THE X Factor dream may be over for Basingstoke boy band Concept – but the group have promised fans that their exit from the show last weekend is not the end.
Minutes after judge Louis Walsh told Concept they had not made it through to the live shows, fans started Tweeting #ConceptWillNotStop – and it quickly began trending on the social networking site.
Concept, made up of former Queen Mary’s College students Karim Newton, Ben Selley, Matt Goodenough, Scott Dicks and Nathan Gittens, were seen on The X Factor last Friday in Bermuda where they performed for Louis and his guest judge Tulisa Contostavlos in an attempt to make it through to the live shows.
But their dreams were shattered when Louis decided not to put them through, and the boys were sent home heartbroken.
However, after discovering their fate over six weeks ago, and having to keep it secret, Concept – who are all 20 – are now looking at the positives of appearing on the hit ITV show, and the opportunities it may bring.
Scott said: “We are hoping that this will give us enough exposure to go on and do it ourselves without the show.”
He added: “We still want to have sell-out world tours. It’s the same as when we started, and we will get there. We are still on the same journey.”
And they realise that Louis’ rejection is no reflection on their talent, believing the judges were often pressurised into putting through certain acts.
Nathan said: “It takes away what music is all about, but it’s a TV programme.” He added: “Based on our performance, we thought we would go through.”
Karim said: “We are definitely talented enough to be in the live shows. But they were trying to push other acts.”
Scott said: “Louis showered us with compliments – and then sent us home.”
Nathan said spending time in Bermuda for filming was an incredible experience, adding: “We felt like we were in a film. It was so beautiful. It’s like nothing we have seen before.”
Karim described The X Factor experience as “intense”. He said: “It was incredible, but at the same time we didn’t know at points whether we should be happy, sad or nervous. There were so many different stages.”
Following their exit from the show, Concept said they were overwhelmed by the support from fans.
Matt said: “I didn’t want them to feel sorry for us, but it was nice that they cared so much.”
The band are now focusing on their future and hope the exposure on The X Factor will create more opportunities.
Although there is still hope they could be chosen as a ‘wild card’ act, and return to the show this weekend, Ben said: “As soon as we got off the plane, we were thinking what’s next? We haven’t spent time thinking about the wild card. We didn’t want to sit around for six weeks hoping for that.”
Scott added: “We have already had lots of meetings. We are looking forward to the next stage of our career.”
Asked whether Concept will ever audition for The X Factor again, he added: “You can never say never – we don’t want to close any doors.”
l Watch The Gazette’s exclusive video of Concept, in which they thank their fans for their support, online at basing stokegazette.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here