You gained notoriety as a finalist on The X Factor series 5 back in 2008. Looking back, how would you describe your X Factor experience?

Amazing, I look back at it with so many fond memories and I really wouldn’t be where I am today without it. It was the best time.

That’s lovely! Were there any mentors or fellow contestants who had a significant impact on you during the show?

I think everyone had an impact on me. I was the youngest in the show that year so everyone kinda looked out for me as if I was the baby.

For your celebrity duet (which was always my favourite episode of each series) you sang “Picture of You” with Irish boyband Boyzone. Did you have any say in who the celebrity was going to be?

No, I think the show picked who we performed with. We had absolutely no say in that matter. However, I was delighted with boyzone, I grew up listening to them and the fact that they were Irish too was extra special.

If you could have chosen any artist and any song, what would it have been?

If I had to choose any at that time it would have been Michael Buble and now at 32 Elton John.

In 2014, you narrowly missed out on the chance to represent Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest, coming second by only 12 points. Would you ever consider applying to be a part of Eurovision in future competitions? 

No I don’t think I would do it again, it was a fun experience but ultimately a disappointing one. It’s unfortunate as I always felt our song had the best chance if it had of won but I guess we’ll never know.

How has your music career evolved through the years?

I feel like I’m 10 times the singer now than I was back in the X-Factor days. My voice has fully matured now as it probably wouldn’t have done back then.

What do you hope to achieve in the next few years, both personally and professionally?

I do a lot of things now in music and other sectors so just to keep doing what I’m doing, I feel I’m on a good path with myself and my family.

Personally, which achievement of yours are you most proud of?

My Kids one million percent.

Finally, after your (tragic) X Factor elimination, were you team Alexandra Burke or team JLS? (Personally, I was team JLS)

I loved them both and was close with all of them but I felt that Aston and I really got on. We did everything together in the house from playing Xbox to chilling or doing silly boys stuff so I would just edge JLS for that. Although Alex was a worthy winner in the end, that duet with Beyonce was Iconic.

Thank you So much for your time!

Thank you!