X FACTOR INTERVIEW: EOGHAN QUIGG
X FACTOR hopeful and Dungiven teenager - Eoghan Quigg - takes time out of his busy rehearsal schedule to speak to the News Letter website.
The 16-year-old - who has become a nationwide heartthrob - is set to take his place in the semi-finals of the prime time ITV reality show on Saturday night.
Mentored by music mogul Simon Cowell, the Ulster teenager after a memorable journey, is two songs away from reaching the final of the hit series.
Speaking to the News Letter, Eoghan reflects on his now celebrity-like status; gives his thoughts on the support he has received; shares his love for sport and reveals the truth about his relationship with fellow contestant, Diana.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW BELOW
NL: What have you been up to this week, Eoghan?
Eoghan: Basically I've been working on two songs – one I've chosen myself and one Simon's chosen. I've been working on them all week. This week will decide if I get to the final or not.
NL: Going back to last weekend's show, how did you feel when only Ruth and yourself were left on the stage?
Eoghan: It was just a feeling of mixed emotions, and then Dermot called my name out and then it was just a sigh of relief.
NL: You obviously had some sympathy for Ruth at the same time?
Eoghan: Yes of course. Ruth was a really, really nice girl.
NL: How confident are you now that you are in the semi-final?
Eoghan: I've got so much confidence now that I can go on and do really well but there are three other acts (Diana, Alexandra & JLS) standing in my way that have got huge potential.
NL: What is the theme for this Saturday and what can viewers expect from yourself?
Eoghan: This week, the judge picks a song and the contestant picks a song.
NL: Can you give any more details?
Eoghan: I never tell anyone my songs, not even mum or dad! I don't want to change it now in case I jinx myself.
NL: Can you explain what it is like having Simon Cowell as a mentor?
Eoghan: It is really good. He gives you these really great songs and you can tell him if you want to do them or not. He might say, well you can try that. I've just got a good, good relationship with him and it's the semi-final and we both want to win.
NL: It comes across to viewers that the X Factor judges tend to be liable to have the odd row. Do they really get on like that or is it an act?
Eoghan: They do get on really well behind the scenes – It's mostly all for television.
NL: What has been like rubbing shoulders with guest stars such as Mariah Carey and Take That?
Eoghan: It is amazing. There have been so many big things happened to me I don't remember but when I take a step back and look at what I have been through – it's like oh my god look who I've met and stuff.
NL: How are you adapting to ever-growing celebrity status?
Eoghan: Oh really, really well. But when I met Mariah Carey – I was like wow she is amazing. I'm actually meeting the girl with the biggest range ever.
NL: Are you aware comedian Harry Hill even did an impression of you last weekend?
Eoghan: I think I saw it. It's only a bit of fun and doesn't get to me at all.
NL: Which fellow contestants do you get on particularly well with?
Eoghan: Probably Diana mostly, JLS and then Alexandra.
NL: You've probably been asked this question a lot recently but is there any truth in those Diana rumours?
Eoghan: No nothing – we're just really good mates.
NL: How hard is it for you being away from your family and friends at the moment?
Eoghan: It's hard being away but I'm doing something I want to be doing for the rest of my life. There's only 10 days and the competition's over so I've got 10 days to decide my fate and I can see my family and my friends afterwards.
NL: Are you aware of the huge support that is being generated back home for you?
Eoghan: Not really but I have been told that it is amazing. I'm sure it is fantastic and I'm so thankful to everybody.
NL: Are you missing being at school?
Eoghan: I'm not really missing school but I'm missing my mates, my teachers and my community and stuff.
NL: Is it true you are studying behind the scenes during the X Factor?
Eoghan: I was, but not anymore because it's coming to the semi-finals and I've too much to concentrate on.
NL: As well as your musical talents, you also have some talents in the sporting world?
Eoghan: Yes. I play my soccer, hurling, Gaelic and boxing.
NL: You are particularly good in the boxing ring. Is that right?
Eoghan: I used to love boxing. My dad boxed and my younger brother still boxes. I used to box all the time but I had to give it up.
NL: Did you ever think about taking it any further if you hadn't found your musical talents?
Eoghan: I wasn't too sure what I was going to do. I just wanted to play my sport. I loved my soccer. I have played football since I was eight-years-old and played for teams such as Institute, Maiden City and Limavady United.
NL: Did you ever imagine in your wildest dreams that you would get this far in X Factor?
Eoghan: Not a chance because I went to the live shows last year and if someone then would have said to me, you'll be in the live show next year, I would never have believed them!
NL: What would it feel like if you were to win the competition?
Eoghan: It would just be absolutely immense if I won the competition.
NL: Can you imagine being at the top of the charts this Christmas?
Eoghan: No I'm not thinking that way. I'm thinking about the semi-final this week.
NL: Do you get nervous before the main show at the weekend?
Eoghan: No never! I never get nervous.
NL: Finally Eoghan, do you have a message for your supporters back home?
Eoghan: Just thank you so much for all your support. I can't thank you enough. To everyone who votes – you're just making all my dreams come true and I just want to take this chance to say thank you very much.
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Tuesday 29 May 2012
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