AN ESSEX beauty stunned the judges of ITV's X Factor with her voice which "didn't falter" in a standout audition in the first sitting of the returning reality talent show on Saturday.
Brunette Stacey Solomon, 19, who is studying for a National Diploma in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) at Havering College of Further and Higher Education, in Ardleigh Green, was one of the first gems to shine on the new-style arena audition stage in the sixth series of the talent show.
The modest single mum-of-one won over the judges with her stereotypical Essex charm and accent the moment she arrived on London's O2 stage for her audition.
She told the judges her mum, who she lives with in Western Avenue, Dagenham, along with her 17month-old son Zachary, "sometimes" told her she was a good singer and nervously laughed as she accidentally slipped up answering a question about whether she had friends supporting her on the day - "No, I mean yeah I have," she said.
But the odd roll-of-the-eyes from bigwig Simon Cowell and laughs from the audience soon stopped when Stacey started singing.
Her heartfelt rendition of Louis Armstrong's What A Wonderful World received an arena-full of cheer and applause - including from Simon - and a resounding four yes's from all the judges putting her through to the next stage of the competition.
Girls Aloud's Cheryl Cole said: "I don't know why I had a pre conceived idea but I didn't think it would be that good ...thank you."
Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue both agreed.
Dannii said: "It was a real surprise, so cute, your personality and voice and you didn't falter."
Simon said: "I'm rarely surprised but I have to be completely honest with you that performance took me by surprise. I think you are really really good."
Stacey, whose father David and step mother Karen, live in Burnway, Hornchurch, has since been tipped by pundits as a potential winner of the show.
Romford Recorder
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