Lewis croons his way through to camp

LEWIS Brannigan is one step closer to singing superstardom after reaching the boot camp stage on ITV talent show “The X Factor”.

The former Crompton House pupil impressed judges Cheryl Cole, Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Danni Minogue with his renditions of Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me To The Moon” and Michael Buble’s “Home”.

Lewis (20) sailed through three auditions at Old Trafford before facing the judging panel at Manchester Central.

He said: “Cheryl said I had a twinkle in my eye and I was the first person to walk on to the stage with charisma. Simon said when I was good I was really good and Louis and Danni thought I was good but lacked experience. “I still got a ‘yes’ from all four judges and made it through to boot camp.”

Lewis took 40 of his close friends and family members to the audition and they even had T-shirts made to show their support. He said: “It was a really emotional moment when I got through and my family and friends said it was one of the best days of their lives.”

Lewis got into singing by accident when he had a go on the karaoke at the Park Inn, Buckstones Road, Shaw, on a night out with friends. He got a standing ovation and kept going back for more.

His singing talents were further recognised when he sang at a karaoke in Cancun, Mexico, earlier this year to rapturous applause from the international audience.

On the plane home he decided to go for the “X Factor” auditions which took place just two days later.

Lewis and his brother, Lawrence, queued for 12 hours for the chance to audition, but he says it was worth every moment.

He added: “I have loved every moment so far. Getting a ‘yes’ from all four judges was amazing and the whole experience has been great.”

Boot camp took place at the Hammersmith Apollo with the remaining 200 out of 200,000 hopefuls.

Auditionees were given a list of songs and paired up with other artists to perform for the judging panel. At the end of boot camp, the judges have to pick 24 acts to proceed to the next stage from which 12 will make it to the live shows.

Lewis, who is not allowed to say whether he has reached the next stage of the competition, said: “Boot camp was the most intense experience of my life.”