Laura White

As favourite to win Laura White was shocked to find herself voted off  The X Factor by the judges this weekend.

She talks to us about the strange voting decision, her future ambitions and whether the show has lost its credibility.

How are you getting on?
It's just been crazy.  I just keep sitting analysing my performance. It's just so difficult, I don't really know what's happened.

Was Louis voting to protect his own artist?
I think maybe. Cheryl thinks it was more of a tactical thing.  It was strange because Louis had always believed in me right from the first audition in April, so it was a very strange decision. These things happen and I've just got to deal with it.

Do you reckon Simon voted for Ruth because he fancies her?
(Laughs) I don't believe all that hype.  I don't think it's anything like that.

Do you think you had image problems like Simon suggested?
I think in boot camp I was more quirky, but with the different themes you have to go along with the genres. I think they preferred the raw real me which is difficult to achieve every week. Cheryl also thought that a lot of the comments came from the fact that they couldn't say anything about my singing, so they have to give some negative comments as well.  I decided to work with it, so that I can get better in the future.

Were you happy in the house? Austin hinted that all was not well.
I understand with Austin, he's a raw talent and I completely get what he is. We did have to change slightly because it's such a commercial TV show.  I couldn't do jazz every week. But it was the most life-changing experience.  It's given me a confidence and belief in my music. I have really enjoyed it.

You have a massive fan base.
It means so much to me and I'm gonna use those fans to give me confidence.  I'm gonna keep going until I get signed. It wasn't about winning, it was just the signing of the contract that was important. I hope that fans support me on the way.

Do you think the show has lost its credibility?
I think a lot of people think that.  Quite a few people have said they don't understand how Louis and Simon could've got rid of me when they gave me such amazing comments.  I can see them thinking that 'cos it looks a bit strange.  At the end of the day The X Factor isn't just based on vocals.

Who would you like to win?
Daniel. I'd love for him to do well.  It's so difficult at the moment, he's getting a lot of grief. He's just the nicest man.

Does he play on that sympathy vote?
I'm not gonna lie, he did have a story. But that's just Daniel's life and he does have a talent.  I've lived with him and he very rarely talks about it unless you ask. 

You've said that the pictures of you and your boyfriend that were published last week may have affected your outcome?
I wanted to show the press that he had nothing to do with the programme.  The reason I didn't discuss it was because I had only been seeing him for a short amount of time.  It's my private life and I came on the show to discuss my music not my love life with the entire world.

So, what's next for you?
I'm just waiting. I'm going to be doing the X Factor tour and other gigs.  I'm keeping up with my writing and ultimately I want to get signed.  It would have to be a major deal that can help me to become the star I want to be, and to be taken for a serious artist. 

Find out when The X Factor is showing on TV.