Liverpool singer Chris Maloney wows X Factor judges

A LIVERPOOL singer who feared he would make “a show of himself on telly” brought the house down on The X Factor.

A LIVERPOOL singer who feared he would make “a show of himself on telly” brought the house down on The X Factor.

Christopher Maloney’s rendition of a Bette Midler ballad won unanimous approval from all four judges on Saturday’s show.

His powerhouse performance came after he seemed paralysed by nerves – and his stunned colleagues at city landlord Liverpool Mutual Homes were among those glued to their TVs.

The 34-year-old told the panel of judges that he chose Bette Midler’s The Rose because it was performed at his grandfather’s funeral.

He said he was always reluctant to enter the ITV talent competition – which discovered the likes of Rebecca Ferguson and Marcus Collins – because people told him he would make a show of himself.

Chris was joined on stage by his gran Pat, 76, after the judges poured praise on his barnstorming rendition. Louis Walsh asked him: “Who said you would be rubbish? You stole the show today.”

Chris was recently buoyed when Xtra Factor host Olly Murs made a surprise visit to LMH Connect, where he works as a customer services advisor.

Olly went to spend time with Chris, his colleagues, family and friends to find out more about the contestant, trying his hand at fielding calls from tenants across the city.

Chris told the ECHO: “My colleagues were really surprised when I turned up with Olly, but he really wanted to find out more about what I did.

“He spoke to me about my career so far, where I sing, what I want to achieve in music and my approach to the X Factor and gave me lots of encouragement so I am very grateful.

“I was delighted to get through to the next stage. I am thrilled to be part of the X Factor. I hope I can get even better and make Liverpool really proud.”