When Stacey Solomon, a 19-year-old student from Dagenham, Essex, first walked onto the X Factor stage, she immediately won over the audience with her bubbly and slightly eccentric personality. She admitted to the judges that she was incredibly nervous, but her quick wit and down-to-earth charm had everyone smiling even before she began to sing. Dressed simply in shorts and a polo shirt, she seemed like an unlikely star, yet the moment she opened her mouth, the atmosphere in the room completely changed.
Stacey chose to perform “What a Wonderful World,” a classic song that requires a unique vocal touch to truly master. Her voice was surprisingly mature and melodic, filled with a warmth that seemed to “melt” even the most cynical of the judges, Simon Cowell. As she sang, the panel watched in complete silence, clearly impressed by her natural talent and ability to connect with the lyrics. Her performance was a perfect blend of vulnerability and vocal strength, proving that she was a serious contender in the competition.
The reaction from the judges was overwhelmingly positive, with Cheryl and Louis Walsh praising her for being both “cute” and exceptionally talented. Simon Cowell was particularly struck by the contrast between her chatty, nervous personality and her sophisticated singing voice, stating that he was “really, really surprised” by how good she was. Stacey received four enthusiastic “Yes” votes and moved forward in the competition, marking the beginning of a successful career that would see her become a beloved household name in the UK.
