Liverpool X Factor contestant Christopher Maloney has been chosen as the wildcard act to become the last of the 13 finalists on the live shows, after a nerve-wracking week of waiting.
Last week the public had the option to choose an extra singer to be included in the line-up as a wildcard, with the lines closing at midday today, and Kirkdale’s Christopher came back to Liverpool this week appealing for votes.
It seems Scouse voting power pulled him through as the 34-year-old beat Times Red, Amy Mottram and Adam Burridge to claim the only spot left available in the live shows, as a member of Gary Barlow’s Over 28s team.
The singer, known for his nerves and emotional performances, responded to the news with what host Dermot O’Leary called his “default position” by dropping to the floor crying and shaking.
Maloney said: “I just want to thank everyone that’s voted for me and everyone at home. I’m so proud that everyone voted for me at home.”
Less than an hour after he won the public vote, he was back on stage to perform Mariah Carey’s ‘Hero’.
The judges were impressed with his singing, although some felt that the song was a bit too cheesy, however his mentor Gary Barlow argued that he had not had the opportunity to pick the song this week.
Nicole Sherzinger said: “Who was that up there? I don’t even recognise you… you’ve got rid of all your nerves, you’ve got a great big voice in there. I loved it because it was uplifting and I know you meant every word.”
Tulisa was also full of praise, saying: “I’m so glad to see you up there, confident. I think you have an amazing voice, that is undeniable.”
However, Louis Walsh was not quite as complimentary, asking Maloney: “Have you been on a cruise ship recently?”; a jibe about rumours that the singer has misled people about his nerves, as he has previously worked and performed on a cruise ship.
Christopher responded to the judges, ignoring Walsh’s comment, saying: “I respect every judge for their comments that they gave to me.”
Maloney, who works at Liverpool Mutual Homes in customer services, is not heading back to his day job just yet, and he survived another public vote on Sunday to ensure he will last at least another week on X Factor.