‘A Lot of people said that I couldn’t win’, Alexandra Burke, winner of the X Factor 2008
For all of you that don’t already know, Alexandra Burke could quite possibly be the best contestant on this series of the X Factor. The beautiful and talented Islington-born finalist has it all: the voice, the look but most importantly the humble attitude that will ensure that she will be loved wherever she goes. During her demanding and hectic schedule, the very friendly 20-year old spares a few minutes to talk to Catch A Vibe.
CAV: What has it been like this week, living in the house?
Alexandra Burke: Oh my gosh! This week’s been amazing! It gets better every week because… the last week I had, I was quite negative. This week has really picked up and I think it’s because of Saturday’s performance. Tonight we are going to the Bond Premiere, no one knows that we’re going and it’s our first night out as a team in the public eye.
CAV: What has your schedule been like?
Alexandra Burke: It has been really busy. We have vocal coaching every day; we have routines, choreography and singing so it’s been quite hectic, in a good way. I’ve got a good song [this week], hopefully I am going to put my own stamp on it.
CAV: And what is it like living with the cameras?
Alexandra Burke: It’s good living with the cameras, they are not always in our face, we can choose when to have them around.
CAV: Do you think you could be the first Afro-Caribbean winner of X Factor? *
Alexandra Burke: I am going to try my very best to be! A lot of people have said that I couldn’t win because Leona won but I don’t see why not!…I don’t feel that people should look at who won last and what colour they were, we could be pink, purple or blue at the end of the day! I don’t know who people are supporting out there but I’m just hoping that they can see who I am and what I’m trying to portray which is positivity. As a young black artist I want to be big in Britain, but it’s all down to the public.
[* Leona Lewis is of mixed heritage]
CAV: Do you think that the best singer always wins or is there politics involved?
Alexandra Burke: It’s just a case of who can hold it together. It’s the battle of the toughest. There is a lot of pressure that goes into this show that people don’t know about, and it is about whether you can handle it or not. Like the media for example, I’ve had bad press – people calling me fat and etc. It doesn’t affect me, but it affects other people in the house. More than just singing it’s about your personality – it’s the whole package.
CAV: So what has the media attention been like for you?
Alexandra Burke: It’s been really good; because I’m the girl that came back after 3 years… It’s been quite positive and I’m really grateful for it.
CAV: So what were you doing during the three year gap?
Alexandra Burke: I was working, doing gigs, corporate events, birthday parties. I was under two managements deals, never really signed to anything. It got to the point where I was about to sign but I said no and instead went for X Factor. I wanted to get on the map and was just tired of gigging so I thought I’d try X Factor – again. It wasn’t planned at all.
CAV: How has it been working so closely with Cheryl Cole?
Alexandra Burke: Really, really good! She is more of a friend than a mentor and we have a very good connection. She is very supportive and she is always, always there. Even if we want to ring her at 4 in the morning, she’s on the other line…
CAV: Lastly, anything you would like to say to the audience?
Alexandra Burke: I’ve always been dedicated. I’ve always said that if at first you don’t succeed, then you must try again. You’ve got to keep your foot in the door. Sometimes you may have to do something you don’t necessarily want to do, but you just do it. You have to always go for it and never give up.
The X Factor is on ITV1 every Saturday evening until December. More information on the contestants and the show can be found at: http://xfactor.itv.com
