Saara Aalto becomes bookies’ favourite to win X Factor UK

Just under four months ago, we reported that Finland’s Saara Aalto had auditioned for The X Factor UK, wowing the judges with her acapella rendition of Sia’s Chandelier.   Saara, of course was known to many of us for her participations in Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu , where she attempted for the right to represent Finland at the Eurovision Song Contest, in 2011 and 2016 although narrowly missed out on both occasions.
Like most of the Eurovision community, we have rooted for Saara at every stage of her X Factor journey and were thrilled when she was announced as a wildcard act, progressing directly to the live shows.   Things hadn’t been plain sailing for her from this point on though as on two consecutive weeks, she was one of three acts with the lowest number of votes and had to fight for her place in a sing off, only to be given a lifeline vote by the judges.
However, things have quickly turned around for Saara after a third time in the bottom two as she soon won the public over with her spectacular performances and remarkable vocals.  After back to back praise from the judges and standing ovations from the crowd, particialy in this weekend’s broadcast – Saara has now became the bookies’ firm favourite to win the competition.
Saara has also established a dedicated group of fans, both in the UK and Finland.  Her progress in the X Factor has resorted to  Finnish TV channel Sub acquiring last minute rights to the show, giving those in Finland a chance to watch the show live and follow her progress.
With the Final just a week away, Saara still needs to survive this week’s vote off which judge Simon Cowell admitted was ‘too close to call’,  especially as it was revealed earlier in the broadcast that each of the four remaining finalists had topped the public vote at least once.
Watch Saara’s dazzling semi final performance of Chandelier below:

UK & Ireland only:  Saara’s voting numbers are as follows:
From a mobile: 650 51 04
From a landline: 09020 5051 04