X Factor Eddy String looking for band success (From The Argus)

X Factor Eddy String looking for band success

1:35pm Monday 24th September 2012 in News By Ben Parsons

X Factor Eddy String looking for band success

X Factor reject Eddy String says he wants his brief television fame to be a springboard for success.

Viewers last night saw the teenager learn he had not passed through a gruelling “boot camp” audition stage.

But Eddy, from Worthing, is nevertheless planning to concentrate on his music career.

Looking back on his experience, he said: “It was the best and worst week of my life. “There was so much pressure.

“It is easy to be cynical and say it is all contrived, but there was genuine, serious tension. There were tears from some people. I’m happy-go-lucky, but I had some rough moments.”

Eddy, real name Eddy Wilkinson, won his place at the X Factor’s boot camp with a high-energy rendition of Last Nite by The Strokes, broadcast earlier this month.

At the boot camp he got through the initial cull and group stage but failed to make the final cut after an individual audition with a version of Guns N’ Roses classic Sweet Child O’Mine.

He said: “I just fluffed it up. Nichole [Scherzinger, a judge] was my saving grace. She said it was in the wrong key for me.”

Now the 18-year-old wants to make the most of his increased profile. He said he has already had offers from management companies.

And he is hoping his band Eddy String and The Naughty Step can take him further towards stardom than he got on television.

He said: “It was a tough thing to come to terms with. I am at peace with it. I have had some really cool offers and that.

“There are a few companies that want to manage me and whatnot. I’m hoping it can be a springboard.”

Rocker Eddy, a former Worthing College pupil, has been likened to Russell Brand and last year’s X Factor contender from Woodingdean, Frankie Cocozza.

He has also experienced both sides of being a recognised figure. He said: “I’ve had a lot of people in the street coming up to me. People generally are quite nice.”

Eddy is currently arranging gigs in Sussex and London for October.