Читать книгу Union J: The Unauthorised Biography - Rebecca Grey - Страница 12

The X Factor is the biggest show on UK television. Before then, Britain had had singing contests, like Pop Stars and Pop Idol – which Will Young won back in 2002 – but nothing quite like The X Factor had ever been seen before. From the moment the series hit TV screens in 2004, it became the biggest deal going. Millions of viewers tuned into the four-month-long series each year, which offered a million-pound record contract to the winner. Anyone over 16 could enter and have their chance of singing their way to superstardom. And thousands upon thousands did – in 2006 an incredible 200,000 wannabes auditioned for the show. By the time Union J were ready for their bite at the X Factor cherry, the show had made stars out of many of the winners – including Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke and Matt Cardle. Even those who hadn’t won the big prize found that X Factor exposure in front of millions of the viewing public had transformed their lives. JLS, Olly Murs, Stacey Solomon, Rebecca Ferguson and even joke band Jedward had all become hugely successful following their involvement in the show, but in 2012 the name on everyone’s lips was One Direction.

The five-piece boyband had been put together by The X Factor in 2010, after originally auditioning as solo singers. They ended up coming third overall, behind Rebecca Ferguson and outright winner Matt Cardle. But since then their success had eclipsed everyone’s wildest expectations. Not only did their debut single, ‘What Makes You Beautiful’, shoot to Number One in the UK, it went on to become an enormous hit in the US, too. With their debut album, Up All Night, selling in its millions across the globe, the boys were famous worldwide. They had become the first British group in American chart history to hit Number One with their debut album when it was released over there in March 2012 – and entered into the Guinness World Records as a result. As the boys from Triple J and George Shelley separately travelled to their first X Factor auditions, the papers and internet were full of One Direction’s international success. They internet truly global superstars, and their journey had begun this same way just two years before: travelling to an X Factor audition alongside thousands of other hungry would-be superstars. In the back of their minds the boys must have wondered if this would end up being their big break – Josh and Jaymi in particular, as they’d been in a few boybands in the past that hadn’t worked out. Would Triple J be the answer? They hoped and prayed it would be.

Behind the success of the X Factor lay Simon Cowell – the music-mogul-turned-reality-show-TV-judge. He’d come up with the idea after becoming famous in the UK through Pop Idol, and had turned The X Factor into the global brand it was. Notorious for his plain speaking and harsh put-downs of singers he felt were not up to scratch, Simon’s pantomime-baddie act hid a sharp business brain. He was a millionaire many times over thanks to his production company owning The X Factor and signing the winners to his own record label, Syco. The British public had a love/hate relationship with Cowell, but it was obvious that he had the magic touch with The X Factor. He had appeared as the main judge on the show since its start, originally alongside music managers Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne. Australian singer Dannii Minogue had been brought in as a fourth judge in 2007, and her fiery relationship with Sharon saw the wife of rocker Ozzy Osbourne leave the next year – to be replaced by Cheryl Cole. This proved an amazing move for the Girls Aloud star, who became the nation’s sweetheart and also launched her own top solo career. But following the launch of The X Factor USA in 2010, both Simon and Cheryl left the show, followed by Dannii, who was focusing on her career in Australia. It was a big shock – three-quarters of the show’s judges had left. They were replaced by Take That’s star singer and songwriter Gary Barlow, N-Dubz singer Tulisa Contostavlos and Destiny’s Child’s Kelly Rowland. With this brand-new line-up, the 2011 series of The X Factor faced more criticisms and controversies than usual, as viewers adjusted to this big change in the format. And it didn’t work out 100 per cent successfully, as ratings dropped from the last series in 2010, which had seen an amazing 19.4 million viewers tune in for the final.

Both Triple J and George had made it through the first, early rounds of auditions, which were held without the famous judges being present. Luckily for Josh, Jaymi and JJ, this was the first year when acts with management deals were able to audition – in previous years they would have been prevented from entering. Now, in May 2012, they were heading for the judges’ auditions, held in huge arenas with an audience of thousands – and filmed by the TV cameras. It was a thrilling moment for the boys – but The X Factor was in turmoil. Gary, Tulisa and Louis – the only judge to remain in the series since it started – had all returned to the show, but Kelly Rowland had decided not to. The papers were full of speculation as to who might be replacing her – with names like Frankie from The Saturdays, Alesha Dixon and even Katy Perry being mentioned. But no one as yet had been signed as the new permanent fourth judge and instead a raft of ‘guest judges’ was lined up to appear. There was a chance that one of those judges could end up being a permanent fixture.

So, it was in front of Gary, Tulisa, Louis and pop star Rita Ora that a nervous line-up of three singers appeared on that fateful day. Wearing matching outfits of tan trousers, white T-shirts and trainers, and with their X Factor contestant stickers plastered over them, Triple J stepped out to immediate cheers and whistles from the audience at the O2 Arena. ‘Hello London!’ shouted Josh, whose hair was styled in a flat side-parting. ‘We’re Triple J!’ ‘And who’s with you today?’ asked Louis. ‘All our mums are backstage,’ indicated Jaymi, who wore a buttoned-up denim shirt over his T-shirt. ‘They’re more nervous than us, I think,’ joked Josh, to a ripple of laughter. ‘Off you go,’ said Louis. Triple J’s big moment had arrived.

The boys launched into a rendition of Rihanna’s ‘We Found Love’. With their tight harmonies, well-practised vocals and confident stage presence, they were an immediate hit. With Josh taking the lead vocals, standing in the centre, and Jaymi and Josh providing perfect back-up, they were cool, relaxed and impressive. The judges raised their eyebrows in surprise, and Gary sat with a stunned smile on his face. Rita Ora bobbed her head along in time with the music. After watching a succession of disappointing acts over-promising and under-delivering, with the weird and wacky in there too, the judges looked delighted to be finally in front of an act displaying real musical talent.

Josh visibly breathed out in relief as the boys finished their song. They’d given it their all and, going by the rapturous reception from the audience, it had gone down well. But what would the judges think? Tulisa was impressed, pronouncing Triple J as the sort of boyband she liked – and that they were handsome boys, too. Josh pumped his fist in a ‘Yeah!’ Pop star Rita agreed, reckoning they’d be popular with a female fan base. With his years of success in Take That, first as a 1990s manufactured pop group and then with their resurgence in the last few years, older, wiser and with more hits than ever, Gary was the don of boybands. He shared his wisdom with Triple J, that they couldn’t just look the part, they had to have strong vocals too, and that they’d succeeded on that front. They couldn’t believe it and clasped each other’s shoulders as an emotional Jaymi wiped away a tear. It was four yeses from all the judges – a full house. Triple J pumped their fists with joy and ran off the stage, leaping about. Shouting and yelling their good news, they rushed backstage, where their families were waiting anxiously alongside presenter Dermot O’Leary. Giving them all bear hugs, they shared the good news – they were through to Bootcamp.

Unlike Triple J, George Shelley didn’t have the support of bandmates to boost him up as he walked onto the stage for his huge moment. The sweet 18-year-old looked terrified as he faced the biggest audience he’d ever performed in front of. Wearing a denim hoodie and beige trousers, and carrying his beloved guitar, he not only looked similarly dressed to Triple J, but his gorgeous looks also won the immediate attention and cheers of the audience. Tulisa quizzed the young singer about what he was up to in his life and George explained that he had a job in a coffee shop. Her next question was the crucial one: what was he going to sing to try to impress the judges. His answer wasn’t what anyone was expecting – it was ‘Toxic’ by Britney Spears.It was an unusual choice – here was a teenage boy with an acoustic guitar, about to sing an electro-pop tune by a female superstar. Tulisa’s surprise was written all over her face as she urged him to start. It was clear she wasn’t quite expecting what was about to happen.

George went for it. Turning ‘Toxic’ into a quirky, up-tempo folky number, he was clearly a talented act. His voice was strong and confident as he won over the audience and played guitar expertly – all those hours of practice in his bedroom had paid off. Louis Walsh grinned through the performance, and the audience erupted in cheers as he finished. George gave a nervous half-smile as he awaited the verdict. The crowd loved it, and he could only pray the judges did, too. Louis was first in with the praise, highlighting George’s terrific voice and cute face. Gary was in with a yes, too, which Tulisa added to with another positive comment – he had definitely won the judges over. An overwhelmed George put his hands over his eyes as he grinned disbelievingly. It was straight offstage and back to his mum Toni, waiting patiently behind the scenes, for a big hug. He hadn’t told his family about his audition for the show at the beginning, being too shy to confess what he was doing. But since then he’d told his mum and family everything, and now they were there for his life-changing moment. This summer would be different from all the others so far – he was off to Bootcamp.

Olympic fever was about to hit the UK in that summer of 2012, and so for the first time ever Bootcamp would be held outside London, which was hosting the Games. Instead, The X Factor was heading for Liverpool for the serious business of auditioning the acts even further. Solo star and ex-Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger had been confirmed as the permanent replacement for Kelly Rowland, and all four judges were determined that this year they would find the ‘next big international superstar’. The atmosphere was charged with tension and expectation. This would be an intense three days, where the 211 acts who’d got through to Bootcamp would be whittled down to just 25, who would then be going to Judges’ Houses. It was tough. Sixty acts didn’t even get the chance to sing again, being sent home from Bootcamp right at the start, their dreams destroyed without a second chance. There was no room for mistakes, or to let nerves take over. Every act there had to be at the top of their game.

In this hothouse environment, there was plenty of rivalry going on behind the scenes – everyone there knew that the person next to them might knock them out of the competition. But there were also friendships being forged, too – and one of them was between Triple J and George Shelley, who had met there for the first time. The three members of Triple J spotted the 18-year-old with the guitar and walked over to introduce themselves and to ask George to sing for them. ‘We bonded really, really strongly with George,’ Jaymi told This Morning many months later. For his own part, George hit it off big time with the friendly guys from Triple J and began wishing that he could become part of a band himself. ‘I came into X Factor hoping to be put into a group scenario,’ he said. ‘Especially after my first audition, I felt like I needed something around me.’

George’s hopes were raised when at Bootcamp he was put in a mixed band alongside fellow contestants Charlie Cammish and Meg O’Neill for the next stage of auditions. But despite a strong rendition of Labrinth’s ‘Earthquake’, it didn’t work out and George was sent home. It was a crushing disappointment – but at least he could take comfort from the fact that he’d got through so far on his first attempt. And he’d made some great friends, leaving Liverpool with Triple J’s numbers keyed into his mobile phone. Still, for George, it was back to his ordinary life, back to working as a barista in Costa Coffee and looking forward to the next uni term starting in September. He couldn’t help but imagine, however, what might have happened if he’d made it through.

Meanwhile, Triple J endured their own marathon to make it through to Judges’ Houses. They came on stage to perform their first song in front of the full panel of Nicole, Tulisa, Gary and Louis – and, of course, a huge cheering audience of thousands in Liverpool’s Echo Arena. Looking full of excitement and anticipation, and almost like a real pop group, JJ, Jaymi and Josh greeted Nicole. The upfront star wanted to know why these three boys thought they deserved to win. Already showing the leadership qualities that would see him become the ‘dad’ of Union J in the months to come, Jaymi spoke up, promising that Triple J weren’t like other boybands currently on the scene – they were unique. With fighting talk like that, the boys would have to impress.

They launched into a surprising song – a rendition of Guns N’ Roses’ ‘Sweet Child o’ Mine’. Usually a full-on rock track not known for its melodious vocals, the Triple J boys turned it into a tightly harmonised number, walking around the stage and showcasing the confidence they had with each other. For the first time, Jaymi’s vocals came to the fore and he impressed the audience with his powerful, clear voice. Nicole thanked the boys for their performance, as JJ, Josh and Jaymi walked offstage into the audience and a huge cheering reception. The judges liked Triple J, but competition was beyond fierce to land a coveted spot at Judges’ Houses. They had to consider who was going through and who would be competing against them. Already, another group was standing out as one to watch as well as Triple J – another three-piece called GMD3.

The judges decided to put them head-to-head in the next stage of Bootcamp, where both groups would be singing ‘Moves Like Jagger’ at the same time. Louis prepped the two groups for their big moment before starting proceedings. As the familiar whistling introduction to the hit Maroon 5 song began, Triple J were stunned to see GMD3 start by doing backflips. It was a slick move that impressed the judges straight away – Triple J would have to make their vocals even more bang-on to compare with that. They gave it their all and sang their hearts out, but just halfway through the song, Gary raised his hands to bring them all to a stop. Louis explained what was happening – the judges were ready to confer. The Triple J boys huddled together as they strained to hear what the judges were saying beneath their breath. Gary was of the opinion that both bands were better than before, and Nicole and Louis were particularly impressed with one band, whose members had really left an impression on them. But who were they talking about, and who would be put through to the next stage?

Wearing a stripy grey shirt, Jaymi looked pained as he clasped his hands together and waited with the other two boys to hear the verdict. Louis revealed that the judges had come to a decision and that the band coming back tomorrow would be GMD3. Was this the end of Triple J’s dreams? They watched the other group happily leave the stage. Triple J pulled together, their hearts beating fiercely. But Louis wasn’t finished with his big reveal – Triple J would also be returning to the auditions tomorrow! Josh yelled in delight and the others gasped in disbelief. They vowed to the judges that they would give it their best and thanked them from the bottom of their hearts. Yet again, they ran offstage on a complete high, buzzing with possibility.

As Triple J inched their way through Bootcamp, there was one more final hurdle standing between them and Judges’ Houses. The standard of groups that year was high and already the judges had put a number of acts through – MK1, Times Red, Rough Copy, Mitsotu, Poisonous Twins and Duke. Now there was only one space left for another group and the judges were divided. They could see the merits of both Triple J and GMD3 and so reluctantly came to a harsh solution. Gathering both groups onstage, Gary broke the news, looking serious. He explained that, unbelievably, Triple J would again be pitched against GMD3 for the last remaining spot. Both groups would have to sing a cappella – without any backing track – and show the judges just how good they were. With only a minute to decide their song, Jaymi gripped his stomach with nerves, while Josh and JJ looked dumbstruck.

Adrenalin rushed through their veins as Triple J frantically discussed their song choice and tried to practise as much as they could in the few seconds available to them. As they were passed three microphones, Jaymi rubbed his face, the stress clear for all to see. Taking swigs of much-needed water, Josh urged his bandmates to do anything but make a mistake. Gary signalled that the time was right to begin and that it was Triple J first. The boys launched into a harmonious version of Chris Brown’s party anthem ‘Yeah 3x’. It was a clean, sharp version and GMD3 looked pale with nerves as they stared across at their rivals. Gary thanked the band sincerely, as the boys put their arms around each other. The next few minutes would be agony.

GMD3 chose to sing ‘Bless the Broken Road’ by country singer Rascal Flatts. Their vocals were sweet and perfectly in tune – Jaymi looked across, impressed by the other group. Josh crossed his arms, a deadly serious look on his face. GMD3 were storming it and there was no chance Triple J would be the clear winners in this sing-off. Although they tried to keep their expressions neutral, the judges were evidently impressed – especially Tulisa, who sat with her chin in her hands, gazing up at GMD3. They ended with a perfectly delivered melisma (packing a series of different notes into a single syllable) – it had been a great performance. Gary thanked the groups and asked for a few moments to make their decisions. The judges conferred again, with Nicole voicing her concerns that both groups were deserving of the spot. But it sounded as if there was no doubt in Tulisa’s mind, as she praised one particular group for moving her. With their eyes red-rimmed with tears, JJ, Jaymi and Josh pulled together to hear their fate.

Gary was apologetic as he delivered their verdict. Accepting that they had always been pitched against each other, it was going to be a hard moment when just one of GMD3 or Triple J would see it through to Judges’ Houses. And the name on his lips was … GMD3. That was it – Triple J were out! The tension and anxiety that had been rushing through them these past few days suddenly left, and the boys came back down to earth with a bump. Turning to congratulate their fellow group, the boys were resigned but grateful for the experience. Jaymi turned to mouth ‘thank you’ to the judges. Gary congratulated Triple J for their hard work, looking genuinely devastated to be sending home the three talented boys. They stumbled offstage in shock, with Jaymi only managing to utter a few words about how good GMD3 had been to a waiting Dermot. Josh’s emotions had overcome him and he was by now in floods of tears. Ever the optimist, Jaymi told the waiting cameras that this woudn’t be the end of the band – they were still going to chase their dream of pop success.

It had been their best shot, but now Triple J had been kicked out of The X Factor. As Josh, Jaymi and JJ gathered their bags and began the long journey home, they tried to come to terms with the crushing blow just dealt them. Perhaps Triple J wasn’t meant to be. And the fact was, it wasn’t. But though the boys didn’t know it then, soon enough they would be back on The X Factor – in an incredible twist to their line-up and name that would leave everyone amazed.