SINGING sensation and local X Factor star Ella Henderson will be back on the stage this Saturday for the finale of the competition that shot her to stardom.
In an exclusive interview with the Grimsby Telegraph, the 16-year-old starlet spoke of her excitement at being reunited with the finalists – and her friends – on the night millions are expected to tune in to watch the king of X Factor 2012 crowned.
As reported, our star's shocking exit from the show on November 18, gobsmacked the nation, who had her down as a sure winner of the show, which would have landed her a £1-million record contract.
But during a snatch interview – minutes before the youngster prepared to sing a duet live on radio with singer Myleene Klass – Ella told the Grimsby Telegraph that her future is looking "brighter than ever before".
She said: "It has been great rehearsing for the performance at the final and so much fun being back with all the contestants again and going out into the big city and all the events. I have built very strong friendships there."
The final will see Ella's favourites to win, Jahmene Douglas and James Arthur, and wild card, Christopher Maloney, take to the stage to win the public votes.
Ella will perform a Christmas song with them and the other contestants.
She continued: "I like Jahmene and James Arthur. James has got a really strong following, so I think he might win."
It comes as the national press reports a record label bidding war over Ella which has broken out between Simon Cowell's Syco, Sony, and other Sony subsidaries, Columbia, Epic and RCA.
But Ella, an accomplished pianist and songwriter, is modest about all the attention.
Laughing off the term "bidding war" she told the Telegraph: "At the moment everything is up in the air. I have signed a contract that means I have to wait until the show is finished and then there is the X Factor tour, so who knows what will happen.
"At the moment, though, everything is looking really bright and very exciting for the next year."
Throughout the experience, Ella – who popped home for two days earlier this week – has been "overwhelmed" by the support shown by her fans back home and personally thanked the Grimsby Telegraph for our Vote Ella campaign.
"When I auditioned, I never thought for second I would get to the live shows," she said.
"I have got exactly what I needed from the show. Without X Factor, eight weeks ago no one knew I existed. A world of good has come from being on the show.
"I have been blown away by everyone's support. They have been great. I just hope everyone who was behind me continues to support me. I have always wanted a career in music and this is my chance to do that."
Tune in to ITV1 at 8pm on Saturday for the live final from Manchester. At the end of the show, the act with the least public votes will be sent home, with the remaining two going through to Sunday night's results show at 7.40pm.
