Jamaican singer Dalton Harris advanced to the next round of the ITV show X Factor UK, however his fellow Caribbean counterpart, Trinidadian Olatunji Yearwood was eliminated after finishing bottom of the public vote.
The other act eliminated over the weekend was Briton Armstrong Martins.
The 24 year-old Dalton Harris chose David Bowie’s Life on Mars and delivered a virtuoso 90-second performance which wowed the audience and tipped the scales enough to take him into the top 14 performers.
Harris explained his song choice, before his performance.
“I’m singing that song because in the line, ‘Is there life on Mars?’, I thought of Jamaica… Is that the only place that exists?… No. Is there any opportunity anywhere else in the world? That song for me is the perfect song. I just need to put my soul into it the way I always do. That’s the only way I can sing . That’s the only way I know how to,” Harris said
Following his rendition of the Bowie tune, three of the four judges gave the the singer a standing ovation.
“I feel like you are an established act coming on to the X Factor to promote your own album. Your voice is absolutely incredible. I love you. Own it. You are a beautiful person with a beautiful voice. Congrats, I am a fan,” judge Robbie Williams said.
Harris’ manager Donovan Germain said the singer is brimming with confidence.
“Dalton says he is very confident, this is his lifelong dream, so he is very confident; he is well prepared for the big stage. Jamaicans and other Caribbean nationals should continue to support and vote for him,” Donovan Germain told Loop reporter Claude Mills.
On Facebook, Harris thanked his legion of fans for their continued support with an ebullient post:
I want to say A BIG THANK YOU!! To all of you for taking up your phone to vote for me helping me get one step closer to this DREAM of mine. Thank you for believing in me. I am so GRATEFUL AND THANKFUL FOR YOU. BIG LOVE. I will be going live today around 4 UK time. Let’s chat then. #love#music#xfactor…
Fans can vote for Dalton through the X Factor app or by calling 09020 5050 16 OR +449020 5050 16 if located outside of the United Kingdom.
