The X Factor

Danny Tetley has had a long and varied career in music; from auditioning for Pop Idol as far back as 2001 to becoming "The best singer in Benidorm", it's certainly been a long journey to The X Factor for the boy from Bradford. But this time Danny is determined to make it all the way, and bring his talent to the biggest stage.

His music career has included being a Pop idol reviewing on The Big Breakfast, and becoming one of the biggest acts for holidaymakers in Southern Spain - to such an extent "people book holidays to come and see me sing". Danny is now hoping for X Factor success so they don't have to travel so far anymore!

Janice was born in New Jersey and comes from what she describes as "a churchy background". Her father was a pastor at the church Whitney Houston attended, and it was hearing her sing that inspired Janice to pursue her own music dreams. Following her breakout with success with Dreamer she opened for Tina Turner during her farewell tour, before family matters overtook her life, forcing her to leave that all behind.

She now lives in Florida with her two children, working as a music teacher. Whilst she enjoys her family life, she now believes the time is right to show the world her music talent, and "for the public to know the face behind the song" that brought her that success.

Giovanni Spano - known to his friends as Gio - brings a bit of Rock 'n' Roll to The X Factor stage. Coming from a musical family and with a history of performing in musical theatre, he's certainly ready for his shot at X Factor glory, and wants to bring fun and enjoyment to the audience.

Gio is 33 years old and lives in Ruislip, West London. He made his musical debut at the age of 12 performing in Bugsy Malone alongside Jamie Bell and Sheridan Smith. He has since performed in musicals like Footloose, Guys and Dolls, Fame and Jesus Christ Superstar, and sees himself as a rock 'n' roll entertainer. "I want everyone to feel like a superhero when they hear me perform on stage". Now aiming to go it alone as Gio, rather than the characters from his musicals, he's hoping the audience do feel that way and vote him to the top of The X Factor pile.

Jeff and Stefan make up Misunderstood, an all-singing all-dancing duo from South London. They've been friends since they were kids, growing up on the same street, and formed the group nine years ago.

Currently they work as a barman and gymnastics coach respectively, but music is their ultimate passion. They've been writing songs for almost a decade, perfecting their craft to prepare for their biggest opportunity yet - a shot at The X factor title! Their ultimate aim is "to win a Grammy - well a few Grammy's actually!"

They've certainly got confidence, so let's see if the boys can live up to it at Live Shows...

LMA Choir are a group of 14 students from Liverpool, with their teacher Stephanie leading the way. The come from a performing arts academy in the city, and have been singing together for two years.

Stephanie says “this could literally be life changing for them.”. They aim to be the first choir to win The X Factor.

It's been a rollercoaster journey to get to this point for Scarlett Lee. In the last series she made it all the way to the Six Chair Challenge, before being sent home at the final moment. This year she's already gone one better and made it to Live Shows, but she wants to go a lot further than that!

21 year old Scarlett is a make-up artist from Surrey. She has sung since she was a little girl - to such an extent her dad built her a singing room in her house so she could practice! Her whole family have always been her biggest supporters, telling her "I was born to be a star, and I want to prove them right".

Shan Ako has been impressing with her X Factor auditions so far, and now she's made it to Live Shows she doesn't plan to stop here!

Shan is 25 years old and lives in Croydon. She works as a session singer having attended the Brit School, as well as getting a First Class Honours in music Business and Management at Middlesex University. She considered working behind the scenes in the music industry but quickly realised it was on the stage where she belonged. "I tried a 9-5 PR job, but I hated it. I wanted to be performing as that's what makes me happy."

She considered her faith to be an important part of Shan's life, and singing in church gave her an outlet to perform. She wants her faith to be a positive influence to others. "I believe in God and that we’re all called to make the most of life by loving and helping each other, and I hope to share that message on the show.”

Olatunji Yearwood - or Ola for short - came over from his homeland of Trinidad and Tobago to bring his SOCA music styles to The X Factor stage. Now he's made it to Live Shows, he's got a lot more up his sleeve for the British public!

32-year-old Ola is the hailed as the 'Afro-Soca King' is his native homeland, bringing "the real reggae rythms, part and dance vibes" to The X Factor. He is also known for his unique and vibrant dress sense, and doesn't plan on holding back at the Live Shows. "I would describe my style as a mixture of vintage, bringing back the old school, vibrant and wild. I want to bring my flavour to the UK".