THERE’S no denying Barnsley’s X Factor star Holly Tandy has done the town proud.
She looked every inch the polished pop star as she belted out Ariana Grande’s Love Me Harder in last weekend’s quarter final.
Holly, 16, from Darton, won praise from judges Simon Cowell, her mentor Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger, but her attempt to show she could be ‘current and young’ left Louis Walsh unimpressed and correctly predicting that she would leave the competition.
She couldn’t contain her emotions as Dermot O’Leary announced she had not made it through, but vowed it was not the end for her.
Speaking to the Chronicle this week, Holly said: “I’m gutted, but I’m fine. I’m back home now, it’s nice to be with my family. I knew I was going. The competition was very high this year, but I put my heart and soul into it.
“Sharon has texted me, she’s really upset that me and Rai-Elle Williams have left but she is really happy for us both and thinks we will both have a really long career.
“I’m really humbled and happy to have had the opportunity to get on national television and to have the support of everyone from my home town. For me, I just want to get my music out there. I want to do a bit of everything, from acting to modelling. I just want to get myself out there and make Yorkshire proud.”
Holly revealed that her song was chosen by Sharon following Simon’s comments about her performance in George Michael week being old-fashioned. She said the main reason she didn’t get through was because of the high standard of competition. She hopes to stay in touch with Sharon.
Holly has now deferred her college studies and is not sure if she will return.
She said: “It’s just easier to focus on my music and being a full time musician.
“I’ve had a few offers, nothing I can really talk about just yet, you have to wait about three months before you can sign with anyone.
“I’d love to have a go at acting, hopefully it will be a big part of my career, but music is my main passion and that is something which I am going to carry on with forever. I’m going to be doing a lot of live work, but also some studio work and get some songs on iTunes.
“I’m just so thankful for everyone’s support. It is something I will never forget, it’s been magic, and I’m so proud to say I’m from Barnsley.”
Holly has now tipped Rak-Su to win the competition, saying: “They are so fresh and current and there is definitely a gap in the market for them.”
