Louis Walsh: ‘About time’ X Factor winner hails from Scotland
Dozens of hopefuls were in Edinburgh on Wednesday for auditions.
X Factor judge Louis Walsh said it is “about time” the show had a winner from Scotland as auditions kicked off in Edinburgh.
Now filming for its 14th season, dozens of hopefuls were at the Assembly Rooms on Wednesday to perform in front of the panel.
This year, the judges are Walsh, Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger.
He added his favourite thing about Scotland was its “real people, real fun – it’s like Ireland”.
Alesha Dixon was standing in for Osbourne for the only auditions to take place in front of the judges in Scotland.
The 38-year-old songstress had previously stood in for Scherzinger for the first day of filming in Manchester.
“I love the passion in Scotland and I know there’ll be a great turnout today.”
When asked whether she could be tempted to try out Highland dancing, the 2007 Strictly Come Dancing winner said: “Why not? Never say never, I like to give most things a try. I would love to.”
Host Dermot O’Leary tried his hand at bagpiping and gave Scherzinger a surprise performance when she entered the building.
That is, he pretended to play the traditional instrument.
O’Leary said: “They are so hard, luckily I’ve got Roddy who’s actually playing the bagpipes. He kind of gave me a 30-second lesson.”
Scherzinger said: “I thought it was you [O’Leary].”
Cowell avoided the public gaze by sneaking in through a side alley.
Auditions are next set for London, before the successful acts are taken away to Boot Camp.
The X Factor is expected to return to ITV at the end of August.
