Name: Raymond Quinn

Age: 18

From: Liverpool

Occupation: Student

The Story So Far…

* Raymond came to the open day at Old Trafford and sang Dean Martin’s ‘Ain’t That A Kick In The Head’ and Elvis’ ‘Devil In Disguise’. He went down a storm with the judges, Simon said he was “like a young Robbie�, Louis thought he had “great potential� and Sharon said he was a “natural� and told him “I love you Raymond!� All three Judges sent Raymond to Bootcamp.
* On the first day of Bootcamp Raymond sang ‘Devil in Disguise’ again and although Simon thought he was “a bit stage school� he also said that he was “cheeky� and that he “has charisma.�
* On the second day of Bootcamp Raymond sang ‘Easy’ by The Commodores and Simon and Sinitta said he was “cheeky and likeable� but they weren’t 100% sure and initially told him “no�
* However at the end of the second day, as Raymond was about to leave, Simon decided that he’d made a mistake and after talking to the Executive Producers he called Raymond back to tell him “Raymond, I made a mistake, I want you to come to my home visit.�
* At Simon’s Judges House Raymond sang ‘She’s The One’ by Robbie Williams and ‘Smile’ by Robert Downey Junior.
* In the deliberation Simon said “he was out of it judging on his first song, but the second song really made it for him.� Sinitta said “he has to go through, he lights up the room the public will like him.�
* Simon then told him “the first song was weakest by a mile, the second song was well in your comfort zone. You’re a great entertainer but can I afford to put you through?�

History

* Raymond lives at home with his parents in Liverpool. He also has two older brothers who own a carpet warehouse.
* He is currently studying performing arts at The Merseyside Dance and Drama College and has a year left to go. There he has had some vocal training and has also learnt to dance to quite an advanced level.
* Raymond’s claim to fame is starring as ‘Anthony’ in Brookside.
* He even managed to win himself a Soap Award in 2002 for ‘Best Dramatic Performance’ and the storyline he was part of won Best storyline of 2003.
* He has been in a children’s drama called Cactus Jack.
* His proudest moments include winning £5000 in Manchester talent competition ‘Search for a Star’ and performing in Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall for a Tsunami Aid concert.
* Raymond says his closest friend is his girlfriend Kirsty, 19, who he has been with for just over a year.

What would winning The X Factor mean to you?

‘’Winning The X Factor would change my life completely. It’d be a dream come true to become a recording artist. The first thing I would buy if I won the show would be a car or a house, but I’m most looking forward to having fun, enjoying the experience and performing on stage. Obviously I’ll miss my family and friends but I’ll be pursuing my dream so I don’t really mind.’

Where did you go to school and how did it feel getting an acting job at such a young age?

Ray went to Gateacre Comprehensive in Liverpool where his favourite subject was art. Whilst still at school he won a part in the soap Brookside. “Winning a Soap Award was amazing� he says. “To win that accolade at such a young age was an amazing experience. Being in Brookside was the only job I’ve ever had and it was the best one. I never really knew what I wanted to do so two years ago, started singing lessons and really enjoyed it. I did a gig for my Nan’s 80th and really enjoyed it and I knew then it was all I wanted to do. I’ve always wanted to be a star!�

What are your musical influences?

He cites his musical influences as Robbie Williams, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davies. “To really wow the Judges I’d sing Ain’t That A Kick In The Head – with a big band.�

What do you do to relax?

When he’s not singing, Raymond likes nothing better than extreme skating around Liverpool on his rollerblades. “And I love being on holiday in America. Everything is cheap and big� he laughs.