Leicester’s home-grown singing sensation Sam Bailey was named the winner of the 2013 X-Factor in a dramatic final at Wembley Arena on Sunday night.
The 36 year-old former prison warden from Leicester Forest East saw off fierce completion from fellow finalist Nicholas McDonald. As well as being signed to a record deal, Sam will also get to support Beyonce on her upcoming tour of the UK this coming February.
Sam’s first performance back in her home city after her big win will be to sing at half-time during the Capital One Cup clash tonight between Leicester City and Manchester City at the King Power Stadium.
The city has fully backed Sam throughout her X-Factor journey, and around 200 friends and fans gathered at Enderby Social club to cheer Sam on cried and popped bottles of Champagne when the result was announced.
Sam, who was the huge odds-on favourite to win the competition with the bookies, performed Jennifer Rush’s The Power of Love and Skyscraper by Demi Lovato on Sunday night’s live final. This version of Skyscraper is now a real contender for the coveted Christmas number one.
Speaking ahead of the judge’s verdict, she said: “I can’t believe I’ve made it to the final of X Factor. Even saying it sounds mad.”
