On tonight’s X Factor Simon Cowell stops 27-year-old Stephanie McCourt mid-way through her rendition of Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off – forcing her to sing Summertime by Ella Fitzgerald.
Stephanie, who quit her job in admin to focus on her singing, says: “I’ve been trying for a long time and it’s been really difficult. “I’m constantly broke from what I’ve invested in becoming a singer. I’m always broke, because I’m either working part time to further my career and then asking my parents when I’m running out of money – it’s embarrassing to be this age and still have to ask my parents for support, so it’s really hard. Music is so unpredictable, especially at the age I am, you don’t know when you’re going to get your next pay cheque.”
Speaking about her audition, Steph who lives with her mum in London, tells us: “I was absolutely petrified. When Simon stopped me I didn’t know what was going to happen and when it was quite negative I knew I didn’t do my best anyway but some people in the audience stood up. It didn’t go to plan so it was scary. It was a long day and a really emotional one for me, it was such a big risk for me to go on the show, so when I got the result it was an amazing feeling.”
And although she impresses the judges, it’s the first time she’s auditioned for a talent show. "I’ve been trying for a long time and never hit the mark,” Stephanie explained.
"I’ve wanted to hit and this show is a massive platform so if you do badly on it, it might not be great but I was relieved to do so well in the first audition. Simon is top dog on the show so it would be cool to get him.”
But she says she wouldn’t want the style teams to change her vintage retro look, which she’s been developing over the years, saying: "I am a bit worried about being moulded into something I’m not but I will stand my ground."
If Stephanie goes on to win she says: “I’d be sensible. I’m old enough to know that I wouldn’t waste the cash on stuff like shoes and handbags, I’d be sensible and have something solid for my future like a house.”
And if she’s lucky enough to get through to live shows, she dreams of collaborating with Sam Smith, adding: “I think he’s an amazing talented vocalist who has so much emotion in his voice and I’d like to think that I carry emotion in my voice too and together we could both work really well.”
Tune in to X Factor tonight [Saturday] and tomorrow [Sunday] from 8pm on ITV.