WA shines in X Factor top 12
WA talent will be in full force in this year's X Factor top 12, with three singers from Perth making the line-up last night.
In what marks the best year for the State on the Seven show to date, local performers Sydnee Carter, Reigan Derry and Harry Targett have made the live show stage, which starts on Sunday.
Derry is part of Redfoo's over-25s team, while 16-year-old Carter will be mentored by Ronan Keating on the under-25 girls' side.
Though he originally entered the talent quest as a solo performer, Targett is now on Dannii Minogue's groups team as part of a yet-to-be-named boy band.
Speaking to Access All Areas after the announcement, seasoned performer Derry said she had prepared herself for the possibility she wouldn't make it.
"The way Foo told me was really cruel because he kind of said it like I was going home," the 26-year-old, who was formerly part of ill-fated girl group Scarlett Belle, said.
"My initial reaction was that it was all over and then he changed it up and said 'It's time to tell your parents you are in the top 12'. It was kind of hilarious."
While Redfoo expressed concerns about whether Derry's past struggles as a musician would prevent her from taking out the competition, the performer said she was feeling confident after guest mentor Nicole Scherzinger singled her out as a potential winner.
"I was so complimented by that, I could not believe what she said about me," Derry said.
Meanwhile, Carter said she was "over the moon" that Keating took a risk on her after she stumbled over her lyrics during an early performance.
"I am proud of myself for how far I have come since my boot camp road bump," the Wanneroo teen said. "Although I might have been a risk after boot camp, I am really glad he gave me a second chance."
Carter said the live shows would be a big step up from busking at Fremantle Markets.
"I am a little bit nervous because I am going to be singing in front of all of Australia," she said.
"That's pretty hectic but I am really excited because it is all I have ever wanted to do."
Other stand-out performers in the top 12 include flamboyant singer Tee, single mother Rochelle Pitt and shy 14-year-old Marlisa Punzalan.
Though he did not make the over-25s team, jilted Melbourne crooner Ryan Imlach will have another chance after it was announced there would be a wildcard contestant this year.
He will compete against judges' choices Alice Bottomley, Jesse Teinaki and group Brothers 3 for the 13th spot, which will be voted by the public and announced in the first live show on Sunday at 6.30pm on Seven/GWN7.
