[Red Moon]

X Factor Leon Has Marti's Secret Weapon

SCOT Leon Jackson had the hopes of the nation resting on his shoulders today as he prepared to sing for the X Factor crown.

Celebrity supporters including First Minister Alex Salmond, singer Lulu and rugby hero Kenny Logan - himself a telly talent show star after Strictly Come Dancing - got behind our "Leon King" with good luck messages.

Online betting giant Betfair revealed Scots fans have placed a staggering £75,000 on the singing sensation to win.

Leon has a secret weapon for tonight's live X Factor final - Marti Pellow's Saltire microphone.

He read about the Wet Wet Wet singer's custom-built mic in the Daily Record and asked if he could use it tonight.

It was being taken to the X Factor studios last night after the band's sell-out show at Wembley Arena.

A spokesman for the band said: "Leon has been in touch to ask if he can borrow the mic for the final.

"As soon as Marti has finished his gig, he will put the mic in its case and get it to Leon.

"Leon regards the mic as his secret weapon."

Manufacturer Steinhauser made Marti the sparkling mic bedecked with diamonds and sapphires in the shape of the Scottish flag.

Marti, left, said: "On behalf of all of Wet Wet Wet and all of Scotland we wish Leon the best of luck.

"And I hope my microphone brings him all the luck in the world."

If he wins, Leon - the first Scot to be in the X Factor final - is virtually guaranteed the Christmas No1 slot with his first single. Odds of the contest's winner getting the Christmas No1 are 1-6.

As Scotland rallied behind him, Leon vowed: "I will go out there all guns blazing and give the performance of my life."

He will fight it out with Rhydian Roberts and brother-sister duo Same Difference for a s1million record deal.

Leon, 18, will duet with superstar Kylie Minogue on Better The Devil You Know in front of the 12,000 people at the live final.

Interest in the show has reached fever pitch, with s4000 a minute being bet on the final, according to the bookies William Hill.

Leon is second favourite to win behind Welshman Rhydian Roberts, the 1-3 favourite. Leon's odds area 4-1 and Same Difference are the 11-2 outsiders.

Former shop worker Leon - who had never sung in public until he tried karaoke in January - yesterday said it had been "a dream".

He said: "The whole experience is literally like a fairytale for me. You couldn't make it up. This whole ride has been like a dream for me. It's been the best experience of my life and I just don't want it to stop."

He can't wait to perform with Kylie - sister of his show mentor Dannii Minogue.

Rhydian will sing with Katherine Jenkins and Same Difference with Jason Donovan.
Leon said: "I have got the best partner by far and feel absolutely privileged to be on the same stage as her."

The teenager, from Whitburn, West Lothian, will also sing You Don't Know Me and festive favourite White Christmas.

Leon has said he wants to win to make a better life for his single mum Wendy.

But she told him: "I want you to do this for you because you're so passionate about music and it's your absolute dream." Wendy and Leon's gran, Jean Wotherspoon, will be at the final in London - with Jean having had to face her fear of flying to get there.

Wendy said: "Leon's done us all so proud. It doesn't matter now whether he comes first, second or third as he's come so far.

"Leon knows he has nothing to lose and he knows all of Scotland is behind him, so he's just going to go out there and enjoy it."

She added: "Whatever happens, I'll give him the biggest hug ever.

"I'll have champagne with me too because we'll be having a big celebration."

Wendy revealed she is taking a special Leon King mascot - given to his granny by a young fan - to the final for luck. A host of famous Scots are also backing our boy. First Minister Alex Salmond led the good luck wishers, saying: "Scotland has never been short on talent.

"Leon is yet another great ambassador for Scotland. His determination and commitment do his family and fellow Scots credit. Leon has our vote."

Scots singer Lulu said: "Of course Leon should win - fly that tartan flag!"

Fellow TV talent show star Kenny Logan told Leon: "The whole country is behind you, so go do it for Scotland. Loads of luck."

Kenny added: "He is great. He has done really well and I hope he wins it."

Former Fame Academy winner David Sneddon said: "It's absolutely brilliant a Scot is in the final and I will be rooting for him. If he wins, it will completely change his life." Xfm host Julyan Sinclair said: "I will be backing him all the way in the final."

Ultimo bra tycoonMichelleMone said: "I watch the X Factor every week and Leon has been brilliant.

"I don't like Rhydian's voice and Same Difference are too cheesy so hopefully Leon will do the business. I'll certainly be voting myself once or twice."

The Proclaimers' Charlie Reid said: "He's aScot so we'll get behind him."

Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus said: "Leon is great. I've been watching and am right behind him."

Scots singer-songwriter Sandi Thom said: "I was at X Factor last week. I think Leon sounds like Sinatra sometimes. He's doing what he loves."

I'm a Celebrity star Gemma Atkinson said: "I've heard Leon is great. He's cute but too young for me. I'll be supporting him on the night though."

Meanwhile, hundreds are expected to queue in Edinburgh tonight to cheer on Leon. Only the first 500 will get into the X Factor bash in George Square Theatre.

Source: Daily Record

[Jackie]

Well i hope the microphone gonna bring him luck,cos he's gonna need it