Nicky was on ITV2 with Louis in The X Factor Louis Looks Back. Anybody see it? I think it might be available on ITV player, hopefully, as I've just got in and missed it.

Bet it won't be as funny as his ice bucket challenge

No, literally didn't know anything about it. Just saw Nicky's post on Twitter.

If it's on ITV Player I will post a link (unless someone else gets there first)

https://www.itv.com/itvplayer/the-x-...uis-looks-back

Need to register an account to watch programmes on ITV Player but thats the link anyways.

Hmmm, not really worth it sadly. A wee clip of Nicky at judges' houses, lots of Wagner and Jedward, but mostly stuff about Louis and the other judges. Advertising by any other name in other words.

Gosh, they're really going overboard on pushing the new judges thing this year aren't they? Maybe missing the point ever so slightly, and maybe, even more, a bit make or break for xf?

Got to agree. I posted the link before I even watched it. I thought it was going to show Nicky and Louis together talking about last year. Oh well.

The weird thing is that people seemed to consider X Factor 2013 as one of the most boring series ever, yet for me it was one of the strongest years. 2008 will never be beaten overall (unless 2014 somehow defies all the odds and we have another stellar year of vocal talents rather than gimmicks).

I still regard Nicky as one of the best contestants in 10 years of the Boys category. I mean you look back at the earlier series and there were boys making the live shows and I was bamboozled as to why they were there.

As for the new judges, it's going to take more than just Simon, Cheryl & Mel to make X Factor 2014 a solid successful year.

Tweet of today (August 29):
Nicholas McDonald ♛ @nickymcdonald1 · 44m
So happy to announce that I will be touring schools across Ireland later this year as part of #TheEnterPrize project! http://ow.ly/ARcTk


Info earlier (Aug 25) released at:
https://www.facebook.com/EnterprizeOfficial
The EnterPrize
August 25
We are really pleased to announce that X Factor 2013 runner up Nicholas McDonald and Louis Walsh new boyband Hometown have signed with us to join Jordan O'Keefe Music and MC Fabu-D on this years The EnterPrize.
#DreamTeam
Would you like to see them at your school?

I've just listened to what must be just about the dimmest radio interview ever, with Nicky on Inverclyde radio. "You were on x factor. How did you feel about that?" etc etc Poor Nicky did his best, and fortunately a bad line meant they had to cut it short. I expect it's available to listen to again, but it was a series of uninspired questions I'm afraid.

One highlight was that he said he was going into the recording studio next week ..... yippee

Oh yeah, and they have a wee mini tour ready to be announced in the next couple of weeks. I don't know if that's the same as the Irish schools tour he's already mentioned or another one, but it will involve other acts.
Last edited by A_Smith : 29-08-2014 at 16:35

In the press:

X Factor judge Louis Walsh: The Dream team will make this year's show the best ever
Aug 30, 2014 10:20
...According to Louis, who came second with Scot Nicholas McDonald, last year wasn’t a great year.
He said: “Looking back on it now the talent wasn’t amazing. There were no worldwide stars.
“We’re looking for someone to sell records across the globe, not just a talent show star.”...
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/enterta...-walsh-4132721

Donovan's busker Murdo Mitchell out to impress Simon Cowell in this year's X Factor
Aug 30, 2014 09:37
...Tonight, Murdo will be seen trying to impress judges Simon Cowell, Mel B, Louis Walsh and Cheryl *Fernandez-Versini, formerly Cole.
He’ll be hoping to follow in the footsteps of last year’s X Factor runner-up, Motherwell’s Nicholas McDonald, who Murdo supported at a gig in Glasgow in April...
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/enterta...ll-out-4132506

Isn't it fortunate that no one bothers much about Louis' opinions? But how rude, to Nicky and all the others who kept Louis and co in a job last year. Good luck to Murdo anyway.

I'll miss the return of xf tonight, due to going to see the very talented Nicholas McDonald in Greenock

LOL

Anyone who thinks the 2012 series was better than last year needs their heads testing.

James Arthur (who has lost the plot recently), Jahmene "butcher" Douglas, Christopher "i'm here because Gary says I can sing" Malony, Union J (i.e. watered down One Direction) and Rylan (who is doing fine as a TV presenter - oh the irony). Of course 6th placed Ella Henderson is having the last laugh now, although her new single is nowhere near as good as Ghost.

I just thought 2013 was a better series - the final 5 was much stronger than the final 5 the previous year.

In Greenock Town Hall now and the excitement is making the place hop. Running a bit late due to all the Vip photos etc. Nicky due on about 9pm for 40 mins. Beautiful programmes have been produced for the event and selling for £2. Well done Dreams Come True there has been a lot of organisation put in to tonight.

Lights out huge scream shows on

Will there be any exclusive footage from tonight courtesy of your fine phone camera filming skills?

Ooh, you're seeing him again? Lucky you! I hope this potential mini-tour will have a date in London. Enjoy the show!

As for Louis' comments, well we knew this would happen didn't we? He's always flip-flopping and hedging his bets. The man has the insight and integrity of an over promoted yes-man. It's not just Nicky he's insulting, but Luke too, so that's two finalists who were on his team he's undermining. But he/they do it every year - shit on those who have come before in an effort to hype up the new series.

I'm currently watching the launch show of the new series. So far it's the same old same old and no-one's stood out as yet. I'll probably keep watching as I believe Paul Akister is auditioning again this year and he was my other early favourite along with Nicky last year, so it'll be interesting to see how he does this time round, as I always felt he should have got through to the live shows alongside Nicky last year. But every year I'm a little more weary of all the old tropes being recycled in the effort of pulling at our heartstrings, with little or no consistency in what they seem to rate.

And the last raffle prize is a one night stand with me hahahaha. Chaos

It has as to these tweets:

Nicholas McDonald ♛ @nickymcdonald1 · 37m
So excited to announce that I am performing in 5 cities soon with @MacMusic_Tour! Tickets available here http://ow.ly/3pwJy9 RT RT!!

Nicholas McDonald ♛ @nickymcdonald1 · 43m
Cardiff, Liverpool, Glasgow, London & Dublin #Nicksters, I have a little bit of news for you all!!!

Why you offering yourself out as a raffle prize, Alex?

Whoop!

V quick update before my 4hr drive home. 2 new songs definitely a new single this year and a tour with bailey mcconnell and some other people (typical Nicky l

Great gig. Happy as a clam in Greenock

Did Nicky perform two new songs tonight? Were they covers or original songs. Really hope the new single is a fantastic pop song that helps Nicky on his way to dominating the charts.

You've got to admire his work ethic. Nicky is really going for it, and I really do hope it all pays off. Hopefully the next album sees Nicky winning over new fans alongside those who have been there from the start.

I couldn't be ar--d putting quotation marks on a smartphone message, but obviously I should have

(a one-night stand with Nicky. Go on, then, swoon )

Covers. Don't ask me what of, because I got such a roasting last time for mixing them up. I'll check proper song titles tomorrow. That one about flowers anyway.... and another one that starts with 'figure it out' .... *

Speaking of work ethic, he was terribly hoarse again. He croaked a few notes, but honestly nobody minded, he gave such a lot in the performance. Set included Midnight Memories, Wild Heart,, Happy, Stay With Me, the Bruno Mars one from the album, as well as the two new covers, and a finale of Answerphone. No wings, angels, years or someone's. The gig was really well organised, had good acoustics, the changeovers were slick and all the acts were good. There's something special seeing Nicky on his home turf, in a hall filled with an audience who all absolutely adore him. It was worth every single mile.

*You and I and If I Was Your Man
Last edited by A_Smith : 31-08-2014 at 02:12

Here is Murdo's experience as told by himself:
https://twitter.com/MurdoMitchell/st...945472/photo/1

LOL

I bet Luke Friend is glad he auditioned last year. How is that going to work out if Simon states he "hates boys with guitars" when that is exactly what Luke Friend is?

It'll be even more awkward if Luke is asked to perform on X Factor to promote new album/single and Simon has to eat his words on live TV. Something like "I said I hated boys with guitars but you know what, I've changed my mind".

Fickle!!! They change their opinions more times than they change their underwear. lol

It also says a lot when Murdo (whatever he's called) was approached by talent scouts. The beauty of Nicky is that he wasn't approached, he was a genuine discovery who won over a lot of people just for having such a lovely voice.

Shame he was hoarse last night, and he's got Soccer Six tonight. Hopefully he'll rest his voice, and drink plenty water to keep his vocals smooth and clear.

On the other hand, perhaps Murdo just didn't realise that xf was looking after him as their No 1 priority. See the closing phrase in the article below

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/enterta...ll-out-4132506

I had no idea they had decided to let 14 year olds audition for The X Factor again this year.

Regardless of those quotes in the article, 14 IS too young to go through this type of experience. We don't know exactly how they're handled behind the scenes, but that post from Murdo about his audition pretty much sums it up, and he's 16. Imagine a 14 year old who is insecure going through that.

They just want to make "good TV" even if that means filming something that is quite uncomfortable to watch. The famous phrase "any publicity is good publicity" is sadly abused on X Factor.