X Factor 2012: Tulisa Contostavlos Interview

In her debut year as a Judge, Tulisa claimed victory with Little Mix – the first ever group to win the competition in the show’s history. As a member of platinum winning group N-Dubz, she is used to sell- out tours, number one singles and her first solo single went to number one earlier this year…all this and she’s only 24! Tulisa would love to win again in 2012 so she is on the lookout for those special acts with The X Factor.

What makes The X Factor the best singing show on TV?

It’s a show that has a mix of great talent, variety, drama and excitement!

What are you going to do to make sure this year’s show is bigger and better than ever before?

I’m going to work hard on my song choices for my category. I want each week to be entertaining and challenging.

Do you have any regrets from last year?

I wish I’d put Ashford into The Risk straight away from Judges Houses. When he joined the band
I realised he should have been there from the beginning.

What is the talent like this year?

It’s been fantastic. I can’t wait for all the viewers to see all the great auditions.

Who are the ‘ones to watch’?

The Groups this year are great. I think after Little Mix winning last year it’s made the Groups who have auditioned really up their game. There are also some great solo singers, but at this stage you can never tell who is going to go all the way to the Live Shows.

What one piece of advice would you give to those who will go forward to the Live Shows?

To be yourself and stay true to your musical influences.

What’s your golden rule that you’ll be telling each of your contestants?

Work hard and rehearse constantly.

How are Little Mix getting on? Are you still in touch with them?

Yes of course! I still see them and they still ask for my advice. I love those girls! I’m more of a behind the scenes advisor to them now as they have their own team doing great things for them.

How does it feel coming back as last year’s winning Judge? Is the pressure on?

Obviously it was fantastic to win last year, but I’m coming back with a whole new category, so I am going to work just as hard with all my new acts. The pressure is on all of us to do our best each week.

Which category would you like?

I don’t mind. I guess I won’t get the Groups this year though!

What was it like having Guest Judges this year?

It was lots of fun having different Guest Judges and they each brought something different to the table.

Do you feel pressure from any other singing shows?

Not at all. There’s room for everyone on Saturday nights!
How are you and the other Judges getting along this time round?
We’re getting along great, but the competition hasn’t started yet!

> The X Factor UK 2012 Round Up!