’s career.
The Irish singer will return to her old employer in employer in Ballyfermot, west Dublin, and rang them last week to inform them that she was officially quitting and told The Belfast Telegraph:
“I had to ring them over the weekend and arrange to pop in for my P45.”
“I’m actually quite scared about it because Tesco has been my safety net during the past six months. No matter what happened on X Factor, I always knew Tesco would take me back.”
Mary previously admitted that she owed a lot to the supermarket chain. While performing on The X Factor she received only £30 a week from ITV.
The X Factor star has reportedly landed a recording contract with show boss Simon Cowell and reports suggest that he has committed £1 million to advancing Mary’s career.
The Irish singer will return to her old employer in employer in Ballyfermot, west Dublin, and rang them last week to inform them that she was officially quitting and told The Belfast Telegraph:
“I had to ring them over the weekend and arrange to pop in for my P45.”
“I’m actually quite scared about it because Tesco has been my safety net during the past six months. No matter what happened on X Factor, I always knew Tesco would take me back.”
Mary previously admitted that she owed a lot to the supermarket chain. While performing on The X Factor she received only £30 a week from ITV.
- 1/4/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Matt Cardle has admitted that he found it hard to imagine ever achieving his dream of fame.
The 27 year old Essex singer won The X Factor on Sunday night but admitted that when he auditioned for the show, he never thought that he could win.
Matt told Adrian and Christine on Daybreak:
You see it happen to other people and when you want something that bad, it’s hard to imagine ever getting it. It really is hard when it’s that much of a dream.
I’m still the same guy that walked in on the first audition, kind of not knowing what to expect and I’m still him, without the hat, with more makeup and less sweaty.
On revelations that he received the most votes after every live show, except for the first when Mary Byrne triumphed, Matt added:
That is absolutely amazing. People were saying...
The 27 year old Essex singer won The X Factor on Sunday night but admitted that when he auditioned for the show, he never thought that he could win.
Matt told Adrian and Christine on Daybreak:
You see it happen to other people and when you want something that bad, it’s hard to imagine ever getting it. It really is hard when it’s that much of a dream.
I’m still the same guy that walked in on the first audition, kind of not knowing what to expect and I’m still him, without the hat, with more makeup and less sweaty.
On revelations that he received the most votes after every live show, except for the first when Mary Byrne triumphed, Matt added:
That is absolutely amazing. People were saying...
- 12/15/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
ITV has revealed the names of the the top two acts in each week of this year's X Factor. Konnie Huq announced the information on The Xtra Factor earlier this evening. The 2010 champion Matt Cardle topped the public vote every weekend except the first round, which was won by Mary Byrne. Tesco checkout worker Byrne finished second in weeks two and three, but was then dislodged (more)...
- 12/12/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Louis Walsh has claimed that Simon Cowell is already arranging for Mary Byrne to be signed to Sony. Byrne was eliminated from The X Factor on Sunday night after Cowell joined Dannii Minogue and Cheryl Cole in voting to save Cher Lloyd in the controversial sing-off. Asked if Byrne could have won Britain's Got Talent, her mentor Walsh told Lbc 97.3: "I think she's a winner - Simon is arranging a (more)...
- 12/9/2010
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
X Factor judge Louis Walsh has hit back at allegations that The X Factor is fixed by Simon Cowell so that his favourite acts stay in the contest.
While speaking on Lbc 97.3 this morning, Louis took the opportunity to stress that last Sunday’s sing-off between Mary Byrne and Cher Lloyd was not fixed so that Cher would remain on the show.
He said, “I’m furious about the rumours because it’s all untrue, it is all untrue.
“I can understand why people are angry but I’m Mary’s mentor.
“I wanted her to make the final but I knew I was in trouble, I so knew I was in trouble on Saturday night.”
And when asked if he thought Mary would’ve stayed in the competition if only the phone votes were taken into account, Louis replied, “I don’t know. We never get the vote until after the series.
While speaking on Lbc 97.3 this morning, Louis took the opportunity to stress that last Sunday’s sing-off between Mary Byrne and Cher Lloyd was not fixed so that Cher would remain on the show.
He said, “I’m furious about the rumours because it’s all untrue, it is all untrue.
“I can understand why people are angry but I’m Mary’s mentor.
“I wanted her to make the final but I knew I was in trouble, I so knew I was in trouble on Saturday night.”
And when asked if he thought Mary would’ve stayed in the competition if only the phone votes were taken into account, Louis replied, “I don’t know. We never get the vote until after the series.
- 12/9/2010
- by Sarah
- Unreality
Louis Walsh has said that he is "furious" over claims that The X Factor is fixed. Speaking on Lbc 97.3, the mentor and judge denied that a sing-off was added to Sunday's results show to ensure that Cher Lloyd stayed in the competition instead of his own act Mary Byrne. Walsh said: "I'm furious about the rumours because it's all untrue, it is all untrue. I can understand why people are angry but I'm Mary's mentor. I wanted her to make the final but I knew I was in trouble, I so knew I was in trouble on Saturday night." Asked if he thought Byrne would have stayed in the competition based on the viewers' votes alone, he replied: "I don't know. We never get the vote until after the series. We get them after the final. I don't know. I honestly don't know. "I was hoping that Dannii [Minogue] (more)...
- 12/9/2010
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
Simon Cowell has written an open letter to X Factor viewers to insist that the show is not fixed. It comes after Mary Byrne claimed that Sunday night's results had been "a fix", following the introduction of a sing-off to the semi-final results show. "I think it’s appropriate because of some of the stories this week that I personally explained why we made certain decisions on The X Factor this year," he wrote in The Mirror. "It’s always our sole intention to try and make the show as entertaining and hopefully exciting every week. Our main focus is to ensure that the contestants are given every opportunity to benefit from being on the show and show their talent." The judge confirmed that he had held regular meetings with fans and had "acted on their feedback". "I believe they have enjoyed the changes in (more)...
- 12/8/2010
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Louis Walsh has confirmed that despite being eliminated from the X Factor last Sunday, Mary Byrne will be recording an album.
Only the competition winner is normally guaranteed a record deal, however just two days after she was voted out of the ITV show, Louis claims that Simon Cowell is already planning to ‘help’ Mary with her first release.
The Press Association quote the Irish star as saying:
“With Simon’s help Mary will be making the album she’s always wanted to make and I’ll help her with the whole production on that, picking songs and getting the right producers for her to work with.”
Speaking about her future, Mary admitted that a record deal is top of her wish list. She told X Magazine:
I hope to get an album deal, I really do. The X Factor tour’s coming up and I’m living for that,...
Only the competition winner is normally guaranteed a record deal, however just two days after she was voted out of the ITV show, Louis claims that Simon Cowell is already planning to ‘help’ Mary with her first release.
The Press Association quote the Irish star as saying:
“With Simon’s help Mary will be making the album she’s always wanted to make and I’ll help her with the whole production on that, picking songs and getting the right producers for her to work with.”
Speaking about her future, Mary admitted that a record deal is top of her wish list. She told X Magazine:
I hope to get an album deal, I really do. The X Factor tour’s coming up and I’m living for that,...
- 12/7/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Katie Waissel has revealed that she found it difficult to trust her fellow housemates from The X Factor. The singer said that apart from Mary Byrne and Rebecca Ferguson, there was no-one else around whom she could "drop her guard". She explained to Grazia: "With people from the house slagging me off, there was nowhere I could drop my guard. "There were two people I liked and trusted - Mary and Rebecca. They are the loveliest people. Apart (more)...
- 12/7/2010
- by By Kristy Kelly
- Digital Spy
Former checkout worker Mary Byrne has said that she has no plans to return to Tesco after The X Factor. Byrne, who was voted off the show on Sunday's semi-final, joked that the only time she would be returning to her old workplace would be as a customer. "No I won't be going back to Tesco," she told X Magazine. "Unless it's to buy my own album. I hope." Speaking about her philosophical attitude towards her departure, she added: "I spoke to Louis [Walsh] beforehand and we kind of knew what (more)...
- 12/7/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
X Factor star Mary Byrne has admitted that she expected to leave on Sunday night’s semi final.
The Dublin singer was voted off the show by three of the judging panel, after she found herself in the sing off with 17 year old Cher Lloyd. Although she knew it was coming, Mary doesn’t necessarily think the decision was a fair one and told X magazine:
It’s going to sound bad but I think I sang better than Cher – but I don’t mean that in a bad way.
On her final performance of ‘It’s a Mans World’ the 51 year old belter added:
I sang that song better than I sang anything. I would have wiped the floor with anyone with that song, and I don’t care. I’m going to go far.
Mary confessed that both she and her mentor Louis Walsh had suspected she wouldn’t make the final,...
The Dublin singer was voted off the show by three of the judging panel, after she found herself in the sing off with 17 year old Cher Lloyd. Although she knew it was coming, Mary doesn’t necessarily think the decision was a fair one and told X magazine:
It’s going to sound bad but I think I sang better than Cher – but I don’t mean that in a bad way.
On her final performance of ‘It’s a Mans World’ the 51 year old belter added:
I sang that song better than I sang anything. I would have wiped the floor with anyone with that song, and I don’t care. I’m going to go far.
Mary confessed that both she and her mentor Louis Walsh had suspected she wouldn’t make the final,...
- 12/7/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Simon Cowell has claimed that he decided to have a sing-off on the X Factor semi-final weeks ago.
Viewers were left furious during Sunday’s results show, after discovering the fate of contestants Cher Lloyd and Mary Byrne lay with the judges when in previous years the public had decided which contestants would go through to the final.
However, the music mogul has dismissed claims the show is “a fix”, explaining he had no idea whether Mary or controversial Cher had received more votes from the public.
He told The Sun newspaper: “All the artists knew there was going to be a sing-off. Mary and Cher were told last Monday to prepare a song for a sing-off if necessary. There has always been a sing-off when there are five people left in the competition. This is a lot of nonsense about nothing.
“I genuinely do not know the exact placings...
Viewers were left furious during Sunday’s results show, after discovering the fate of contestants Cher Lloyd and Mary Byrne lay with the judges when in previous years the public had decided which contestants would go through to the final.
However, the music mogul has dismissed claims the show is “a fix”, explaining he had no idea whether Mary or controversial Cher had received more votes from the public.
He told The Sun newspaper: “All the artists knew there was going to be a sing-off. Mary and Cher were told last Monday to prepare a song for a sing-off if necessary. There has always been a sing-off when there are five people left in the competition. This is a lot of nonsense about nothing.
“I genuinely do not know the exact placings...
- 12/7/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Louis Walsh has insisted that he wasn’t being disloyal to Mary Byrne, when he admitted that Rebbeca Ferguson is his favourite X Factor contestant ever.
The Irish star heaped the high praise on Ferguson on Saturday night’s show, even though he was still mentoring Mary Byrne at the time. When the Dublin mum of one was eliminated, a viewer asked during a phone in whether his comments could have swayed the public and reduced Mary’s votes.
Responding to the question on The Xtra Factor, Louis said:
No, what I meant was Rebecca is my favourite contestant that I haven’t mentored. I think Rebecca has just got everything. She is a very unassuming girl, she’s got so much talent and I just wanted to big her up because not many people are bigging her up and she doesn’t big herself up. I just think she’s incredible.
The Irish star heaped the high praise on Ferguson on Saturday night’s show, even though he was still mentoring Mary Byrne at the time. When the Dublin mum of one was eliminated, a viewer asked during a phone in whether his comments could have swayed the public and reduced Mary’s votes.
Responding to the question on The Xtra Factor, Louis said:
No, what I meant was Rebecca is my favourite contestant that I haven’t mentored. I think Rebecca has just got everything. She is a very unassuming girl, she’s got so much talent and I just wanted to big her up because not many people are bigging her up and she doesn’t big herself up. I just think she’s incredible.
- 12/6/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
The X Factor semi-final soared past 15 million viewers on Sunday evening as ITV dominated primetime, the latest audience data has revealed. The show, which saw Mary Byrne miss out on reaching next weekend's grand final, averaged 15.1m (48.6%) for ITV1 in the 8pm hour, peaking at a colossal 16.8m (52%) for the last 15 minutes. After The X Factor, The Nation's Favourite Abba Song appealed to 5.51m (21.1%) on ITV1 from 9pm, beating Garrow's Law with 4.82m (17.4%) on BBC One. Earlier, All Star Family Fortunes entertained 4.93m (17.5%) on ITV1 from 7.15pm, but faced tough competition from Strictly Come Dancing, as Anne Widdecombe's elimination from the show was watched by 11.7m (40.1%) on BBC One from 7.30pm. Elsewhere on BBC One, Countryfile brought in 7.55m (29.6%) from 6.30pm and Antiques Roadshow managed (more)...
- 12/6/2010
- by By Andrew Laughlin
- Digital Spy
"The X Factor" officially enters the final round as Mary Byrne left the show on Sunday, December 5. The 50-year-old mother received the lowest vote from the audience and eventually lost the judges' votes after a sing-off against Cher Lloyd.
Mary sang James Brown's "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" while Lloyd sang Britney Spears' "Everytime". Mary's mentor Louis Walsh voted to keep her while the others, including mentor Cheryl Cole, picked Cher. "This is quite straightforward. Mary I have supported you from the beginning and tonight proved what a good singer you are," Simon Cowell said.
He continued, "Cher, I actually liked that song you just sang. It was like hearing you for the first time. The act I'm sending through to the final is Cher." Joining Cher in the final are One Direction, Matt Cardle, and Rebecca Ferguson.
The result night was full of guest appearances. The show's...
Mary sang James Brown's "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" while Lloyd sang Britney Spears' "Everytime". Mary's mentor Louis Walsh voted to keep her while the others, including mentor Cheryl Cole, picked Cher. "This is quite straightforward. Mary I have supported you from the beginning and tonight proved what a good singer you are," Simon Cowell said.
He continued, "Cher, I actually liked that song you just sang. It was like hearing you for the first time. The act I'm sending through to the final is Cher." Joining Cher in the final are One Direction, Matt Cardle, and Rebecca Ferguson.
The result night was full of guest appearances. The show's...
- 12/6/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Peaches Geldof has admitted that she was glad when Mary Byrne was eliminated from The X Factor tonight.
The Dublin singer found herself in the bottom two alongside Cher Lloyd this evening and was sent home after three of the four judges chose to save the younger contestant.
Speaking on The Xtra Factor, Peaches Geldof admitted that she thinks the panel made the right call, saying that Mary is like ‘marmite’
She said:
I feel like Cher brings it every week but Mary is a bit marmite, sometimes you like it and sometimes not. I feel like she had the Irish vote and that’s why she stayed in for so long. I feel like it’s quite political. I think she has an amazing voice but it’s quite a young show sometimes and the Shirley Bassey vibe can only go so far. She’s a bit pub for me.
The Dublin singer found herself in the bottom two alongside Cher Lloyd this evening and was sent home after three of the four judges chose to save the younger contestant.
Speaking on The Xtra Factor, Peaches Geldof admitted that she thinks the panel made the right call, saying that Mary is like ‘marmite’
She said:
I feel like Cher brings it every week but Mary is a bit marmite, sometimes you like it and sometimes not. I feel like she had the Irish vote and that’s why she stayed in for so long. I feel like it’s quite political. I think she has an amazing voice but it’s quite a young show sometimes and the Shirley Bassey vibe can only go so far. She’s a bit pub for me.
- 12/5/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Cheryl Cole has defended Cher Lloyd, after she found herself in the bottom two for the second time tonight.
The 17 year old narrowly avoided elimination on the penultimate results show and only made it to next week’s final, after three of the four judges saved her over Dublin singer Mary Byrne.
During a phone in on The Xtra Factor, Cole was asked if Cher had failed to inspire the public to vote for her, because she sang two up tempo numbers last night and didn’t perform a ballad as Dannii Minogue recommended.
The Girls Aloud star replied:
You can never predict these things and never know. The thing about Cher is that she isn’t like anyone who is currently out there in the charts, she is completely different to anything we know. I think there is a niche for her and it’s important that we stick to that.
The 17 year old narrowly avoided elimination on the penultimate results show and only made it to next week’s final, after three of the four judges saved her over Dublin singer Mary Byrne.
During a phone in on The Xtra Factor, Cole was asked if Cher had failed to inspire the public to vote for her, because she sang two up tempo numbers last night and didn’t perform a ballad as Dannii Minogue recommended.
The Girls Aloud star replied:
You can never predict these things and never know. The thing about Cher is that she isn’t like anyone who is currently out there in the charts, she is completely different to anything we know. I think there is a niche for her and it’s important that we stick to that.
- 12/5/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
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