#how old was tulisa on x factor

[herinfluencerdeer]

Tulisa Contostavlos: Why I’m a Celebrity 2024 contestant left the spotlight after The X Factor.

The N-Dubz singer has faced several obstacles in the last 10 years

Read more....

[littlemixnet]

Jesy’s letter for her younger self, for Bustle. Dear Jesy, I know you’re nervous. So nervous you can’t even concentrate. There’s no time to focus on anything but performing. You’ve got that 2% doubt this isn’t going to work, but you can do this. Even if everyone is underestimating you. Remember when you were watching X Factor on the telly back when you were a barmaid, thinking “I can do that?” You envisioned yourself being on that stage and you made it happen. You can do so much, especially with your girls. Doing it on your own would be awful. You’ll become so close, really close, and you’re only going to get closer. A lot of things are going to change in the next eight years, but these girls won’t. Continue to be really respectful of each other — it goes a long way. You know who shines at what, so bring that out of each other. And yes, you will have times when you fucking piss each other off, but you’ll know when you’ve done that and know when to say sorry. This is real friendship. Just get in your little huddle backstage, tell each other you love each other, and that you're going to smash it. I know you’re scared of pissing people off right now. Terrified that any little thing you do that people don’t like will get you kicked off the show. By not speaking up you’ll look back and realise there’s not one outfit you enjoyed wearing on the show. But people are always going to tell you what you should and shouldn’t do. Even after X Factor, some old bloke in an office will tell you “dress like this” and “you should wear that.” People will tell you things like you shouldn’t have input on your videos. Let me save you some pain, time, and effort: Don’t give a shit. Be authentic and stick true to yourself. The videos you do have input on will go down the best, so stand your ground like a boss. You’ll come to intimidate a lot of men in the office. When you say your opinion, they’ll actually listen. Make sure you thank Tulisa, too. Honestly, without her, I don’t think you would have won. She pushed for you when the producers said, “What’s the point of putting a girl band through? They never win, it’s a waste of time.” She convinced them. She is all about female empowerment and so are you. Winning will be one of the best things to ever happen to you. You’re not going to have a bloody clue how the industry works, but you will learn. You’ll feel pressure to be a “role model,” even though it’s a label you didn’t ask for. Sometimes it will feel like you’re caged, but ultimately, you’re normal girls, being yourselves and doing what you want. If someone doesn’t class that as being a role model, that’s on them. You’ll go through a lot of shit, and you won’t believe how mentally strong you are. There aren’t a lot of people who could deal with some of the stuff you’ll have to deal with, especially with people on social media. I won’t lie and say it gets easier. Mean comments always hurt and even when you say you don’t care, you really do. There’s a lot of pressure to love yourself and there shouldn’t be. You’re always going to have things about yourself you hate, but it’s about learning to deal with them and learning that it’s normal. So don’t let anyone, ever, bring you down. Just do you. Love, Jesy

[omdaily10]

HEART SKIPS A BEAT

Guest Artist: Rizzle Kicks

Writers: Alex Smith, Samuel Preston, Jim Eliot, Jordan Stephens, Harley Alexander Sule

Producers: Alex Smith, Matt Furmidge

Album: In Case You Didn't Know

Release Date: 21/08/2011

B-Side: 'On My Cloud' (Writers: Olly Murs, Mark Taylor, Samuel Preston / Producer: Mark Taylor)

Chart Positions: #1 (UK), #1 (Germany), #1 (Luxembourg), #1 (Switzerland), #1 (Poland), #2 (Scotland), #6 (Ireland), #6 (Austria), #9 (Belgium), #12 (Hungary), #60 (Sweden), #67 (Romania), #76 (Netherlands), #85 (Australia), #91 (Canada)*, #96 (US)*

Sales: 700k+ (UK, Platinum), 450k (Germany, 3x Platinum), 15k (Austria, Platinum), 30k (Switzerland, Platinum)

Nominations: 'Best British Single', BRIT Awards 2012

It doesn't matter what genre you operate in, the age-old music industry cliché of the "difficult second album" can either make or break an artist if they're to confirm themselves as a long-term prospect. And whilst it wasn’t difficult for him, as the summer of 2011 dawned, Olly was no different when it came to his follow-up effort. He had already started writing and recording for it in March that same year.

The demo of 'Heart Skips A Beat' had actually been around for the best part of a year and had started life when it was initially put forward for consideration to be included on his self-titled debut album. Nick Raphael and Jo Charrington at Epic however, whilst impressed with it, decided to hold it back for inclusion on his second album. The track was written by the then up & coming songwriter and producer Alex Smith (who had cut his teeth on a clutch of top 20 hits for motormouthed Brit rapper Example) in collaboration with former lead singer and guitarist with The Ordinary Boys, Samuel Preston, and Jim Eliot, formerly one half of electropop duo Kish Mauve, who had been behind "2 Hearts" and "All The Lovers", both massive hits for Aussie pop royalty Kylie Minogue.

It marked the first time that Olly hadn't had a hand in writing a single, but speaking to Music Week on its release, he understood what a special song it was from the get-go: "It was a curve ball and nothing like anything else on the album, but I loved the production and the writers wrote it for me." Sonically, it retained some of the sprightly, catchy feel of 'Thinking of Me', whilst also introducing an early 90s dance/big beat styling, in the vein of The 45 King, Beats International or Dee-Lite (the latter of which’s single "Groove Is In The Heart" Olly performed as a mashup with this single at the following year's BRIT Awards when it earned him his second nomination for the 'Best British Single' trophy).

But there were two more vital rolls of the dice to be made before the single bought him to another level of success altogether. The first was the appearance of Jordan Stephens and Harley Alexander Sule, aka Brighton based teenage hip hop duo Rizzle Kicks, who had been making waves that summer after signing to Universal Island the year before and were riding high in the UK top 10 with their debut single 'Down With The Trumpets'. Sensing that they were to become a big name, even on a rival label, they were approached by Epic to contribute a guest rap to 'Heart Skips A Beat'. They immediately obliged, and their perfectly cheeky, playful rap was incorporated on just two weeks before the final version was cut and delivered to radio.

They also turned up to join Olly at the single's video shoot. Filmed at the skate park in Mile End, East London in July 2011, with a cast of two dozen extras hoofing it around a giant Olly sized record player, it was the perfect backdrop for the single, as Olly, resplendent in a straw trilby, blue and white striped tee and red chinos, delivered one of the most iconic videos and looks of his career. 'Heart Skips A Beat' took many people in the UK by surprise, including many of the detractors who'd disputed he'd even get past his first single a year previously and were now grudgingly eating their words. As its release drew closer, it had built up a good head of steam with strong airplay on radio and TV. And then, on the weekend of its 21st August release, there was also the first showcase for Olly's other seemingly endless pool of talents in entertainment.

Towards the end of his first theatre tour, a call came in from the producers at The X Factor. Some major personnel shifts had occurred on the show, which was then still at its peak - chiefly, the departures of Simon Cowell and Cheryl (albeit briefly) to the then just launched US version of the format, and Dannii Minogue to concentrate on being a full-time mum.

Only Dermot O’Leary (hosting the main show) and Louis Walsh (on the judging panel) remained for the new look show, this time headed by the Captain of Take That, Gary Barlow, and also consisting of former Destiny's Child star Kelly Rowland and Tulisa, the lead female vocalist with British hip hop group N-Dubz. Former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq, the host of the show's lovingly irreverent ITV2 spin off, The Xtra Factor, had also left after just one year.

The producers, knowing how popular he was and that he'd bring the cheeky likeability needed to the show, had Olly in mind to take over from her. An understandably nervous Olly, who by his own admission couldn't dream of hosting anything on his own, let alone a show as big as the very one he got his start from, fortunately had an anchor to play off. Enter one-time CBBC and MTV host Caroline Flack, who had been on the ITV2 spin off for I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here for two years and was already a hit with the same channel's audience.

They immediately proved a winning combination, and it was indeed our very own fansite which christened them with the name which their loyal army of internet shippers - but chiefly the ones on here - have used for them ever since (Carolly). All of these factors combined to ensure that Olly was, not for the first time in his career, going to confound his critics by launching his second album with a bang, and just a week shy of a whole year since ‘Please Don’t Let Me Go’ managed it, ‘Heart Skips A Beat’ rocketed straight in at the top to give him his second UK number one.

It was still on the chart some thirteen weeks later, when the single we’ll meet next week was about to make its debut. And it was also with this single that Olly broke a territory which, after the UK, is to this day one of the most ardent supporters of him and his music, as it hit the top in Germany the following spring, as well as hitting number one in three other European countries. A modern pop classic to be proud of.

OTHER THOUGHTS

Another taster of this single’s parent album was given as a B-side, in the form of an early version of the perky, piano led dream pop meets Britpop number ‘On My Cloud’. Olly co-wrote this with Samuel Preston, whilst additional writing and production came from Mark Taylor at Metrophonic, who had amongst other things produced Cher’s mega-selling number one hit ‘Believe’ in 1998. When performed on tour the following year, Olly did it as a mashup with ‘I Need A Dollar’, which had been a huge worldwide hit for Aloe Blacc twelve months previously.

* = the asterisk against the US and Canada chart positions indicates that the single charted there, but under a different version for these territories. More information on this will be covered in our future entry on 'Troublemaker'.

[hiddenfangirllife-blog]

Back to the Beginning Chapter 1

I was in the holding room at the X-Factor Judges’ Auditions, and I was freaking out. As the last audition of the day, I knew that I would be dealing with four tired judges. That meant that I needed to be good, so that the judges wouldn't focus on the previous auditions and would only focus on me.

I readjusted my guitar strap and a hand pushed me forward. “Go on in,” the accompanying voice told me, and I made my way into the audition room.

Once I was standing on the X, I smiled at the judges. “Hello,” I greeted them.

“Hello,” Simon Cowell answered. “What's your name?”

“My name is Kayla Payne, I'm sixteen years old, and I'm from Wolverhampton,” I said, trying to remind myself to just focus on the judge that was talking to me. I still had no clue who the other judges were.

“Well, Kayla, it's nice to meet you. What will you be singing for us today?” Simon asked.

I grinned. My brother’s song, I thought. “Little Things by One Direction,” I answered.

“Well then, off you go,” he said, and I slung my guitar into playing position and started to sing.

Your hand fits in mine like it's made just for me

But bear this in mind, it was meant to be

And I'm joining up the dots with the freckles on your cheeks

And it all makes sense to me

I know you've never loved

The crinkles by your eyes when you smile

You've never loved your stomach or your thighs

The dimples on your back at the bottom of your spine

But I'll love them endlessly

And I won't let these little things

Slip out of my mouth

But if I do, it's you, oh it's you they add up to

I'm in love with you

And all your little things

Simon held his hand up as I finished the first chorus and I stopped playing and singing almost immediately. “I think I'm going to go straight to the other end of the table for this one,” he said. “Louis?”

I turned my attention to Louis Walsh, who had returned for his millionth season, it seemed like. “You've got great control for someone your age,” he said. “I definitely was not expecting that. Plus, you're cute as a button and I think you could go very far in this competition.”

I blushed and looked down. “Thank you,” I said, as Simon said the name of the next judge, which I missed.

“Okay, I'm going to start by asking you a question,” a very familiar voice came. “Kayla, what brings you to the X Factor?”

I looked up, and my suspicions were confirmed. My darling brother, Liam Payne, was sitting at the judges’ table. This was going to be interesting. “I'm here because I want to do what I love,” I replied.

“And you don't think you need to be older?” he pressed. Liam, I thought, give me a break. Just because I didn't tell you, you go all overprotective brother on me? Not cool.

I shook my head. “Didn't you think you needed to be older when you auditioned at sixteen?” I countered.

“Good answer!” The one female judge, Tulisa, who had also returned, quipped, making me smirk. “Personally, Kayla, I thought you did great; you were confident, you have a great voice, and your personality is just incredible.”

I blushed once more. “Thank you,” I responded.

Simon had turned in his chair to face Liam. “Liam, I get the feeling that you have a problem with Kayla here.” he said, and Liam turned to face me.

I raised an eyebrow, and asked Liam, “You going to tell them or does that fall to me?”

Simon butted in, “I addressed Liam, so Liam, I'd prefer it if you replied.” I smirked.

Liam sighed dramatically. “She's my baby sister,” he said, and I smiled.

“Sounds about right,” I confirmed.

The faces of the other judges were priceless. Simon looked bewildered, which made me wish I had my phone so that I could capture the moment forever. Louis looked equally as shocked, since in all his years on X Factor, this had never happened. Shocker. Tulisa seemed unable to comprehend, just looking between Liam and I over and over again.

Finally, Simon seemed to regain his composure. “Well, with that said, I'm going to kick off voting with a yes,” he said, and I covered my hand with my mouth, shocked. “Louis?”

Louis nodded. “You're talented and you've got a great personality - yes!” he exclaimed, leaving me needing only one yes to go through to Bootcamp.

“Liam?” Simon asked, and my brother looked up at me.

“As much as I want to be your brother right now, I’m going to be a judge, recognize your talent, and say yes,” he said, sighing, and I started looking all around me, waiting for someone to tell me this was a joke, unable to comprehend that he just put me through to Bootcamp.

“For the record, you've got four yeses - it's a yes from me too!” Tulsa chimed in, and I think I started crying.

“Oh my gosh,” I managed to say. “Thank you guys so much!”

“Liam, go give your sister a hug!” Tulisa commanded my brother, as if she believed he should have already done it. He followed her command and came over to where I was standing, before he crushed me in a bear hug.

“Come on, I'll walk you out,” he whispered, and I walked out of the room with one of his arms around my shoulders and my free hand waving to the other judges, a huge smile on my face.

When we got back outside, Liam pulled me into another bear hug. “I can't believe you didn't tell me you were auditioning,” he said.

“I can't believe you didn't tell us you were judging,” I said.

“That's fair,” he said. “But you auditioned with my song!”

I laughed. “Believe me, if I’d known you were going to be judging, I’d have picked a different song,” I responded.

“I don't see why,” he said. “You sounded amazing.”

“Says the child that thought he was the only Payne that could sing,” I joked.

“Hey! I was fifteen,” he defended.

“I know,” I said, laughing. “I was only teasing.”

“Ah, always making jokes, my sister. Hey, we're done for the day, why don't I take you back to your….” he trailed off.

“Hotel, and I'd love that,” I said. “Mum and Dad haven't seen you in forever, and I don't have a ride. Mum dropped me off on her way to the mall this morning.”

“Well, come with me,” Liam said. “I actually got driven here, so I hope you're ready for your first limo ride! This one is pretty cool.”

I smiled. “I knew there was a reason I loved you.”

He smiled in response. “Yeah, yeah, other than the fact that I gave you a yes which means you get to go to BOOTCAMP!! Are you excited?” he asked.

“Of course I'm excited, Liam!” I yelled. “I just don't want to wait a month and a half. It kind of sucks, the wait.”

Liam nodded. “I remember the feeling. It's probably the most stressful point in the competition. But look on the bright side: after Bootcamp, everything moves fairly quickly.”

“You always know just what to say,” I said. “But I'm nervous about six chair challenge. The brutality of it scares me, because everyone's good at that point.”

He pulled me into a hug and rested his chin on my head. “Kayla, you're one of the most amazing people I know. You're going to be fine. Now come on, let's get you home.”

He pulled out of the hug and wrapped his arm around my shoulders, steering me towards the limo. Once we were inside, Liam gave his driver the name of the hotel I was staying at, and fifteen minutes later, was walking me inside.

“Thanks for the ride, Li,” I said. “By the way, how's life? We haven't really talked in awhile.”

He grinned as I went for the stairs. “Life's good. Cheryl’s moved in with me and little baby Bear was born, we’re really excited. You probably saw that the boys and I won another Brit a few months ago. That's really about it,” he informed me.

“Okay, so I've only missed a Brit. Practically nothing,” I said, laughing.

“That works,” he said. “Come on, can't you climb these things any faster?”

“Um, I'm carrying a guitar case on my back. I need the exercise but can only move so fast,” I replied.

“Okay,” he responded. “I get it, but next time we're taking the elevator.”

I stopped to open the door that let off at the second floor, where my room was. “Okay.”

Liam followed me down the hall to the suite my parents and I were in. After motioning for Liam to stay in the hallway, I opened the door and stepped inside.

“Mum! Dad! I'm back!” I yelled, and they came into the main room of the suite from their bedroom. My room was the room next door, which had a door linking it to the suite.

“Kayla! How did it go? Are you through to Bootcamp?” My mom asked, crushing me inside.

I laughed, happy to be back with my family. “I'll tell you later. For right now, I have a surprise,” I announced, and walked over to the door, opened it, and motioned Liam in. “SURPRISE!” I yelled.

“Liam!” my parents said, rushing over to him. “We didn't know you were in London!”

He laughed. “Especially not Kayla,” he responded, and I blushed.

“Shut up, Liam,” I muttered.

“So Liam, why are you in London?” my dad asked.

“Funny story, actually,” Liam said, scratching the back of his head and looking sheepish. “Did I tell you that I was judging X Factor this season?”

My parents looked between the two of us. “This has got to be...but...Kayla?” my mom stuttered.

“Yes, it's true, and yes, I went up there in front of Simon and Liam and sang a One Direction song and didn't even know my brother was judging me,” I said, putting my head in my hands. “Yes, it happened.”

Liam laughed. “I found it amusing, actually, until I saw the look of shock on Kay’s face when she saw me and I remembered that I hadn't told you yet.”

“Well, son, do you blame her?” my dad asked. “Speaking of Kay’s audition, how'd it go, Kay?”

“Well...I’m through to Bootcamp!” I screamed, smiling widely, and my parents crushed me in a hug.

“Now we have two X Factor contestants in the family!” Liam laughed, joining the family hug.

“That we do,” Mum agreed. “And to celebrate, we’re getting dinner tonight.” Before Liam could even say anything, she added, “And Liam’s not paying for it.”

Li just shrugged and wrapped his arm me. “Alright,” he agreed.

“So Kayla, where are we headed?” my dad asked.

“Nando's!” I said in a you had to ask? tone.

My mum rolled her eyes. “Kay, we've eaten there five times since we got here,” she responded.

“And they are great,” I finished her sentence. “You're letting me pick, I'm picking Nando's, that is the end of that.”

“Well, if we're going to Nando's, I'm calling Niall,” Liam interjected. “He's in London right now, and he'd kill me if I went without him. Hope you're ready to meet another celebrity, Kay.”

I shrugged. “Don't know if I am or not, but I've been around you for a few years, so we'll see,” I responded. “Now call him! I'm hungry!”

Liam laughed as he pulled out his phone and called Niall. “Hey, Niall,” he said. “I'm going to Nando's, want to come with? There's someone I want you to meet…….What? Yeah, you can drive yourself……..We'll be there in twenty minutes. See you there.” He hung up and turned to face us. “Niall’s meeting us there.”

Our parents nodded and we walked back downstairs and out of the hotel, one big happy family. With Liam’s arm around me, I pulled out my phone and opened Instagram. I made my profile, which had been private for so long, public and then got to work on my bio.

When I was done it read:

Kayla Payne

Singer/Dreamer

Lil sis of that guy Liam from 1D

Be crazy and love always

I showed it to Liam and he shot me a thumbs up as we got into my family's car instead of his limo. “You know, Jack is going to kill me later for this,” he said, referring to his bodyguard.

Mum turned around to face him from the passenger seat. “You really think your parents are going to let you die?” she asked.

“No,” he returned, “but you don't know Jack. He doesn't even trust me with my life.”

“That might be because you have a child that needs its father, Liam,” my father said.

“I see your point,” Li conceded, and that was the end of that conversation. The rest of the ride to Nando's was spent talking about baby Bear, and I don't think I'd ever heard Liam use the words “cute,” “adorable,” and “perfect” so much.

When we arrived at the restaurant, we climbed out of the car and went inside, where Niall was waiting for us. “Liam, mate! It's been too long!” he exclaimed as he walked over and wrapped my brother in a hug.

“I know, Niall, I know. You ordered?” Li returned.

“Yeah, my food should be here in a few,” Niall said, as  I stood there fascinated by the exchange. “Who'd you want me to meet?”

They walked back over to where my parents and I were standing, and after Niall had greeted my parents, he turned to Liam with a questioning look on his face. “That would be who I wanted you to meet,” Liam informed him. “Niall, this is my little sister Kayla. Kay, this is my friend Niall, but you can call him Nialler, Irish, or really whatever you want.”

Niall nodded and then scooped me up into a huge bear hug. “Nice to meet you,” he said. “In case you haven't noticed, I'm a bit of a hugger.”

I laughed. “Don't worry about it,” I responded. “It's nice to meet you, too.”

“So Kayla,” Niall started as a waitress brought his food and set it in front of him. “What was it like growing up with Payno here?”

I laughed. “I smiled everyday,” I answered. “He was a pretty awesome big brother. Did he ever tell you about what happened when I was seven and he was fifteen?”

Niall looked at Liam and raised his eyebrows. Apparently he hadn't heard this story yet. “No, but I'm all ears,” he said, intrigued.

“Well, I was seven, like I said, and I walked into his room and he was singing. I kind of knew the song, so I just randomly started singing along, and it was really off key and just bad,” I said, laughing. “Later that evening, at dinner, Li made a comment about being the only Payne that could sing. I was so pissed, but now it's a joke and he's eating his words.”

Niall laughed, a deep, resonant, genuine laugh. “Never knew Liam to be so arrogant,” he said.

“He doesn't seem it, does he?” I agreed as my family and I received our food. “But you should have seen him when I introduced him to my boyfriend, Drystan. He was more intimidating than Dad, and Dad was downright terrifying.”

My dad cleared his throat before speaking. “Kayla, you were fifteen, and while Drystan’s great...we didn't know him at the time. Speaking of Drystan, when are you going to call and tell him?”

I took a bite of my sweet potatoes while I thought. “I could do it now?” I proposed.

“Yeah, do that!” Liam chimed in. “And FaceTime him!”

I rolled my eyes. “I'll do it when we get back to the hotel. I want to eat right now!” I declared, taking a large bite of chicken and noticing Niall do the same. Soon, my whole family was digging into their meals, and we couldn't help but comment on how good the food was.

When we finished, we paid and left. Niall decided he was coming back to our hotel with me, my parents, and Liam, and so the car was full and the ride back was fun. I ended up half on Niall’s lap and half on a seat. My parents turned up the Top 40, and we had a good time singing along to Ed Sheeran’s new music.

When we got back to the hotel, I raced up the stairs instead of waiting on the elevator, grabbed my guitar, and then grabbed an elevator to take me up to the roof, where the pool was.

I arrived on the roof to find Niall already up there. I ignored him and pulled my phone out, pressing the button to FaceTime Drystan. He picked up before the third ring.

“Hey, baby girl,” he said, smiling. “How's London?”

I couldn't help but smile. “Hey, Drys. London’s great. Actually, it's more than great. I’ve also got news for you,” I responded. God, he was cute, and the way he was looking at me was making my heart melt.

“I'm listening,” he said.

I smiled again, looking down and blushing. “Well, you know how I was talking about auditioning for the X Factor?” I asked, and he nodded. “I did, and now I’m THROUGH TO BOOTCAMP!!!!!” I screamed, jumping up and down.

“Oh my god, Kay, that's great! I wish I was there with you so bad right now,” he exclaimed, mellowing out towards the end. “Sing for me?” he asked, making puppy dog eyes at me and, subsequently, my heart melt.

“All you had to do was ask, baby,” I said, propping my phone up and reaching for my guitar. “What song do you want?”

“Photograph, Ed Sheeran,” he said smiling. He always asked for that song; it was by far his favorite.

“Mmkay,” I said, my fingers finding the first chord before letting the melody fall out of my mouth. As my fingers played the familiar chords and my mouth formed the words, I watched him relax and fall into the melody of the song. When I was finished, he shook himself out of a sort of daze before smiling widely.

“Have I told you how amazing you are?” he asked, leaning forward and placing his elbows on his knees.

I laid the guitar down on my lap and leaned forward as well. “Only every time I talk to you,” I replied.

“Then I haven't said it enough,” Drystan responded, making me blush.

A text popped up from my dad that Liam was leaving, and if I wanted to see him before he left I needed to get back downstairs quick. “Drystan, baby, I have to go. I'll call you again soon,” I said.

“Bye Kayla. Keep being amazing,” he said before hanging up. After hanging up, I grabbed my guitar and caught the elevator back to my floor. I proceeded to run to my room, where Liam was just leaving. After I set my guitar down, he pulled me into a hug.

“I'll see you in a month and a half, okay? Take care of yourself,” he said.

I smiled, hugging him tightly, before saying, “I'll see you then. Now go. Don't want to keep anyone waiting.” Then, I pulled back and stepped away, watching him walk out the door and down the hall.

Two hours later, I was climbing into bed and falling asleep. As my body relaxed and sleep claimed me, I was oblivious to the fact that Niall Horan had just posted on Instagram for the first time in several weeks and that that post was throwing the Directioners into uproar.

niallhoran: i’m glad we’re friends

[coturesocial-blog]

Tulisa Contostavlos is set to make her comeback VERY soon. The 29-year-old is rumored to star in her own TV show. But what will it be about and will it actually go ahead? If you want to find out the latest drama that’s going down and why she went MIA, you’ve come to the right place!

What’s really going on?

If you’re a Little Mix fan, well, if you cast your mind back you should remember that Tulisa bought the girls together as she was their mentor. In addition to this, the former X Factor judge is supposedly getting ready to launch her own pop comeback. Can you believe they won six years ago now?

The brand new reality TV show will document her recording new tunes for her album and producing music videos too. It is also said that she plans to do some work in America so she’ll be on the hunt for a visa.

However, it goes without saying that over the years she has had her fair share of drama. Despite that, we believe that it will be a great way for her to finally have her say. Tulisa will also be able to show the public who she is now and how she is reinventing herself.

Why did she go MIA and what was she doing?

In 2014, she got herself involved in some unfortunate criminal drama. It wasn’t a good year for this Camden Town honey as she was unluckily accused of quite a few serious things. This included possessing drugs, assault, and driving over the speed limit.

However, you should never judge a book by its cover and you never know what is really going on in someone else’s life. So, we believe that everyone deserves a second chance and we think that it is time to forget about the past and look into the future.

She will always have the support of her N-Dubz group as they have remained close for over a decade. In addition to this, she also has the love of her close family and friends. So, we think that when she returns to our screens, Tulisa will be bigger and better than ever before.

Tulisa Contostavlos: What she’s doing now!

The singer is still laying low on her social media. But, we’re suspecting that this is because she is keeping her current projects top secret!

Earlier this year, however, we did see her take a couple of trips abroad to Ibiza and India! We’re guessing that she went for a much-needed detox before all the hard work commences.

Of course, we know that she’s always been used to a busier lifestyle and spending her time publicly with a celeb or two. Tulisa has also been training hard in regards to her fitness so we’re expecting her to bring lots of energy to her future performances.

And who knows, with the X Factor returning very soon, perhaps we’ll see a returning performance on the live shows. We’ll keep you updated as to whether or not our prediction becomes a reality!

Coture Social’s Top Tips For Entering The Music Business

Are you feeling inspired and excited for Tulisa’s return to music? Maybe it is sparking a passion within yourself for creating your own music or just showing off your talent. Well, our best advice for you is to record yourself and showcase it on social media.

Why not use Instagram’s new video section to upload a 30-second clip of yourself. Whether you’re into singing, playing an instrument or composing some super cool stuff, go ahead and shock your friends with your hidden talents.

Never underestimate what social media can do for you! We can guarantee you that Tulisa will be using her platforms to communicate with her fans when she returns to the music biz. We’d love to hear from you so tag us on Instagram for a chance to be spotted!

Cr: Instagram @tulisasinstagram

Tulisa Contostavlos: Planning her comeback & revealing her new identity! Tulisa Contostavlos is set to make her comeback VERY soon. The 29-year-old is rumored to star in her own TV show.

[hiddenfangirllife-blog]

Back to the Beginning - Chapter Two

I was extremely nervous as I stood in front of the arena, along with the other three hundred or so acts that had been put through to Bootcamp. Soon, a person with a megaphone came out and got us all to shut up as they explained what was about to happen.

“Okay, you're all going to go inside and pick a song off of the wall after you check in,” he said. “After you pick your song, it'll have an area of the arena to go to on the slip. Everyone you find there are the people you have to work with.”

After he said that, he went back inside and the mass of people started moving. Fairly soon, I had my contestant number sticker and was browsing songs on the wall. As my eyes scanned the titles, I saw one that I loved - Shape of You by Ed Sheeran. I grabbed it quickly, and saw that it said to go to the “Main hallway, area 145.”

I had seen that on my way from check-in, so I headed back. Once I got there, I was thrilled to see that there were two boys there. “Hey!” I said as I walked up. “I'm Kayla.”

“I guess you're our team member now!” one of them said. “Nice to meet you, I'm James.”

“And I'm Taylor,” the other one said. “So, I have a question. Do you play guitar?”

I smiled. “Yeah, I do. Do either of you?” I asked, and they both nodded.

“Yeah, we were hoping that our third team member would so we could do a guitar trio with it,” Taylor said.

“I'm down for that,” I said. “We have to perform this tomorrow, right?”

James nodded. “Yeah. Hope you weren't planning on getting a lot of sleep.”

“Let's go ahead and get started,” Taylor chipped in. “We've only got so much time.”

We spent the rest of the day and a good portion of the night working out harmonies, parts, and the guitar trio. We had to borrow guitars from the X Factor people, and so we were also having to get used to new, unfamiliar guitars.

At around 3:00 am, we decided to crash out for a little bit, and five hours later, we were hitting up the breakfast bar, stuffing our faces with muffins and drinking coffee like it was our lifeblood. The same guy from yesterday came out with his megaphone and announced that the performance schedule had just been posted, and that we were free to go check it.

James, Taylor, and I all decided that we would wait a few minutes and let the crowd clear before we checked. So, as we sat sipping our coffee, I decided to drop the bomb on them. “So, there's something kind of important that I haven't  told you guys yet,” I said.

James looked intrigued as he took another sip of his coffee. “Do tell, Kayla,” he responded.

“Yes please,” Taylor added, putting the spotlight on me.

“So, you know Liam Payne, right?” I asked, holding out on the news about myself just yet.

“Judge Liam, yeah? Who doesn't?” Taylor replied.

“Well...I'm kinda his little sister,” I said hesitantly, bracing myself for their reactions.

Their faces were so similar to Simon’s when he found out that I couldn't help but laugh. “You look exactly like Simon did when he found out at my Room Audition,” I remarked.

“This isn't funny, Kayla!” James exclaimed. After I had given him the Seriously? look, he added, “Okay, it is a little bit. But NOT COOL, girl, not cool.”

“Well, I just didn't want you to go in there and be completely blindsided,” I said, defending my choice to tell them. “Speaking of going in, do you want to go check our time?”

They nodded, and we stood from our comfortable place on the floor and walked over to the performance schedule that had been posted. As we searched for our names among the pages, Taylor called out from my left that he had found us, and that we were at roughly 12:30, right after a group of two girls singing Closer by The Chainsmokers.

We spent the remaining few hours smoothing over our performance, and when it was time for us to perform, we climbed the stairs from backstage and went to stand behind the microphones that were set up. “Hello,” Tulisa said.

“Hi,” we all managed to say at once before bursting out into laughter. I guess the many hours we'd spent in the last two days had managed to merge our personalities a bit.

“So, what will you be singing for us today?” Tulisa continued.

“We’ll be singing Shape of You by Ed Sheeran,” James said.

“Well then, whenever you're ready,” she said, smiling, and we all let our fingers find our first notes before starting.

James took the first verse and when the higher line came in at “Boy, let's not talk too much” I joined in. Then Taylor took the majority of the lead in the chorus, with James and I falling to the “oh I” part. The three of us traded off on which guitar part we played, with all of us sampling the lead guitar, percussive line, and synth line that we'd transposed to guitar.

When we finished, there was a rather awkward group hug that made us all laugh and then we turned to face our fates. “Well,” Louis started, “that was a great arrangement of that song, and I think that you all did very well both individually and as a group. However, I felt that maybe Kayla and Taylor put in a little bit more passion and effort than you, James, and I think that might've been because you were maybe the most comfortable with the song? Either way, great job to all three of you.”

“Thank you,” we all said as Liam began his comments.

“Hi Kayla,” he said. “Um, Happy Birthday. Hope you enjoy being seventeen. Right now, onto the performance. I have to agree with Louis, I don't think that James was giving everything as much as the other two of you were. I don't know why, it just...didn't come off as strong. I loved the guitar parts, really ingenious you guys, but yeah...It was really great.”

“Simon?” Tulisa prompted, causing him to clear his throat.

“So, I thought that the arrangement was really ambitious, and I liked that you took that risk. However, the parts without Kayla on vocal felt really flat to me. You two could be there singing, but I would just be looking at her over there playing her guitar. It sounded great, and it would sell if you released it, but live it was just a bit too flat for me,” Simon said, which caused us all to look at each other with worried looks in our eyes.

“Yeah, I have to agree with the guys,” Tulisa said sadly. “It would sell, and girls would go crazy, but it was flat from the two of you, James especially. Kayla stealing the performance didn't really have anything to do with her, it was just that you two were a bit stiffer and not as relaxed as she was, so our eyes just kind of...gravitated.”

Then they whispered among themselves and pointed at some pictures on the table before turning back to us. “Well, we've made our decision,” Simon said. “And I honestly can't believe I have to say this to you, but...you're all through.”

I turned to James and Taylor and there was a much less awkward group hug.

“We did it,” I whispered. “We did it.” As we opened out of the hug, we thanked the judges and then walked offstage, arms wrapped around each other.

We spent the rest of the day just kind of walking around and hanging out with each other. Plenty of people went into the room, and after we had been put through and were able to relax, we began to realize just how lucky we were, all three of us going through. Some groups would come out and only one person would be through, or nobody.

At the end of the day, there were only 115 acts left, and the majority of us were reeling from the quick, brutal eliminations that had taken place. Our number had been more than halved in one day, and this wasn't the last time it would happen. The guy from this morning came out with his megaphone again.

“Okay, can I get everyone's attention please? Can I please have everyone's attention?” he asked, and we got quiet so that we could hear what he had to say. “So, you're going to sleep where you did last night, and then tomorrow the judges are going to deliberate and you'll be free to just kind of do whatever. Day after tomorrow, the judges will call you in by category and then tell you who they're putting through to six chair challenge, okay? Great. You can go back to doing whatever you were doing now.”

We all seemed to turn back to our conversations, and James leaned back into his seat. “I love how this is supposed to change our lives, yet they act like they don't care. I mean, the judges do, and we do, but I'm not getting it from the production staff just yet,” he commented.

“I get it. I think they're just saving their energy for the live shows, though, since there are only going to be twelve of us that make it to those. Trying to put a ton of effort into, what, a hundred acts? Not gonna happen,” Taylor defended.

“I see both of your points, but I've gotta go with Taylor on this one,” I said. “It makes a lot of sense.”

“Yeah, yeah, alright,” James replied, sighing in defeat. “So, what would you guys be doing if you weren't on X Factor?”

“Playing gigs in bars and going to university,” Taylor said. “I deferred a term to come audition.”

“Probably starting college to get my A-levels,” I said. “In what, I don't know. I was going to pick them this summer.”

“Nerds,” James muttered, snorting.

“How do you call playing gigs in bars being a nerd?” Taylor asked. “Please, explain.”

“I don't,” James defended. “I call going to school being a nerd.”

“So what, you weren't going to go to school?” Taylor fired back.

“Nope, I was going to submit demos to record labels until one of them signed me,” James admitted. “And I was going to play gigs in bars and travel the world.”

“Wait, how old are you guys? I just realized we never said our ages,” I exclaimed.

“I'm twenty two,” James offered.

“I'm twenty,” Taylor followed.

“And you guys know I'm seventeen,” I finished. “Sorry, just...tangents, I guess.”

“It's fine, Kayla,” James said, and then he got a kind of evil glint in his eye. “There is this box of streamers over there, it's open, and nobody's doing anything with it.”

The three of us exchanged glances before getting up and sneaking over to the box before grabbing it and bringing it back over to where we were sitting. “Okay, we've got the streamers, now what do we do with them?” I asked.

“Hit up the bathrooms, then start randomly throwing them around the room,” James ordered. “Generally, cause mass chaos.”

I saw the glint appear in Taylor’s eyes, and then I knew mine were carrying it as well. “We got this,” he said as we began grabbing rolls of streamers out of the box.

“Of course we do,” I confirmed with a hair flip. “Now let's go.”

We ran off in different directions and started to cause the mass chaos we'd decided to. I knew the cameras were getting this, and I knew it would be hilarious television. People were running around and shrieking when they got hit, and nobody seemed to be able to pinpoint that it was us.

When we ran out of streamers, we returned to our spot on the floor, laughing so hard we were crying. The production staff quickly noticed and came over and grabbed us before taking us over to a bench and sitting us on it. “We're you guys the ones to pull that little stunt?” a man asked, and we nodded. “Okay, when the red light comes on, feel free to tell the story.” Seconds later, the light was on, and James kicked us off, recounting how he'd seen the open box.

We filled in the parts he left out, or that only we knew, and ten minutes later, the camera had the entire story, complete with all the tiny little details that made the prank work. “You're free to go,” the man said, and we got up and returned to our area.

We went to the buffet that had been set up and ate dinner, before returning to our spot on the floor and talking until we fell asleep.

We woke up the next morning and then remembered we had nothing to do. That illusion was quickly shattered when production began grabbing us at random to do introductions for auditions. So that's how they pick the people that do them, I thought.

I was grabbed around three in the afternoon after randomly wandering around all day, eating and talking to some of the other contestants that weren't being interviewed by the production people, and led to a bench. “So, Kayla,” the production girl started. “Introduce yourself to the camera.

I looked at the camera and said, “Hi, my name is Kayla Payne, and I'm sixteen years old.”

She looked at me, seemingly to try to decide what questions she should be asking. “So, why did you audition for the X Factor?”

“I auditioned for the X Factor because I believe it can truly change lives,” I answered. “I love music, and I've seen X Factor winners get to live lives full of it. I really, really want that.”

“You're doing great. Now, how long have you been singing?” she continued.

“I've been singing for a couple of years now, but I've never played any gigs. I just sing around my house and stuff,” I answered.

“I think we've got enough,” she said. “Thanks, and now just go back to what you were doing before we called you over.”

I got up and walked over to where James and Taylor were. “That was weird,” I said.

“What was weird?” James replied.

“Filming the little audition intro thing,” I clarified. “It was like an interrogation, not a ‘Hi, I'm so and so and this is my life story!’ thing.”

“Once again, I don't think production cares,” James said. He'd been talking a lot today. “If they did, we wouldn't be sleeping on floors in the O2. We'd be in hotels, or at least on mats. They just want their paychecks.”

“Hey, Taylor, you're quiet,” I said, segueing into a new conversation. “What's up?”

“I'm just thinking about this,” he said. “How much I want it, why I want it. Might as well do it while I've got the time, right?” He laughed humorlessly, and an ominous mood settled over us.

“So...what's the answer to those questions? Like, why do you want it?” I asked.

“Most I can come up with is that I'm slowly going crazy in my very monotonous life, and I love music,” he answered.

“Well, if you're looking for an escape from monotony, you've come to the right place,” I replied. “Trust me, I'd know.”

“You would, wouldn't you?” James responded. “You've got a brother who's been through this. But you know, when I first saw you, it didn't seem like you'd have a famous brother or an amazing voice or be fucking awesome at guitar or want this so much. I thought you'd be quiet, shy, and get sent home because you wouldn't put anything in.”

“I have to agree with James,” Taylor said. “You're probably the biggest surprise here. And I know that even now, when it looks like you're sitting there relaxed, you're fighting with everything in you to stay.”

“Okay, you two are officially my new best friends,” I said, wiping my eyes to keep tears from falling. “Nobody except my family’s ever said something like that to me.”

“Aww, don't cry!” Taylor said. “Group hug!” They immediately engulfed me in a hug, and I smiled. I stood at 5’9”, and they were both taller than me, so I was about level with their shoulders. It was really nice.

“You guys are more affectionate than my boyfriend, I swear,” I laughed, enjoying the warmth in the slightly cool arena.

Letting go, they sat back down before Taylor said, “You've got a boyfriend?” I nodded, and he spoke again. “Well, when this entire thing is over, I want to meet him!”

“You can, if we're still together at that point,” I assured them.

“What? You don't know if you'll still be together? Kay, any guy crazy enough to let you go needs to be committed,” Taylor joked.

“Yeah, take it from a guy: if I weren't five years older than you and very happily single, I'd be interested in you, definitely,” James confirmed.

“Wow, high praise, you guys,” I returned, in my way of thanking them.

“So, why might you not be together when this is over?” James demanded.

“I don't know, it's just that the last few times I've seen him, he's been really distant,” I explained. “It scares me, because I don't even know why. This might sound silly, but...I'm scared to lose him.”

Taylor wrapped his arm around me. “Trust me, it doesn't sound silly. I see why you're scared, though. Just...give him some time, yeah? He's probably going through something at home, he'll come around. Don't worry about it,” he advised.

I leaned into his side. “I won't, and thanks for listening, you guys,” I said.

“Anytime, girl,” James said.