Ferguson brings that X Factor to festival

Gracing our screens in 2010 as runner up to Matt Cardle on the seventh series of The X Factor, Rebecca Ferguson took to The Pavilion Stage on the third night of Lytham Festival, her X Factor days a distant memory.

As her soulful voice carried through her opening number, Get Happy, it quickly became obvious how much Rebecca has grown as an artist in the relatively short time she has been performing.

Previously citing soulful divas Amy Winehouse and Aretha Franklin among her influences, the tracks she performed from her latest album of classic Billie Holiday covers were fantastic, with the blend of influences obvious in her powerful delivery.

Though most artists would shy away from trying to do such iconic jazz music justice, Rebecca brought her own brand of Liverpudlian charm to the songs with great success – Summertime was a particular crowd pleaser.

Still by far one of the best and most unusual voices to have come out of a Simon Cowell talent contest, her pitch perfect vocals and rich, velvety tones were well received by the sell-out crowd.

She came into her own with the last few songs of the set where her personality shone along with her vocals.

Performing music from her debut album, she was in her element on the stage and left the cheering crowd on their feet following an encore of Backtrack.

Rebecca was supported by rising star AJ Brown who delighted the crowd earlier on in the evening with his charm and stunning vocals – definitely one to watch.

Kristy Mulrooney