Nerves fail to sink city singer
IPSWICH lifeguard Adil Memon has been thrown into the deep end over the past week of The X Factor, but a stellar performance last night kept him afloat.
The ex-Ipswich Grammar School student kicked off the week with packed-out shows at Westfield Carindale and Chermside, but his confidence slumped at boot camp.
Last night he overcame extreme nerves to deliver an astounding performance as part of a talented ensemble group.
The teenager almost forfeited his group's chance at performing when he ran away from the backstage area in a panic.
"I can't go out to the judges," Adil said.
"It just feels like I'm going to mess it up because I can't sing it.
"This is my dream; I don't want this to come to an end."
Adil was tasked with singing the opening lines of the group's song, You Give Me Something, by James Morrison.
Fellow ensemble member Carmelo Munzone talked Adil into walking to the stage.
"We're not going to screw you over," Carmelo said.
Adil and his group impressed the judges with one of the most impressive ensemble performances of the past two nights.
All of the ensemble members progressed to the next round of the competition, which airs tonight.
Adil told The Queensland Times that he felt hugely relieved after performing.
"I was intimidated because there was a lot of talent in my group," he said.
"The anticipation and nerves were building before I went on stage.
"It was a massive relief to pull it off."
He said meeting fans during his Westfield performances had boosted his confidence.
"It was the largest crowd and everyone was there because they wanted to be there to see us perform," he said.
Unfortunately, Ipswich soul singer Valencia Fesolai was knocked out of the competition on Monday night.
Tonight, the remaining contestants will perform solo numbers in front of a 1000-strong studio audience.
Only 24 acts will be chosen to advance to the home visits round of boot camp, where they will be mentored by music super stars including Alicia Keys, Ke$ha and One Direction.
