:: This interview originally appeared in the Express & Star on 14th November 2009 ::
From Black Country Working Men's Clubs to the West End and now Grand Theatre panto. Former X Factor finalist Niki Evans speaks to Maria Cusine.
"I remember getting a great reception when I used to sing in Sedgley Working Men's Club - but the bingo was the real star attraction of the night," laughs former dinner lady Niki Evans.
"I did a lot of pubs and clubs in and around Wolverhampton and I really enjoyed them. They are a good training ground for live singers and I had a loyal following which I won't forget," says the 36-year-old. That was almost 10 years ago, but Niki had started singing at a much earlier age.
"I've been singing for as long as I can remember. I remember when I was five or six, my dad put me on a table and I started singing 'What's Another Year' by Johnny Logan, and that was that. Singing is all I've ever wanted to do. For me, singing is like breathing," says the mother of two, who hails from Birmingham and now lives in Polesworth, Tamworth. But it wasn't until 2007 that Niki's singing dream started to come true.
Whilst working as a catering manager she auditioned for The X Factor just months after the death of her beloved father John. While sorting through his possessions, she found the apllication form he had intended for her. She may not have won the hit reality show, but she made the final four. Her appearance caught the eye of the likes of John Barrowman and West End impressario Bill Kenwright.
Soon after the series ended she was appearing with Barrowman at Brimingham Symphony Hall, taking to the NEC stage in Jasper Carrott's Christmas Rock With Laughter and for the past year has been the leading lady in West End musical Blood Brothers. And it's all down the The X Factor, says Niki.
"The X Factor gave me the boost to realise my dream. A lot of contestants can get left behind. The show gives you the tools you need but you really need tod o the work afterwards. It was an amazing experience but there were hard times, everyone is vulnerable and you're not the person in the editing suite. Ultimately it's a reality TV show with a few songs thrown in - everyone wants to know you and your story. It was an experience you can't buy, I met some fantastic people and I'll never forget it," she says.
And what is her verdict of this year's show?
"I think the new format is very Pop Idol when they all sing together and I think the audition stage is much easier now. But to be honest I think The X Factor has lost a bit of its own X Factor this year."
Niki's favourite contestant has already left the series: "Rachel was my favourite and I was disgusted when she was knocked out. I couldn't believe it as she had one of the best voices. And why is she out? Probably because she didn't have a story so no-one was interested in her."
She thinks Olly could sing his way to victory: "He's not got the best voice but he does have a bit of everything and manages to pull it off." But she gives the thumbs down to controversial twins John and Edward.
"Jedward shouldn't be in there - they are making a farce out of the whole thing. The X Factor should be about people who can sing. They can'ts ing and they can't dance. I think they are a sort of Cheeky Boys act. But I feel sorry for them, especially if they don't take off. They are going to be destroyed. I worry that they are being set up to fall down - and they'r eonly 18-year-old kids. They need to be looked after," she says.
"Simon Cowell is reaccting the way he does because he's thinking of the ratings. Whether you love or hate them you still tune in to see them. I've never ever seen such a bad act, but it's not their fault. I'm really starting to feel sorry for them - but I can't help laughing at them when I watch them and I feel guilty because I do find them funny," she adds.
As for Danyl, Niki says: "I don't think he's the best singer. He shouts every week. I really don't get where Simon is coming from with Danyl. But then if Simon said the grass was purple some people would think the grass is purple. He does nothing for me. People need to close their eyes when they listen to the voice."
Niki describes Joe as having the most natural voice: "I think he has the best original voice. It sounds natural and has a very musical theatre sound," she says. She thinks Jamie looks out of his comfort zone: "He makes me feel uncomfortable - and I don't think he looks comfortable. He comes across as a rocker, but I don't think he is really."
"Lloyd is a very young boy but he's already lost his voice. I think he's looking quite lost in the contest." Niki has praise for Stacey: "I picked her out when I first heard her. And I don't think she has reached her full potential."
Niki, who was in the over-25 category when she was in the show, says she doesn't think a woman over 25 will ever win: "Over 25s women are perceived as being 95, over 25s men are seen as gorgeous. We're seen as old grannies, but we are mature and have life experience."
After a 12-month stint as Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers, for which Niki received rave reviews, she is heading to Wolverhampton to star as the Fairy Godmother in the Grand Theatre's pantomime Cinderella.
"Singing's always been my first love, I wasn't really into musicals. But Blood Brothers was an opportunity I could not turn down, in fact I don't say no to anything," laughs the svelte star who looks super slim following liposuction last year.
"I was sucked, tucked and plucked but I didn't pay for it. I don't think I would pay for it. I've changed shape, but haven't really lost weight - I've still got my big boobs and big arms," she laughs.
Niki says she is thrilled to be taking to the stage in Wolverhampton: "I'm really pleased to be here and it's great that I'll be able to go home every night. It will be great to be working so close to home. I've got Christmas Day off and I'll be doing the dinner for the family," adds Niki, who lives with husband Darren and sons Jonah, 12 and Morgan, 14.
Next month she also releases an album, By Request, and following the panto is embarking on a nationwide tour. So does she have her own Fairy Godmother? "I know it sounds really corny, but I'd have to say my dad. He died for my dream to be realised."
- Maria Cusine
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