[Red Moon]

X-Factor's Austin To Appear At Stevenage Christmas Lights Switch-On

t's sure to be an Xtra special night to remember in Stevenage on Thursday (November 20, 2008) when X-Factor finalist Austin Drage takes to the Chiltern roadshow stage at the Stevenage Christmas Lights Switch-on party. Austin will be performing a string of well-known hits, and is guaranteed to be a sure-fire hit with the crowds.

The fun starts in the town square at 4pm. Chiltern Radio Breakfast presenters Gaz and Babs will introduce a fantastic line-up of entertainment, including performances from Cinderella Theory, Julia West, Georgie Swan and, of course, X-Factor's Austin, plus on-stage games such as "Bits of Hits" and "Hoopla Christmas Trees" gives plenty of opportunity for audience participation and the chance to win some fantastic prizes.

On the night, there will be face painting in the Westgate Centre and ASDA between 4-8pm, funfair rides, free balloons, sweets and goody bags, Santa's Sleigh, plus the chance to win a Nintendo Wii and the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk will perform on stage at 6.15pm.

At 6.30pm, Stevenage Mayor Designate Cllr Mrs Sue Myson will join Ben Nicholas (Stingray, Neighbours), David Spinx (Keith Miller, Eastenders) and James Acraman, the winner of the Switch-on competition, on the roadshow stage to light up the town for Christmas, followed by a spectacular firework display. A blanket of snow will cover the town square as the switch is flicked, so we can guarantee a traditional white Christmas for everyone!

Source: The Comet

[Wildcat!]

I didnt know how good Austin was, until I heard his stuff outside of Xfactor. Simon and co really messed with his natural style!

Watch him do superstition

Youtube video

[30stone]

Austin Could have been big but they changed him to outside his comfort zone.

which obviously didnt go down to well, he has loads of fans though still.

[Annie]

Aw Aint_mad_atcha that video is amazing of Austin. He is really good.

I cant believe how early he left the competition. I thought he would have went really far in the live shows.

[Wildcat!]

Yeah that performance is well cool, and thats a stevie wonder and The original rap song! They completely turned him into some cheesy pop singer on the xfactor. If they let him do his own thing, he wouldve been there a lot longer!

[Red Moon]

I agree with Annie, he was so much better in that video than he ever was on the X-Factor when it came to the live shows.

I do worry that sometimes shows like the X-Factor and Pop idol do have a detrimental effect on a true artist. Looking back at this years American idol winner, his pre-idol music is amazing, but when I heard his first single it was watered down and his style, his art had be lost to gain a popular audience.

I think Austin was the best male singer in the under 25's, to think who we are left with in that category, who might win, shows what a shame the show is becoming.

[FireWoman]

hey guys, there is loads of Austin and his band's videos on youtube.

He is great in blues, rock and soul stuff.

if someone likes blues check Free's Wishing Well

Youtube video

or Golden Earring's Radar Love

Youtube video

I can't believe how much they messed with him in X Factor

[FireWoman]

and another Stevie Wonder's cover Master Blaster

Youtube video

His band is excellent too, very tight.