Laura's secret heartache

X Factor reject masked bereavement

IMAGE: Cowell's comments distracting

By Paul McNamara, 09/11/2008

LAURA White battled through the X Factor hiding a secret heartache because she didn't want to be judged on her story.

The News of the World can exclusively reveal the 21-year-old's grandfather passed away just after her first audition.

But she refused to let TV bosses make the news public, fearing it would be all she was known for.

She said: "I'm just a girl with a voice - that's what I wanted to be remembered for.

"I asked for nothing to be said because I didn't want people to make a thing of it and I didn't want my grandmother to be under any spotlight."

Interview with X Factor reject Laura White

On Saturday night judges saved sexy Spanish siren Ruth Lorenzo in the sing off, sending Laura home.

Stirring

She had just given a stirring performance of Somewhere Over The Rainbow - a song she dedicated to her grandfather's memory.

"I went out and did it for my granddad. That used to be his favourite song, I used to sing it at every gig back home."

The revelations are a stark contrast to many of the contestants who critics believe are being kept in by the public after gaining their sympathy.

Week after week widow and single parent Daniel Evans, and former drug addict Rachel Hylton have been saved by the viewer vote despite below par performances.

But singer-songwriter Laura has always maintained she wanted to be judged purely for her music.

"I was distracted this week thinking about Simon's comments of my image."

(Which the music mogul has often citicised.)

"I think that a lot of people lost focus on my music which is what I wanted to be judged on," she said.

I went out and did it for my granddad

Now that she has left the show, she hopes to concentrate on her own music without being bound by the shackles of X Factor's various theme nights.

She said: "Before the show I was definitely more Laura White.

"Each week you sing a different song for each theme and you can lose your identity.

"I do rate myself as an artist and I do believe in myself, the dream now would be that someone somewhere will have seen me and think, 'Yes, she deserves a contract'."

Your comments

This article has 14 comments

Unfortunately it seems that all the real talented singers get voted off first - Cmon Public keep the real singers in. I was hoping that Laura or Alex would win (Lets hope that Alex doesnt get voted off next) - they are after all the most deserving - I cant understand why the public are set on voting for cuteness or sob stories (we all have are own sob stories) - ditch them and vote on talent please..........

By Lisa Marjoram.. Posted November 30 2008 at 8:08 PM.

Laura Was Fantastic I Really Dont No What Happened She Was The Best Their She Had The Strongest Voice And The Most Unique Voice In The Competition And I Really Think That Ruth Should Have Went Out Instead Of Laura Because Ruth Cannot Sing And Just Because Shes Spanish And Thats The First Person They Have Had In The Competition That Is Spanish!
I Think Daniel And Rachel Are Getting Sympathy Votes Because Of Their Stories And I Think That When Laura Said She Didnt Want Hers To Be Told I Think That Was Good Because She Was Getting Votes For Her Voice And Not Just Because Of Her Story ! I Think That It Was Wrong For Diana To Get Through Saturdays Sing Because She Was Ill When She Was Out On A Bonfire Shouting And Screaming I Think That If Laura Didnt Get Booted Of She Would Have Won Or It Would Have Been Close Between Her And Alexandra! Your Great Laura ! Youv Got A Really Good Voice ! (L)

By Rubiiee Daniels.. Posted November 17 2008 at 3:52 PM.

Alexandra to win!! She is fantastic!!

By Jules.. Posted November 16 2008 at 3:39 PM.

omg jus get ova da fact da ur out of da show now!!!!

By An.. Posted November 16 2008 at 5:22 AM.

the x factor is now a joke the judges, are petty and the public are voting for there sob stories,instead of the singers talent laura will make a record and go on to be a big star i am sure of that
but walsh, should go should never have came back simon and him are acouple of b*****s probly watch stricly come dancing next year.

By peter.. Posted November 13 2008 at 9:40 PM.

Laura has a powerful voice-and Jazzy style
but I have never liked her because the words are not clear and I do not think she has the XFactor

She was voted out due to lack of public support
and her performance was not as good as the Spanish girl

By ChoccyCarole.. Posted November 13 2008 at 4:52 PM.

Laura got voted off. End of.....

By Rob.. Posted November 13 2008 at 3:40 PM.

just 1 thing to add to all the posts saying 'give laura a 2nd chance' and all that jazz, not to mention to all the posts about x-factor being rigged. Didnt this Laura girl go on several dates with someone very influencial to the show itself......I mean if thats not 'fixed' or 'corrupt' enough then I dont know what is, he does her a favour, and she does whatever is necessary to repay that favour and in this day-n-age.......thats worse than any judge tactically voting, im sure people saw the pics in the press and now low and behold she went into the bottom 2, just like the way the public hates that Simon may fancy Ruth, hell i fancy her too, sorry.

By Myles.. Posted November 13 2008 at 11:05 AM.

I think the X Factor has totally revealed with its tactical voting that its the judges that are intent on winning regardless of whom has the most talent. and is kicked off (ding) ( talent contest ) Louis said of Ruth as she was just about to sing. we will be back in a wine bar in Benidorm. then he votes her in. (ding ) he says she is missing something after her performance. but he votes her in. the week previous he said of laura. ( laura the voice) he votes her off. we are used to louis childish behavoiur. what really does upset me is Simon Cowell. at least i thought of him as genuine person. truley looking for talent. of course i could mention what he is really looking for, or at. but i will just say the xfactor is bad news now.Maybe the female judges can save the program. i dont know, ps.
i hope that Smon and Louis's acts dont lose out because of what happend last saturday night. but the public are not happy

By margaret hall.. Posted November 13 2008 at 12:32 AM.

X factor have lost the most talented person on the show.she deserves another chance,and its all too 'fixed' to me.laura sang much better than ruth,and it should b on the performance,not wether u hold a grudge on her mentor 'cheryl'.laura wil achieve her dream.good luck 4 the future,laura.

By Kirstie.. Posted November 13 2008 at 12:11 AM.

I think laura white should be brought back,it was a disgrace how diana could not sing,but was screamin at a bonfire party.bring back laura.she was by far the best artist on the show.you go girl.you will achieve your dreams and become a recording artist.good luck,laura.

By Kirstie.. Posted November 13 2008 at 12:11 AM.

Her diction was terrible.

By JamesL.. Posted November 12 2008 at 6:39 PM.

I do not think Laura should be brought back. She was voted out, if brought back it just makes a sham of the whole programme. Why vote if the results can be changed just because others don't agree with them.

By Jennifer Donald.. Posted November 12 2008 at 6:37 PM.

x factor has lost the best singer in laura white, it was tactical voting to get rid of her.with diana vickers getting by to next round, laura should be given other chance this week and 2 should get kicked out this week.

By paul addison.. Posted November 12 2008 at 5:30 PM.

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