Stacey Solomon Remembers Her X Factor Journey and Duet With Michael Bublé
Stacey Solomon took a nostalgic trip back to the beginning of her television career as she remembered her time on The X Factor and the unforgettable opportunity to perform alongside Michael Bublé.
The singer-turned-TV personality looked back on her 2009 journey during the latest episode of Stacey & Joe, which aired on April 8.
The episode also followed Stacey and her son Zach as they attended the National Television Awards, where she picked up her first gong. Her dad, David, watched the ceremony from home with her husband, Joe Swash, and the rest of the family.
Stacey’s mum, Fiona, was absent once again. Stacey has previously explained that her mother prefers to stay away from the spotlight.
That is rather different from Stacey’s own path. Her breakthrough came when she auditioned for The X Factor in 2009, setting her on a career that would eventually take her well beyond music.
Stacey’s X Factor breakthrough
Stacey auditioned for the sixth series of ITV’s The X Factor with a performance of “What A Wonderful World.”
Her natural voice and down-to-earth personality quickly won over the judges, helping her progress through the competition and secure a place among the final 12 contestants.
When the live shows began, Stacey became part of Team Dannii, with Dannii Minogue serving as her mentor.
Years later, the memories of that period came flooding back while Stacey was preparing for the NTAs.
During Stacey & Joe, she visited her sister Jemma’s house to search for an outfit. Among the clothes she discovered were several pieces from her X Factor days, including a minidress she attempted to squeeze into and her old “Team Dannii” T-shirt.
She was particularly hoping to find the dress she wore when she performed with Michael Bublé.
There was just one problem: the dress she wanted was nowhere to be found.
The night Stacey Solomon performed with Michael Bublé
Stacey’s X Factor journey ultimately took her all the way to the 2009 final, where she was given the chance to share the stage with Canadian singer Michael Bublé.
For the performance, Stacey appeared in a floor-length sequined gown as she joined Bublé for a duet of his hit song “Feeling Good.”
The performance was part of a memorable final night for the rising singer, who also returned to the songs that had featured prominently in her journey.
She performed “What A Wonderful World,” the song that had earned her a place on the show during her original audition, as well as Queen’s “Who Wants to Live Forever.”
The appearance with Bublé has remained one of the standout memories from Stacey’s time on the programme.
Stacey finished third on The X Factor
Stacey faced Olly Murs and Joe McElderry in the final of The X Factor in 2009.
She was the first of the three finalists to be eliminated, ultimately finishing in third place. Olly Murs finished as runner-up, while Joe McElderry won the series.
Both of her fellow finalists went on to pursue music careers, with McElderry moving into musical theatre and Murs achieving chart success.
Stacey, meanwhile, eventually took a different path.
Why Stacey left singing behind
Although Stacey no longer works as a professional singer, she has said that music remains part of her life — just in a much more personal way.
The mother of five explained that she still sings, but mainly for her family. She has also performed for her grandmother and her grandmother’s friends at their care home, including during her Crafty Christmas show.
Speaking previously on This Morning, Stacey explained that she enjoys singing when there is no pressure attached to it.
She said she loves performing for herself and for the people close to her, rather than worrying about whether an audience will approve of her voice.
She jokingly described how her family occasionally “wheel her out” for special occasions, comparing it to a dad proudly announcing that his daughter can sing.
For Stacey, singing has therefore remained something she enjoys without the demands that came with pursuing it professionally.
“I feel really lucky”
Looking back on the opportunities that came after The X Factor, Stacey admitted that she is still amazed by how much her life has changed.
She reflected on the fact that around 15 years had passed since her appearance on the talent show and said she never expected to still have a career or be working in television.
Stacey also acknowledged the role of hard work, saying she gives everything to every opportunity that comes her way. At the same time, she said she considers herself fortunate simply to have been given those opportunities in the first place.
Her career may have moved away from the stage, but memories of The X Factor — including that glamorous duet with Michael Bublé — remain an important part of the story of how Stacey Solomon first became a household name.
