Latest News, X Factor 2011 UK

Tulisa’s big X Factor Risk pays off

JLS and One Direction watch out, The Risk are the newest boy bands on the block and boy did they make an impression as they wowed all four judges with their first ever performance together.

Just like the band’s namesake, The Risk were Tulisa’s wildcard as she put them together at the last minute at Judges’ Houses.

Singing Plan B’s She Said, the boys – Andrew Merry, Charlie Healy, Derry Mensah, Ashley J Baptiste – were determined to prove to Tulisa that she had made the right decision in giving them a lifeline and their mentor seemed over the moon as she danced along from the comfort of the judge’s panel.

Speaking afterwards, Louis said: “This is a risk that has so paid off, I love this band….we have had JLS, we have had One Direction and now we have The Risk.”

Kelly Rowland warned Tulisa that she should keep The Risk in the competition while Gary added: “This is a band right here. I am so pleased that it is not all centred around Charlie, credit where credit is due to Tulisa, this is proper mentoring here…boys, you have got it all, well done..

A proud-as-punch mentor Tulisa said: “This is why I made the decision I made at judges house, we have see the performances and the reaction. And you know what is different about you – there is no cheese with you.

The boys were quick in returning the compliments, saying: “Tulisa has been the best judge, we could not have asked for a better judge, we are so blessed to be here.”

Derry, Ashley and Andrew all entered The X Factor as solo artists. They were put into a group at Bootcamp along with two other contestants, Marlon and Mitchell.

However, at Judges’ Houses, Tulisa decided that Marlon and Mitchell weren’t right for the group and replaced them with Charlie, who originally entered the competition as part of the band, Chasing Key