X Factor hopeful Monica Michael has said she “can’t stop smiling” after getting through to the next round on the singing show.
The London youth worker was chosen by judges Simon Cowell, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw to join the Six Chair Challenge, where she was knocked out in the 2014 series.
“This is like the best feeling in the world,” she said. “I got through to the Six Chair Challenge last year so I know this could all end.”
Monica – who split the judges’ opinions with her rendition of Bill Withers’ hit Ain’t No Sunshine – joins 63 other acts, who will next find themselves whittled down further for the Judges’ Houses round of the ITV competition.
Some of the other performers who have also been given a ticket to the next stage include Filipino quartet 4th Power, gospel groups Bekln and Silver Tone, and Australian singer Seann Miley Moore.
Simon will be mentoring the Overs, which include backing singer Anton Stephans, Leeds resident Bupsi, soulful Jennifer Phillips and Irishman Joseph McCaul.
Cheryl will coach the Groups while Rita will work her magic with the Girls, which includes Hull student Charli Beard, Essex student Louisa Johnson, Brighton market trader Chloe Paige and St Helens barmaid Kiera Weathers.
BBC Radio 1 presenter Nick will mentor the Boys, which include shy Basildon singer Che Chesterton, Bedfordshire supermarket assistant Brodie Kelly, Durham car mechanic Josh Daniel and Italian singing teacher Davide Papasidero.
Sheffield estate agent Holly Johnson broke down in tears after being given the boot from the judges, only for them to reconsider.
Simon told her: “We made a mistake, so it’s a yes.”
Rita, who joined The X Factor after being a coach on BBC One’s The Voice earlier this year, admitted: “This is probably the hardest thing I’ve had to do. There’s been a lot of surprises and a lot of disappointment.”
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