Swindon salutes you Jahmene (From Swindon Advertiser)
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Swindon's Jahmene Douglas is beaten to the X Factor crown by James Arthur
10:43pm Sunday 9th December 2012 in News By Matthew Edwards
Picture: Rex Features
IT WASN’T meant to be for singing sensation Jahmene Douglas as he fell at the final hurdle of the X Factor last night.
The 22-year-old was beaten to the crown by fellow finalist James Arthur, but in his time on the show he has brought nothing but pride to people across the town.
Whittled down from thousands of applicants, the Asda shelf-stacker made it through to the live shows while overcoming his almost debilitating nerves.
He got stronger as the live shows progressed, never finding himself in the bottom two on the way to the final in Manchester this weekend.
On Saturday night he overcame microphone problems during his duet with mentor Nicole Scherzinger to book a place in the grand final, while Liverpudlian Christopher Maloney was eliminated from the competition with the fewest votes.
And although he was pipped to the post by James, from Middlesborough, he remained his humble self in defeat.
“It is just a blessing to share the stage with such a talent,” he told host Dermot O’Leary, all the while grinning from ear to ear.
He also told James to “use the platform and use it wisely”.
Jahmene opened the show on Saturday in front of 10,000 people,, and came out fighting.
Dressed in a glitzy jacket, he “shook his tail-feather” with the up-beat number Move On Up by Curtis Mayfield.
Jahmene said he had enjoyed the chance to show he had the moves as well as an amazing voice.
“That was insane, I am just glad to do an up tempo song for once and loosen up,” he said.
“I want to win this to prove to people no matter your struggle you can succeed.
“I can’t believe I have made it through to the final three, I want people to see there is a fighter in me, I want to win this.”
Kelly Clarkson, Kylie Minogue, One Direction, Emile Sande, Rihanna and Rita Ora all took to the stage for the two-part finale.
Last night Jahmene was first to sing again, choosing his rendition of Angels, by Robbie Williams, as his song of the series.
During the live shows he dedicated it to his mum Mandy Thomas, and it was one of the songs he performed in Wharf Green on Wednesday when he turned on the Swindon town centre’s Christmas lights, during his homecoming.
He blew away the judges with his stripped back version, which had everyone on their feet and Nicole in tears.
Gary Barlow said: “In a way you have been in two competitions, you have been battling with your past and your future and you have done it with such dignity and grace.
“Another stunning night for you.”
Jahmene then did all he could to secure the public vote when he belted out what would have been his winner’s song, The Beatles’ Let It Be, which again got a standing ovation.
Speaking before his final appearance he said: “My audition feels like a lifetime ago now. I think it was quite obvious I was nervous, I was freaking out.
“I found bootcamp the hardest part of the competition.
“If it wasn’t for Nicole scooping me up I wouldn’t have gone onto that stage to perform, because she reminded why I had to perform.
“When I look back through my performances I see how much I have grown, before the X Factor I was just a plain example of someone who didn’t reach for their dreams.
“One of the things I worried about was making friends with people, I never realised we would just get along like a massive family and I’ve never had that kind of acceptance before.
“It’s not just winning the competition it’s winning in life.”
Throughout both live shows, the Swindon Advertoser’s web editor Stephanie Tye was writing a live blog as well as tweeting via @swindonadver and discussing the performances with our readers on Facebook.
Last night hundreds of people viewed the Adver’s status updates on Facebook, with dozens commenting and liking them, while our Twitter followers were also incredibly vocal and put their full support behind Jahmene.
Jahmene still has the X Factor tour to look forward to when he will be performing with the other X Factor finalists.
For tickets to the show, visit www.itv.com/xfactor.
Comments(27)
tucker81
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11:51pm Sun 9 Dec 12
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SpeakUp
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12:43am Mon 10 Dec 12
gambon
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5:42am Mon 10 Dec 12
The Witch
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6:33am Mon 10 Dec 12
gambon wrote:Why don't you learn how to execute the written word before making your churlish comments. As someone who has seen singers come and go Jahmene has a great talent and I hope that this will not be the last we hear of this young man. He has the mental stability to overcome the pitfalls of the modern entertainment world which many so called stars to not.
good job chavsda have keep a job open for him swindon council might have had their still xmas lights turned on for less money if they knew the outcome
What ever happens he has done Swindon proud and I wish him every success for the future.
GalaxyMan
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7:04am Mon 10 Dec 12
As usual with this show the runner-up will go on to have the bigger success. That James guy looks like a bin man!
RichardR1
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8:41am Mon 10 Dec 12
Nevertheless once again Jahmene's performance was far superior. He will outlast James Arthur, who sadly will disappear back to his bedsit at sometime.
Oldtownmum
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9:59am Mon 10 Dec 12
The Real Librarian
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10:41am Mon 10 Dec 12
The real battle starts now, to try and forge a career out of this. Its by no means guaranteed. Steve Brookstein is singing in Pizza Restaurants these days.
Lizzy_R
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11:53am Mon 10 Dec 12
WoodsideLady
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12:05pm Mon 10 Dec 12
Oldtownmum wrote:Do you know what? You absolutely get on my pip, right on my pip!!!! Go and have a grumble at someone who deserves it. Chavfest???? You sound an absolute snob and need to lighten up. Maybe you SHOULD have watched the show then you'd be in a position to offer a comment. As you DIDN'T watch the show, I hope that's the last we'll hear from you on this subject........
Now this chav fest is over, can we have some normality on this site? I've nothing against the swindon man as I've never even watched the show. But I am tired of the constant bleating on about it. Some of us have brains and don't watch this nonsense. To have blanket coverage has been ridiculous.
The Witch
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12:26pm Mon 10 Dec 12
WoodsideLady wrote:Well said WoodsideLady, this is not the first time that Oldtownmum has made snobby comments. She obviously thinks that because she lives in Old Town her brain is better adjusted than us lesser mortals who live in other parts of the town. After all one doesn't always want to live on oysters does one,sometimes good old fish n' chips go down a treat!
Oldtownmum wrote:Do you know what? You absolutely get on my pip, right on my pip!!!! Go and have a grumble at someone who deserves it. Chavfest???? You sound an absolute snob and need to lighten up. Maybe you SHOULD have watched the show then you'd be in a position to offer a comment. As you DIDN'T watch the show, I hope that's the last we'll hear from you on this subject........
Now this chav fest is over, can we have some normality on this site? I've nothing against the swindon man as I've never even watched the show. But I am tired of the constant bleating on about it. Some of us have brains and don't watch this nonsense. To have blanket coverage has been ridiculous.
WoodsideLady
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12:37pm Mon 10 Dec 12
The Witch wrote:Thanks for your support! As it happens I too live in Old Town and would hate for residents of Old Town to be judged on the strength of Oldtownmum's snobbery!!! I have followed Jahmene from his very first audition and have found him to be an amazingly talented young man with real depth. I had the pleasure of meeting his Mum (in Old Town as it happens) and a nicer woman you couldn't wish to meet. He clearly follows her in having feet placed firmly on the ground with no airs of grandeur or superiority. Just as it should be!
WoodsideLady wrote:Well said WoodsideLady, this is not the first time that Oldtownmum has made snobby comments. She obviously thinks that because she lives in Old Town her brain is better adjusted than us lesser mortals who live in other parts of the town. After all one doesn't always want to live on oysters does one,sometimes good old fish n' chips go down a treat!
Oldtownmum wrote:Do you know what? You absolutely get on my pip, right on my pip!!!! Go and have a grumble at someone who deserves it. Chavfest???? You sound an absolute snob and need to lighten up. Maybe you SHOULD have watched the show then you'd be in a position to offer a comment. As you DIDN'T watch the show, I hope that's the last we'll hear from you on this subject........
Now this chav fest is over, can we have some normality on this site? I've nothing against the swindon man as I've never even watched the show. But I am tired of the constant bleating on about it. Some of us have brains and don't watch this nonsense. To have blanket coverage has been ridiculous.
Oldtownmum
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1:12pm Mon 10 Dec 12
The Witch wrote:I think we're all entitled to our opinion without being lambasted! My comment wasn't personal, yours however are, which is pretty uncalled for. For the record you get on my 'pip' for constantly picking at my comments and having a go. I think XFactor is for chavs. So do a very high percentage of people. I think there are more interesting things going on in the area so blanket coverage wasn't necessary. Freedom of speech anyone??
WoodsideLady wrote:Well said WoodsideLady, this is not the first time that Oldtownmum has made snobby comments. She obviously thinks that because she lives in Old Town her brain is better adjusted than us lesser mortals who live in other parts of the town. After all one doesn't always want to live on oysters does one,sometimes good old fish n' chips go down a treat!
Oldtownmum wrote:Do you know what? You absolutely get on my pip, right on my pip!!!! Go and have a grumble at someone who deserves it. Chavfest???? You sound an absolute snob and need to lighten up. Maybe you SHOULD have watched the show then you'd be in a position to offer a comment. As you DIDN'T watch the show, I hope that's the last we'll hear from you on this subject........
Now this chav fest is over, can we have some normality on this site? I've nothing against the swindon man as I've never even watched the show. But I am tired of the constant bleating on about it. Some of us have brains and don't watch this nonsense. To have blanket coverage has been ridiculous.
STFC Higworth
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1:17pm Mon 10 Dec 12
Oldtownmum wrote:LOL You may have brains but you are so boring. I am not a fan of the show but if the guy has come 2nd to how ever many thousand enter that has to be put all over a local paper that normally reports on some falling down a kirb as major news. This is not the only artical in this paper so skip it and read another report. You don't have to read it.
Now this chav fest is over, can we have some normality on this site? I've nothing against the swindon man as I've never even watched the show. But I am tired of the constant bleating on about it. Some of us have brains and don't watch this nonsense. To have blanket coverage has been ridiculous.
Phantom Poster
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3:12pm Mon 10 Dec 12
Oldtownmum wrote:oh give us all a break! from this and previous postings it's quite obvious that you are a troll!
The Witch wrote:I think we're all entitled to our opinion without being lambasted! My comment wasn't personal, yours however are, which is pretty uncalled for. For the record you get on my 'pip' for constantly picking at my comments and having a go. I think XFactor is for chavs. So do a very high percentage of people. I think there are more interesting things going on in the area so blanket coverage wasn't necessary. Freedom of speech anyone??WoodsideLady wrote:Well said WoodsideLady, this is not the first time that Oldtownmum has made snobby comments. She obviously thinks that because she lives in Old Town her brain is better adjusted than us lesser mortals who live in other parts of the town. After all one doesn't always want to live on oysters does one,sometimes good old fish n' chips go down a treat!Oldtownmum wrote: Now this chav fest is over, can we have some normality on this site? I've nothing against the swindon man as I've never even watched the show. But I am tired of the constant bleating on about it. Some of us have brains and don't watch this nonsense. To have blanket coverage has been ridiculous.Do you know what? You absolutely get on my pip, right on my pip!!!! Go and have a grumble at someone who deserves it. Chavfest???? You sound an absolute snob and need to lighten up. Maybe you SHOULD have watched the show then you'd be in a position to offer a comment. As you DIDN'T watch the show, I hope that's the last we'll hear from you on this subject........
you say your comments are not personal and yet you say that you have brains and people who watch the xfactor don't (i can't stand xfactor, by the way)
you have a username of "oldtownmum" and previously said that your husband has to earn all your money. perhaps people who actually work for a living want a bit of light relief at the weekends.
Oldtownmum
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3:22pm Mon 10 Dec 12
Phantom Poster
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3:48pm Mon 10 Dec 12
Oldtownmum wrote:i'm not from Swindon either, but I am not as sad as to stereotype people by "class", where they live or where they shop
Oh dear, few chips on shoulders eh? I'm not Swindonian by birth and it certainly shows! Where I'm from we've more class than to gang up on others for a slanging match. Proves why Swindon has the reputation it does!
if you look down your nose at the area and its people then why do you still live here? oh I forgot, despite all your brains you had to find a man to provide for you!
Oldtownmum
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4:21pm Mon 10 Dec 12
Phantom Poster wrote:Oh my sides......! I'll leave those who have nothing better to do than trawl articles and leave abusive comments to it. I'm above it ;-)
Oldtownmum wrote:i'm not from Swindon either, but I am not as sad as to stereotype people by "class", where they live or where they shop
Oh dear, few chips on shoulders eh? I'm not Swindonian by birth and it certainly shows! Where I'm from we've more class than to gang up on others for a slanging match. Proves why Swindon has the reputation it does!
if you look down your nose at the area and its people then why do you still live here? oh I forgot, despite all your brains you had to find a man to provide for you!
Phantom Poster
says...
4:47pm Mon 10 Dec 12
Oldtownmum wrote:translation - "i can dish it out but can't take it'.
Phantom Poster wrote:Oh my sides......! I'll leave those who have nothing better to do than trawl articles and leave abusive comments to it. I'm above it ;-)Oldtownmum wrote: Oh dear, few chips on shoulders eh? I'm not Swindonian by birth and it certainly shows! Where I'm from we've more class than to gang up on others for a slanging match. Proves why Swindon has the reputation it does!i'm not from Swindon either, but I am not as sad as to stereotype people by "class", where they live or where they shop if you look down your nose at the area and its people then why do you still live here? oh I forgot, despite all your brains you had to find a man to provide for you!
there there love, just get back to the kid and make your hubby his tea. perhaps there will be a quiz show on tv which you can use to exersise your massive intellect!
Silver30
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5:34pm Mon 10 Dec 12
TinkeyWinkey
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7:31pm Mon 10 Dec 12
As for oldtownmum - you do your self no favours at all as you seem to class most people in Swindon as Chavs. I don't come from Swindon either but I certainly wouldn't come out with the type of comments you have done over the past few weeks, about people in this town. You come across as a complete & utter snob.
If Swindon and it's people disgust you so much, then why don't you move?
Phantom Poster
says...
8:17pm Mon 10 Dec 12
TinkeyWinkey wrote:Oh she's just a troll. She goes to an article regarding the X Factor and then makes a post saying that because she is so brainy she doesn't watch it!
I think Jahmene was quite an incredible young man and some youngsters could learn a thing or two from him.
As for oldtownmum - you do your self no favours at all as you seem to class most people in Swindon as Chavs. I don't come from Swindon either but I certainly wouldn't come out with the type of comments you have done over the past few weeks, about people in this town. You come across as a complete & utter snob.
If Swindon and it's people disgust you so much, then why don't you move?
She then feigns surprise at getting a backlash and claims she is being victimised! As usual she show no backbone and scuttles of at the slightest criticism.
We already know that she's a bored stay at home mum, so no doubt posting here is the only thrill she gets during the day.
From her postings here she obviously has the personality of a brick with the intelligence to match. Her only skill seems to be popping out children.
As she's stated that she's now in her 30's, no doubt her looks are fading. So considering her personality she perhaps ought to start wondering why her bread-earning husband has been working so late in the office recently.
What I really love is that fact that she denigrates Swindon and then thinks that she is posh because she lives in Old Town! By what definition can Old Town be considered posh even by Swindon standards, quite apart from anywhere else in the UK! She really ought to get out more - oh I forgot, she has to look after the kids!
Oldtownmum
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9:06am Tue 11 Dec 12
WoodsideLady
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12:19pm Tue 11 Dec 12
Oldtownmum wrote:Nothing better to do??? Actually quite the opposite but having read your last comment two words have now entered my head, "kettle and pot". End of.
I haven't scuttled anywhere. I'm just sitting back and watching you all get your knickers in a twist! Some fab comments. What a shame you all have nothing better to do though....
Alan B'stard
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1:17pm Tue 11 Dec 12
Oldtownmum wrote:Old town ma is spot on again and it's funny watching the dull-witted natives get on their high horse.
I haven't scuttled anywhere. I'm just sitting back and watching you all get your knickers in a twist! Some fab comments. What a shame you all have nothing better to do though....
Listen with your ears. You don't have to support someone just because they're from the same town. Jahmene sucks!
And Arthur looks like Quasimodo.
Both will be forgotton in 12 months to be replaced by more boring people.
SpeakUp
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1:21am Wed 12 Dec 12
WoodsideLady says...
10:52pm Sun 9 Dec 12