[Red Moon]

Eoghan bids for X-Factor final

Dungiven schoolboy and Saturday night television singing sensation, Eoghan Quigg, is now only two songs away from the X Factor final

The successful young man was even asked to sign an autograph after Saturday night's live show by supermodel Kate Moss, who said she wanted it for her niece. And his dad Chris said Eoghan didn't recognise her at first.

Chris said the teenager "felt very relieved" to get through. He had to wait until the last envelope was opened before getting the good news, and sank to his knees on stage.

Both Chris and his wife Denise, who recently had a baby, were at the show in London, which was watched by millions.

Asked how his nerves were holding up, Chris said: "The show is a really enjoyable way to spend a few hours but the results segment makes me really nervous. My heart was in my mouth."

"I would really like to thank all Eoghan's fans who have been great - it seems that the whole county if not country has swung in behind him. As a family we really appreciate the support. It is great that someone so young has achieved so much. Though the truth is we have all been so busy, we've hardly had time to be proud of him."

The popular 16 year-old had a nailbiting climax to the 'Britney Spears/American week' episode of the television show.

Eoghan got mixed views from the judges for his first song, 'Sometimes', but then came up with a barnstorming number, 'We're in this Together' from High School Musical, which got the thumbs up from the panel.

"I'm your biggest supporter!" announced Louis Walsh, while Dannii Minogue added, "That is how it should be done!" and Simon Cowell simply said: "Eoghan, we're in the semi-final kid!"

Chris said, "I thought he sang really well on the first song too. I watched it again on YouTube straight after the show and thought he did really well."

Commenting on his son's chances of making the final, Chris said: "It is a really tough competition, there are no bad singers left. Anyone can win or anyone can be voted off from here. I've been through this eight times and take nothing for granted.

"I was surprised to see Eoghan in the final two but I believe with the support and votes of his friends and fans Eoghan will reach the final."

Source: Derry Journal