Were you excited about being one of the guest judges?
I was very excited. I’d never done anything like this before so I was excited to watch the singers and find some talent – it’s a completely different experience being the other side of the fence! It is different to what I usually do, I’m used to being on the other side and performing, so to actually be judging other people was a very new experience for me, but I didn’t really feel nervous, I just felt really excited.

What were you hoping to get out of your day in Cardiff?
I was just hoping to find someone who really made me feel excited. I love watching people with voices that really make you feel drawn to them. I also loved to see the characters, because I always really enjoy watching the earlier auditions of The X Factor because you do get some individual characters. I wanted to see some young talent, people who have something special, where you can hear some kind of soul in their voice or something different.

What was it like sitting with an audience of thousands behind you?
I think having a big audience in the room just adds to the excitement because you get to hear how the audience responds, what the public think, and I think it just creates a better vibe.

A band has never won The X Factor although JLS have done very well. Do you think this could be the year?
I think JLS have definitely paved the way with bands because they’re doing really, really well but I also think that we need a male artist, because they’re always my favourites.

Are you a fan of The X Factor?
I am, and my favourite part is always the early auditions, when you get to see all the different characters. So many classic moments. I love it!

What do you think you brought to the panel?
I think it was great to include guest judges with different opinions and I think, hopefully, I was able to bring something to the table because I’m actually out there doing the whole artist thing at the moment so I know how it feels to get on a stage and sing to people, to a big crowd. Before that, I went through the whole audition process and I know how scary it can be, so I definitely empathised with them.

What song would you sing if you were to audition for The X Factor?
One Moment in Timeby Whitney Houston.

Source: The X Factor