BARNSLEY’S X Factor star Holly Tandy is hoping to wow judges this week in the first live final of the competition.

Holly, 16, of Darton, is now a household name having has made it down to the final 12 from more than 50,000 hopefuls.

Since being revealed as a finalist in last week’s show, Holly has been busily moving into the X Factor house in London and preparing for tomorrow’s showdown.

But she caught up with the Chronicle to give a glimpse into how her life has changed and her hopes for the future.

She said: “It’s crazy, I still can’t believe it. I have to keep pinching myself.

“I’ve been moving into the house, which is fantastic, and settling in. We had a makeover, and I’ve been rehearsing for the first week, making sure I’m prepared for everything that is about to come.

“I am so ready for tomorrow. I’ve got a great song, although I can’t say too much about it. It’s going to be great and I feel sure people will enjoy it, I hope they will.

“I’m looking forward to it. Part of me is nervous because it is the first week and no one wants to get voted off first, but I’m ready to bring it. You will have to stay tuned - please watch and pick up the phone to vote for me.”

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Holly said the support she had received from her home town had been nothing short of amazing and said she was now being recognised for photos and autographs.

“Everyone from Barnsley has been amazing. I have had so much support, I can’t even begin to describe how amazing it has been. We are a great community in that way, so I knew I would have support.

“I visited Kexborough Primary School to sing for the kids and do a little question and answer session and they were all asking for photos. I’m just Holly from Barnsley, I’m just a regular girl, but it is crazy that people know who I am.

“The X Factor house is in London and there have been press and fans at the door, which is crazy in itself.”

Last week, viewers saw Holly make it through to the final 12 as the artists performed for their mentors.

Holly was first up at Sharon Osbourne’s home in San Francisco.

She said: “Going to Sharon’s house was amazing. Every time we visited somewhere, like the Golden Gate Bridge, we all just kept saying ‘We can’t believe we are here’.

“But it was very nerve-wracking. I was first up and I was really nervous, but I enjoyed every moment. I went with an open mind and just thought I would see how it goes and it paid off.

“Sharon is an amazing mentor. She really gets involved in your song choice and she’s been really helpful to me this week.

“She’s a great woman and I’m very lucky.”

Looking back, Holly said it was crazy how different her life is now.

“My life changed from the moment I auditioned. I can’t believe what life is like now. A few months ago I was in college and living a normal life and now people know who I am and I’m living the dream.

“I hope to get a career, and for people to know my name, and to make music and make people happy.”

And after revealing she was bullied at school because of her singing aspirations, Holly said: “There is nothing to say, it speaks for itself. I have done everything they said I wouldn’t do; I’m here and I’ve made a success of it. I hope they realise they were wrong.”

Holly insists she would not be where she is now without the help of her singing coach Debbie Angel from Angel Voices Performing Arts Academy.

“Debbie been a great support to me and always helps me if I need anything. I wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for Debbie’s training and teaching.”