Alex - Winner's interview
16 Dec 08
We had a private chat with the winner of The X Factor 2008 just a few minutes after the show ended on Saturday night. Here's what Alexandra Burke had to say after her triumph...
What was the best part of the day?
The best moment had to be when I sang with Beyoncé, and I said, I don't care about winning now. I've sung with the one person I've dreamed of singing with since I was a kid. And it's happened. And then also the best part was when they called my name as the winner. I don't know if you saw my reaction. I didn't think I was winning.
I thought you were going to faint...
Yes. I actually felt sick, I felt like I was going to vomit. Right there on the stage!
Were you nervous when you arrived at the studio this morning?
I was tired; I was upset because I thought I was going to go first. Then the day livened up and I had to keep kicking myself in the bum saying believe in yourself, believe in yourself, believe in yourself. It's amazing.
Have you spoken to Simon Cowell?
I haven't seen much of him yet but he came up to me on the stage and said, 'Do you know what? You really, really deserve this'. I'm in shock!
You have a diary chock full of engagements now....
I know! I'm doing Top Of The Pops tomorrow, I'm so happy, it's one to tick off my list. Can't wait! I'm so excited.
You were handed the winner's single. How did that feel?
It was the most amazing feeling when Dermot put my single in my hand. It said X Factor winner on it - the winner's single, oh my God, what has happened? It’s real, I don’t know when it is going to sink in but I am so happy.
You must be desperate to party with your nearest and dearest.
I want to see my family, I think I'm going to sit down with them and have a big dinner. But I'm willing to wait to spend time with my other family, my music family!
How are you going to spend Christmas?
Don't care, don't want time off. Just Christmas day so I can watch Top Of The Pops and Eastenders. That's all I want. Otherwise, I'm ready to work. You can use me and abuse me for the rest of my life, ha ha! That's what I want.
Does the feeling you have now compensate for not making it three years ago?
It's worth every penny. Going through the struggles I've been through for the last three years, not getting though, wanting to give it up - its worth all of that... upset. I am the happiest girl alive.
When you sang Hallelujah, the whole auditorium went quiet.
I know. It was a very special feeling, because I could see people standing up in the audience before I even finished the song. Singing that song means so much to me, when I first got it I cried, I was like, 'Oh my God, I can't do this'. Now it's one of my favourite songs. It's a beautiful song, and the meaning is gorgeous. I'm so happy I'm singing it.
You broke down on stage but had to compose yourself to sing Hallelujah one last time. How did you manage?
Aston was in my ear going, "Sing the song, sing the song - you have to sing the song". Aston helped me do it. And Ruth as well. It was amazing to have everyone up on the stage with me.
Have you spoken to Ruth since your victory?
Yes. Me and Ruth cannot stop crying.
This time next year, what do you hope for?
I hope for what Leona's got, by this time next year. I'd love a number one album and masses of support. I really pray, I pray for it!
To buy Alexandra's winning single, Hallelujah, click here.