X Factor 2016: Wildcard acts revealed

Last night’s Xtra Factor Live saw hosts Rylan Clark-Neal and Matt Edmondson reveal that four hopefuls who had been rejected at the Six Chair Challenge had since made a triumphant return to the show as the judges’ wildcards.

And another act has also made a rather controversial comeback to replace Ivy Grace, who was forced to drop out of the competition due to visa issues.

In a twist of events, the wildcards for each category were decided by another judge as Louis Walsh chose a Girl to return to Simon Cowell’s category, Simon choosing a Boy for Nicole Scherzinger, Nicole choosing an Over for Sharon Osbourne and Sharon choosing a Group for Louis.

So, who’s back?

Samantha Lavery

Louis chose to bring 16-year-old Samantha back into Simon’s category, with the student losing her spot to Gifty Louise during the Six Chair Challenge after Simon admitted that she had made the wrong song choice and that he was disappointed in her performance.

Speaking about her return, Samantha said: “I had no idea about the wildcard and couldn’t believe it when I got the call from Louis. I still can’t believe it’s real.

“There were so many tears from me and my family – especially my grandad when I found out I was back in the competition. I feel like I have been given a second chance to prove to Simon I deserve to go to the lives.”

Ryan Lawrie

Ryan has had a rather rough time of it as he originally auditioned as a solo act before being put into a new boyband that made it to the Six Chair Challenge and no further.

At the challenge, Simon admitted that he had made a mistake by not putting Ryan through as a solo artist, which is why he has brought him back for Nicole’s ‘Boys’ category.

Ryan said: “It was totally unexpected and I was absolutely buzzing to get a call from Simon. I’m really excited for it and with all the feelings and emotions running through me it just doesn’t feel real at all.

“I want to show Nicole why Simon brought me back.”

Saara Aalto

Saara was probably lucky that Nicole was the one choosing for Sharon as she was he hopeful’s biggest cheerleader throughout the competition.

Sharon shocked the audience when she rejected Saara because she didn’t feel a “connection” to her performance, the audience’s cheers soon turned to boos when Finnish Saara was given a second chance to sing and chose a French song, sealing her fate and officially losing out on a seat at the Six Chair Challenge.

Saara said: “I’m so happy to get the wildcard from Nicole. She understood me from the first audition. This is the point that can change my life and I know I have so much to give.”

Yes Lad

For a band that had been given so much attention throughout the show, viewers were shocked when Louis’ shambolic Six Chair Challenge saw the five-piece get sent home.

Especially as they were swapped out for Ottavio and Bradley…

Now Sharon has brought Joel, Cian, Sonny, Lewis and Luke back, with the excited band sharing: “We thought that was it and we were out. It’s so surreal to now be going to Louis’ house. We feel we’re the underdog and have something to prove to Louis.

“We have Sharon on our side and she said that she believed in us so hopefully Louis will listen to her.”

Honey G

And yes, the rumours are true. Following Ivy Grace’s visa issues she was forced to drop out of the competition, and Honey G was drafted in to replace her at Sharon’s Judges’ Houses.

Pretty interesting considering Sharon was so against her at the Six Chair Challenge, eh?

The X Factor continues this weekend.