Monday, 10 November 2008

EXCLUSIVE X Factor Laura White's dad: I could pull my hair out in desperation

She's out of Simon Cowell's show but her father won't let Laura give up

Laura White's disappointment on The Factor won't make her give up

TV Addict blog

The X Factor: Has the UK gone deaf?

Laura White's Saturday night exit on The X Factor’s was shocking for the singer – and her dad.

‘She was devastated,’ says Adrian, 50, a builder's merchant from Bolton. ‘But she’s determined to do well. She believes in herself and we believe in her. She’s pretty focused on what she wants to achieve.’

In a bid for fame, Laura, 21, has had to sing in some pretty rough places – but Adrian is always there to support his daughter.

'Laura’s been performing in jazz clubs, pubs and bars since she was 15,' he explains. ‘She’s played in some grotty holes. When you’ve trailed your way all round the North-West of England to try to get somewhere, you know how difficult it is to get a break.

‘There was one gig – I can’t even remember the place. She stayed in the car while I unloaded the equipment, I came back and she said: “What’s it like in there?”

‘I said: “It’s empty.”

‘And it was – it was completely empty, there were two bar staff and that was it.

‘By the time she started half a dozen had come. There were maybe 17 by the time she finished. I drove away that evening thinking: “What it this all about? She’s got an amazing talent and there’s nobody coming out to listen.”'

When The X Factor judges chose feisty Spaniard Ruth Lorenzo over Laura in the sing-off, the student was so upset, she could hardly speak. But Adrian knows her determination to succeed won't diminish.

'I could pull my hair out in desperation that’s she’s not had a break,' he admits. 'I’m her dad and I’ve seen every step of the way – she’s tried so hard.

'Laura has sent out demo tapes and so many record companies just bin them rather than listen to them.

'It’s been a heck of a journey and this is heartbreaking – she wants it so much and nobody has been listening.

'Finally, after all this time she gets a chance and....this.'