X Factor finalist revealed
Wednesday, 20 August 2008
A former drug addict who had her children taken into care has made the semi-finals of 'The X Factor'.
Rachel Hylton - who wowed judges with her rendition of Amy Winehouse's 'You Know I'm No Good' in her first audition, shown on TV last weekend - has made it through to the final 24 contestants in the talent search programme.
To see photos of Rachel check out our X Factor Gallery >
A source said: "Rachel is brilliant - it looks as if she could go far on the show.
"She has got past boot camp and the next stage will be the judges' houses, which we will film in a few weeks time.
"That's when the four judges pick their final three and those 12 go through to the live shows - so Rachel is in with a great shot of making it."
The 26-year-old has previously been jailed for crimes including attempted burglary and had her two older sons and her daughter adopted, but has been trying to turn her life around since quitting drugs six years ago.
She currently lives in London with her youngest children, Tishon, six, and four-year-old Tashanee, and is allowed "letterbox contact" with her oldest children, meaning she can send birthday and Christmas cards and other family news.
Meanwhile, 'The X Factor' judge Dannii Minogue reportedly had to flee an audition after being threatened by a contestant and his family.
The judge had the casting vote and rejected the singer, who then waited with his family for Dannii, who left the room and returned with fellow panellist Simon Cowell's bodyguard.
Revealing she was "petrified" by the incident, Dannii said: "I hid near him. If I feel frightened, I'll always run to him. Tony's a friendly giant but I wouldn't mess with him."
The altercation also shocked new judge Cheryl Cole, who was left shaken.
Click here to see photos of Cheryl Cole >
A source close to the Girls Aloud star said: "It was eye-opening for Cheryl, who'd never seen a confrontation like it.
"She gave Dannii a kiss and cuddle to make sure she was OK, but she was trembling a lot herself".
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(C) BANG Media International
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