[Red Moon]

X Factor Alex always had star quality, says teacher

ISLINGTON'S answer to Leona Lewis had the X Factor from a very early age, according to her school singing teacher.

Alexandra Burke, 20, who grew up off Caledonian Road, Holloway, made it through to the final five of ITV talent search The X Factor with a stunning rendition of Take That's Relight My Fire.

Her performances have left Simon Cowell crooning, and but Alison Campbell, Alexandra's old vocal coach at Elizabeth Garrett Anderson girls school, in Penton Street, Islington, says she was always destined for stardom.

"We used to do this singing competition called Stars in Your Eyes and I remember first seeing Alexandra in Year Seven and thinking what a powerful voice she had for such a small girl," said Ms Campbell, 40, who has taught at EGA for nine years.

"You could see then she had real potential and by the time I started teaching her one-on-one in Year Nine she had a huge passion for singing and knew she wanted to do it as a career.

"I always thought she could go all the way. I've had a few pupils who've gone on to bigger and better things but Alexandra was such an amazing all-rounder. She was a great dancer, she had a great personality and attitude and obviously she had a great voice."

Said Ms Campbell: "She was always very bubbly and chatty - always laughing like she is now. She was also very helpful and endearing. She was not like a diva or anything like that. She would help anybody who needed it and was always there at choir."

Two weeks ago Alexandra returned to EGA to catch up with her old teachers, and amazed them with how much she had grown up.

"Seeing her now the thing I most realised is how much more mature she is. When she went on The X Factor the first time when she was 16, I didn't think she was ready. Not necessarily vocally but mentally and everything else.

"Now she is so articulate and confident, and she is really listening to what the judges have to say. She is so humble and doesn't think she is all that. She realises that she still needs to work hard even now."

The current batch of pupils at EGA went absolutely crazy when Alexandra dropped into see them and the whole school is willing her on. Ms Campbell said: "If Alex doesn't win something is seriously wrong.

"Obviously it's down to the general public, so you never know what's going to happen, and I was really upset when Laura went because her and Alexandra were the best two. But I don't want it to go on looks or sob stories or anything like that. If it's done on talent then Alexandra will win it hands down.

"She's a real fighter as well. She's been through a lot in her personal life but she is like a phoenix from the flames. If anybody deserves to succeed she does.

Source: Islington Gazette

[GiRTh]

Unfortunately thats not enough to get her a well earned victory.

[XxShortyxX]

Alex is brilliant, win or not that girl will defo get a contract!

[missposh]

alex 2 win