Stacey Solomon, a 19-year-old student from Dagenham, Essex, captivated the audience with her vivacious and slightly odd personality as soon as she stepped onto the X Factor stage. Although she told the judges that she was quite apprehensive, everyone was smiling before she even started singing because of her quick wit and down-to-earth charm. She appeared to be an unlikely celebrity, dressed casually in shorts and a polo shirt, but as soon as she opened her mouth, the entire vibe in the room altered.
Stacey decided to sing “What a Wonderful World,” a timeless tune that demands a special vocal style to fully perfect. Her voice was shockingly sweet and mature, with a softness that appeared to “melt” even Simon Cowell, the most cynical judge. The panel was utterly silent while she performed, obviously astonished by her innate talent and ability to relate to the words. She demonstrated that she was a genuine competitor with her performance, which was the ideal balance of vocal power and vulnerability.
Cheryl and Louis Walsh praised her for being both “cute” and incredibly skilled, and the judges’ response was overwhelmingly positive. The contrast between her timid, conversational demeanor and her elegant singing voice particularly impressed Simon Cowell, who said he was “really, really surprised” by how talented she was. Stacey advanced in the competition after receiving four resounding “Yes” votes, starting a prosperous career that would make her a well-known household name in the UK.
