Name: Robert Allen

Age: 27

From: Essex

Occupation:Hospital worker

The Story So Far…

* Robert auditioned in London singing Robbie William’s ‘Angels’ and ‘Mustang Sally’. Simon said “jack of all trades audition. Quite good at anything but not brilliant at much. Intro song was best – yesâ€?, Louis said “rough diamond, liked the voice, but didn’t like the song choiceâ€? and Sharon said “you didn’t perform first song – but yesâ€?.
* On the first day of Bootcamp Robert sang The Beatles track ‘Let It Be’. The panel all really liked him. Mark Hudson commented on the fact that “he wants it so much� and that he didn’t come across as cocky.
* On the second day of Bootcamp Robert sang Prince’s ‘Purple Rain’. He had to re-start the song three times and asked the Judges to forgive him. Adrian Williams said “I loved him yesterday, and although he messed up I love his voice. It’s a shame�. Sharon said she was frustrated and disappointed that he messed up but said he could really hit those notes. Sharon also described him as a likeable guy. Mark Hudson said that “if he does the work he can really sing, but he can’t make excuses – as some point he will have to dance as well as sing at the same time.�
* At Judges Houses Robert sang Gnarls Barkley’s ‘Crazy’.

History

* Robert currently lives in Essex with his girlfriend Samia who he met at an open mic gig.
* Robert has one brother and one sister.
* He used to be in a gospel group called The Continentals and another group called Citizen K.
* Robert has trained in method acting, had professional dance training and can play clarinet to grade 4.
* His ultimate dream is to be married with a strong family and to own his own house.

What would winning the X Factor mean to you?

“I don’t think I could put it into words! It would mean everything – it could mean I could become a successful singer and it would be great because I will have achieved my goals and dreams. But the first thing I’d buy is a house for my girlfriend and new baby when it’s born.â€?

What are you most looking forward to about moving to London for the live shows?

“Choosing my songs, starting rehearsing and working with the vocal coaches and just being able to focus purely on the music – getting in the zone! I’m obviously going to miss my girlfriend, especially as she’s pregnant. And it’ll be hard not seeing my friends and family regularly, but I hope I’ll get the chance to at the shows. They’re all ecstatic and over the moon because we’ve had a difficult time over the last year so this is a bit of good news for us!�

Do you have a musical family?

“No, although my Aunt and Uncle sing in church. Music and drama were among my favourite subjects at school and I went to Performing Arts College and did a BTEC and HND in Performing Arts so working in the industry has always been an aim of mine.�

What was your worst/best job?

“I have had lots and lots of jobs – I’ve done everything but probably the worst was being a postman. I only lasted a day! My better jobs were home care for the elderly and working at Homerton Hospital because it involved helping other people.�

What are your musical influences?

“I love Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin. Although I do have eclectic musical tastes ranging from soul, rock and pop. Luther Vandross is a musical legend. Mary J Blige is one of my favourite artists and her single ‘No More Drama’ is one of my favourite singles. I’d love to perform with her one day.�

Do you play any musical instruments?

“I play the clarinet to Grade Four level. I also play a bit of piano, and flute which I taught myself. Away from music, I play basketball to keep fit. And at weekends I like to just chill out – watch movies, see family and friends and generally take it easy.�