Co Derry barman Niall Sexton off to Nicole Sherzinger’s house in Nice
CO Derry barman Niall Sexton’s second chance at X-Factor success is going strong thanks to making it through to the judges’ houses stage of the telly talent contest.
The 22-year-old, from Magherafelt, was told on Sunday evening’s show that he was off to Nice, and the home of judge Nicole Scherzinger.
He will now compete against fellow members in the Boys category.
Niall will be up against Christian Burrows and Freddie Parker, as the six lads are whittled down to the three that will perform weekly at the live shows.
This is the second stab at X-Factor fame for Niall, who appeared on the ITV show in 2011.
He made it to the final 12 boys, before judge Gary Barlow blocked his bid to make it to the judges’ houses stage.
Controversially, a disgruntled Niall went on to tweet he was “hid” by judges in favour of fellow Irish contestant Janet Devlin.
However, judge Louis Walsh failed to recognise the pint-puller when he returned this year and impressed the panel with his rendition of Sarah Barielles’ ‘Gravity’, before making it through to Boot Camp.
Niall, who won a school singing contest at 17, earned praise from judge Sharon Osbourne, who complimented his “incredibly beautiful voice”.
Now he must continue to impress Nicole, who will be joined by DJ Calvin Harris in selecting the three boys that will make it to the live stages.
But it wasn’t good news for another Derry contestant.
Boots Chemist worker Conor McGinty failed to make it to the Judges’ houses.
He initially was given a chair by judge Nicole in the six seat challenge but she swapped him to pick the final six male singers she would take to her home in Nice.
Following the show, Conor himself took to Facebook page ‘Conor McGinty Music’ to express his disappointment.
Conor McGinty sung his heart out but wasn’t enough to secure a place in Nicole’s house in Nice
But he said he was grateful for the doors his appearance on the X Factor has opened.
He posted: “Guys it is what it is … I’m absolutely gutted – The song didn’t show what I’m all about & I suppose that’s down to bad song choice on my behalf.
“I’ve had an absolute ball of a time and the show has opened so many doors for me already, boosted my fan base & they have been nothing but great to me.
“I started singing four years ago .. I’m 21 .. Plenty of time ahead & hopefully someone out there somewhere can take a chance on me!!
“Thank you all for the incredible support over the last few months, you have all been incredible!! Hope I did Derry proud .. Onwards & upwards.”
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