Having been booted out after the first live show of last year’s X Factor, only to be brought back as a replacement for bad boy Frankie Cocozza, 17-year-old Amelia Lily is living proof that an initial ‘no’ isn’t always the end. Almost a year after coming third in the competition, Amelia’s ready to rise from the ashes of her reality show stint to make it as a star in her own right – and if the mid-week charts are anything to go by, she’s right on track! We found out about her hopes for pop superstardom…
Your debut release You Bring Me Joy is a little bit different from what people expected…
To be honest, a lot of people were comparing me to Kelly Clarkson and Pink but the last thing I wanted to do was to be a predictable artist. Because I am very versatile, both as a person and as an artist. With You Bring Me Joy, I wanted something that was, basically, a banging tune. I call myself a bit of a dancey rock chick because I love to dance and I love that dance vibe, but I’ve added a twist in there as well with the guitars at the beginning and the way it builds up to the chorus. It’s still very ‘Amelia Lily’.
You’ve been working with Xenomania, the team behind Girls Aloud and Sugababes. What’s that been like?
It’s been absolutely incredible. The fact that they wanted to work with me was such an honour. I’ve made a little family down there.
It’s been just over a year since you first auditioned for the X Factor. Do you think you’ll be watching this year?
Absolutely! I was watching it on Saturday, and it finally hit me what’s happened over the last year.
The show has completely changed your life. How have you coped with fame so far?
I try not to think about it too much. If you do, it gets a bit scary! At the same time, I just think about the people who would love to be in my position. There are so many talented people out there who never get spotted, which is so sad. I’m one of the ones who got lucky. I’m just embracing every minute of it because I don’t know how long it’s going to last.
What’s been the highlight of this last year?
It’s got to be meeting the people who I’ve met, like Lady Gaga – people you’d only ever dream of meeting. Being able to work on my album as well, that has been such an incredible opportunity. I can’t wait for you guys to hear it!
Where do you hope you are in five years time?
Oh, pressure! I’d like to hope I could maybe take on America, that’s always been a dream of mine. One of my biggest ambitions is to play at Madison Square Garden! Hopefully I’ll get a couple of number one albums and single as well. I’m hoping to grow over the next couple of years, as an artist, and see how it works out.
Amelia’s debut single You Bring Me Joy is out now.
