Last weekend millions saw the lovely Matt Terry win the 2016 series of The X Factor and this Saturday (17 Dec) you can see him live and in the flesh at G-A-Y performing his winner’s single When Christmas Comes Around, written by Ed Sheeran. Dave Cross had a catch up with Nicole’s winning boy to chat about the contest and what it was like to be a Scherzy boy!
Hello Matt, congratulations! What does winning mean to you?
I cannot believe I have won. It’s everything I have ever wanted. A massive thank you to everyone that helped to get me here, this is for them. And I want to say thank you to Nicole for believing in me from the very beginning. My family have given up so much for me and been so supportive and to get the chance to be able to give something back is just the best.
How was the week before the final going around on the bus? It looked pretty special…
It was amazing. I couldn’t believe I got a bus with my name and my face on it, it was surreal. To be able to go around and physically see the support from people out there was incredible. To know that people are enjoying what you do is the best feeling ever.
Looking back from the first auditions right up to the final, how was the whole X Factor experience?
It’s flown by so quickly, I can’t believe all that time has gone. It has been the best experience for me and I’ve learnt so much. It’s like going to an amazing school with incredible teachers who have all taught me so much. I’ve learnt so much about how the industry works but also about who I am as an artist and how to perform at my best. Being on the show, doing the live shows gives you everything you need to know, it’s amazing.
So it hasn’t put you off being a singer then?
No, haha, it’s made me want it much more!
Right from the first couple of live shows you were one of the favourites to win the show – did that put a lot of pressure on you?
I don’t really like to look at that kind of thing. Nicole was great about this, she told me that I should be like a racehorse with those blinkers on the side of your eyes, so you just look straight ahead at the finish, at your goal, and don’t get distracted too much by what other people are doing or saying.
And talking of Nicole, amazing duet in the final…
Thank you. I think I really hit the jackpot with Nicole, she’s been amazing. She has given me the very best advice and she knows exactly what she’s doing. We are really similar and she only had to say one word and I would know exactly what she meant.
Have you always wanted to be a singer and to perform?
Yes, since I can remember I’ve always wanted to sing. As a kid I had singing lessons and everything. That’s why I just want to take all this, every bit of it, and really make the most of it.
Is there anything that you’ve learnt about yourself?
Yes, definitely. It’s given my confidence a real boost. I’ve become braver I think and I’m willing to take more risks now. I can also be myself more and I’ve become more able to enjoy it when I’m working and performing, which I’ve learnt is so important.
Are you happy with the winner’s song When Christmas Comes Around?
Yes, it’s amazing, such a great song and I can’t tell you what it means to be able to release it.
And finally, you are at G-A-Y on Saturday – are you looking forward to that?
Yes, absolutely. I’ve been to see a couple of the other contestants perform there and it’s always been just incredible. I can’t wait to see everyone there.
For more info please visit G-A-Y website.
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