Laura White - exit interview
09 Nov 08
Definitely not all White on the night
Laura White reveals what Cheryl said after last night's eviction and backs an outsider to win!
Hey, Laura. How do you feel this morning?
I'm okay, you know? I was so sad last night and I'm still gutted this morning. I really did want to win The X Factor. But, I'm hopeful. I'm proud of myself. And I hope I will get something out of it.
What did you do after the show last night?
Once the programme ended, I stayed with my family in the studios for a while, and I spoke to Cheryl. I was heartbroken.
What did Cheryl say to you?
Cheryl has been really supportive. She's really upset that Louis sent me home and that Simon did too. I think she feels quite vocal that I should have been in it 'til the end.
She feels it's slightly unfair and is quite angry about it.
Simon's criticism last week really hurt your confidence.
I do feel Simon really believed in my voice and my music. He didn't say I needed to improve my voice, but he started criticising other things, to make me the whole package.
You idolised Simon before. How do you feel about him now?
I still look up to him; I still admire him. Last night when I heard him say 'I'm going to put Ruth through' it was difficult - it was always my dream to have him love me and what I do.
Did he put Ruth through cos he fancied her?
No, I don't think it was about that. I think Ruth is very talented and she's a fighter. I'm very proud of her.
You had to sing your survival song. How did you feel?
At first I was excited cos I knew I got to sing again and I love to sing on The X Factor stage. And then I thought 'I'm singing for me life, here. I'm in the bottom two'. When Louis voted against me, I was shattered beyond belief. I can't express how gutted I was.
Is there anything you would've done differently?
I don't have any regrets but I wish I had believed in myself more. The show has given me confidence and I'm proud of myself. I've always been very shy.
What was your favourite part of The X Factor?
I loved Bootcamp, when my voice was recognised. Yesterday was pretty amazing because I met Jocelyn Brown and sang with Mariah Carey! But really, the best bit was being believed in. Simon told me a few weeks ago that I was one of the best singers he'd heard in his life.
You've gone out of the competition when you're No. 1 in the charts!
I know it's so weird, I couldn't be happier that Hero is No. 1 and my own songs, that I wrote myself, are No. 1 and No. 2 on the internet download chart. I take heart that there is a lot of support out there and I want to thank everyone who bought the single, downloaded my song, or voted for me.
What's next for Laura White?
Have a few days off then come back fighting harder than I ever did! My next plan is do any work that comes along; I want to work so, so, hard musically, with my writing and my singing. I always wanted to get signed.
Who would like to win The X Factor now?
I'd love Daniel to win. He's so genuine and very talented, it's a shame. He gets a lot of stick, but he's just been through a lot in his life. I hope he does well, I really do.
Who will you keep in touch with?
I have exchanged numbers with everybody and they've all been brilliant. Austin was my best friend by the time he left, then there's Girlband, and Scott. I'll still keep in touch with Diana, who stayed up with me last night while I packed my bags. And I spoke to Daniel this morning. I met some special people who have changed my life.