It’s not the winning but the taking part that counts right? Aoife Bennett of The Daily Shift investigates the success stories of talent competitions and the common denominator of getting kicked out…
Remember all those matches or talent shows from your childhood? Remember how you cried for weeks when a little boy painted a better picture of a butterfly than you did? Mammy always said it wasn’t all about the winning, and that taking part was just as important. And, once again, Mammy was dead on. Sometimes it really is the taking part that counts…
JLS
JLS – Courtesy of xfactor.itv.com
The British band came second in 2008′s version of the X-Factor, beaten to the top spot by Alexandra Burke. Since then, they’ve gone on to release four albums (with their latest, Evolution, released in November. Hint hint, lads.) and five UK number one singles.
Jedward
Jedward – Courtesy of planetjedward.net
Lucan’s latest export are the ultimate Marmite act; their followers, comprised mostly of teenage girls, adore them. Others would rather gouge their eyes out than listen to their album. (Yes, they had an album, but we’re getting ahead of ourselves here).
The twins, known to their Mammy as John and Edward Grimes, burst onto the X-Factor stage in 2009 with as much energy as a four-year-old who had overdosed on sugar. Their (dodgy) rendition of a Backstreet Boys classic saw them through to the live shows, and they were eventually knocked out in week seven. they’ve appeared in panto (oh yes they have) and represented Ireland twice in the Eurovision.
Nadine Coyle
Nadine Coyle – Courtesy of insideireland.ie
Who can forget PassportGate? Nadine secured a place in Six, the band formed in the Irish version of Popstars. During the interviews, Nadine let slip that she was two years under the age limit, and was unceremoniously kicked out of the band. She took a second bite at the cherry and auditioned for Popstars: The Rivals. She got through to the final, and was picked for the band: Girls Aloud, which is celebrating its ten year reign of the charts this year. Six, on the other hand, lasted about a year.
Brian Ormonde
Brian Ormonde and wife Pippa – Courtesy of rsvpmagazine.ie
Back before he was an RTE favourite, and loved by Mammies all over the country, Brian auditioned for Popstars…and Pop Idol…and You’re A Star. To examine his singing abilities, check out the Pop Idol version of ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)’ where Brian has a few lines.
Olly Murs
The runner-up of X-Factor 2009, Olly has far eclipsed eventual winner Joe McElderry and has three albums, four UK number ones and a gig presenting The Xtra Factor.
