Simon Cowell was right to boot me from X Factor, says Lisa Milburn

Oct 5 2008 By Lesley Roberts

X FACTOR reject Lisa Milburn has admitted Simon Cowell was right to boot her off the show.

The former Scottish Slimmer of the Year was last week back pulling pints in an Edinburgh bar after her shot at stardom ended.

Lisa, 23, said: "When Simon told me I was way out of my depth I felt like giving him a round of applause.

"I thought, 'Well done, Simon. There's nothing like stating the obvious'.

"I was backstage with people who had been to thousands upon thousands of auditions and spent years and years trying to make it and this was my first attempt.

"Singing meant everything to them.

They ate, slept and breathed it. I suddenly realised that wasn't me and I knew I would be going home.

"I was out ofmy depth. I have no hard feelings towards Simon. He was absolutely right.

"I just wish I'd known a bit more about how it all worked before I auditioned."

Lisa spent two years losing nearly 19 stone for her audition and dropped from a size 34 to 10.

In 2007 she was named the Sunday Mail Scottish Slimmer of the Year.

X Factor judges Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh were stunned when she showed them photos of how she used to look.

She said: "They were astounded that it was me. Cheryl Cole nearly fell off her chair.

"They all thought it showed how determined I was to succeed. They liked me and thought I deserved a chance after everything I had achieved.

"That has given me a massive confidence boost in itself.

"I know I wasn't a good enough singer to go through but they likedme for my personality and that makes me feel great."

Lisa was lucky to make it through to boot camp after Cowell threatened to reject her at her initial audition stage.

Only her pleas to stay - and a little pressure from Louis and Dannii - persuaded him to let her through to the final 150.

Lisa added: "I'm mortified that I pleaded with him.

"I always said I wouldn't be the kind of person to do that but when the moment arrived I just felt overwhelmed and I had to beg.

"You just think to yourself, 'This is my one chance' and you go for it. I'd worked so hard to get there and I'd waited around for hours before I went through to sing. I found myself begging to be put through. I don't remember Simon saying to me, 'Oh Lisa, you are determined, aren't you?'.

"When I saw it on TV I just seemed to be standing there like a gormless prat.

It's quite embarrassing.

"But I'm glad I did it. I was really excited about going to boot camp plus I got to be interviewed by Dermot O'Leary which was awesome because he is just lovely."

Lisa was put up in a London hotel for four days while she waited to perform before the judges again at the massive O2 Arena.

She said: "It's very fake and very edited. The viewers don't know realise that you've been sitting in a room since 6am, with practically nothing to eat or drink, then you might not get to sing till 5pm.

"The producers come and tell you that you'll be singing next, so you get all worked up and then they change their minds so your emotions are all over the place.

"They send you a list of songs to choose from in advance then you hear the judges complaining that they're hearing the same tunes time and again.

"I knew it wasn't for me and that I wouldn't be getting any further in the competition so I was able to relax a bit but when I was asked to step forward and sing, I really was a nervous wreck."

Lisa has become a local celebrity in Edinburgh and is recognised while out shoppingorin nightclubs.

She has enjoyed her moment of glory - but she now wants to put her X Factor experience behind her.

She said: "It's not something I want to dwell upon. I just want to get back to normal now.

"I've been recognised a few times on the street and in nightclubs.

"And a lot of people have made contact through my Bebo and Facebook sites.

"Lots of them want to ask me about my weight loss and some messages have been from other young girls who are desperate to lose weight.

"I would love to be an inspiration for people like that so it's great that I've been able to get my story out there.

"I'd rather be that kind of role model than a singer.

"I'll watch the rest of the series, though. Now that I've met so many of the contestants, I'm really interested to see who wins."

OUR STAR

From XXL to X Factor: Lisa was confident enough to apply for the show after shedding nearly 19 stone over two years and being named the Sunday Mail Scottish Slimmer of the Year in 2007.

My six to watch

HERE are Lisa's six of the best from the remaining 24 contestants.

LAURA WHITE (GIRLS UNDER 25)

One to watch. When she sang First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, everyone was astounded. Her raw talent stops you in your tracks. A possible winner.

AUSTIN DRAGE (BOYS UNDER 25)

We'd have jamming sessions in the canteen while we waited to perform. He's an incredible all-rounder. He can write, sing and play. A genuinely nice guy.

RACHEL HYLTON (OVER 25s)

She's great talent. She's had a hard life but is trying to make things better. Her voice is amazing. I hope she does well.

RUTH LORENZO (OVER 25s)

She really impressed the judges. She's got quite a deep, sexy voice, a bit like Leona Lewis' so she sounds great.

BAD LASHES (GROUPS)

They're four down-to-earth Geordie girls with great ability.

They do beautiful harmonies and look fantastic. They will go really far.

JLS (GROUPS)

Gorgeous guys who've worked so hard. Once the public see their great personalities, they will be really popular.

SUNDAY EMAIL

l.roberts@sundaymail.co.uk