Stormzy, 24-year-old grime and hip-hop artist, shot to fame in 2014 after winning Best Grime Act at the MOBO awards, and will now be lending his skills to judge the vocals in singer Nicole Scherzinger’s category on the ITV series, with the pair heading to South Africa to decide on the final line-up for the live shows.
“Stormzy is the man of the moment and will also make great telly,” a source revealed.
They added to The Sun: “He speaks straight from the heart and won’t pull any punches. Simon [Cowell] is looking forward to seeing his onscreen chemistry with Nicole.”
The rapper’s addition to the hugely popular talent series won’t come as too much of a surprise to fans given he has already worked with music mogul and judge Simon Cowell earlier this year.
Following the Grenfell Tower fire in June, Stormzy joined a host of other celebrities in a charity tribute single, which raised money for survivors and all those affected by the tragedy.
Meanwhile, Simon is expected to bring former judge and new-mother Cheryl, 34, to the Judges’ Houses, despite the pair having a famously rocky relationship.
The remainder of the singing competition’s panel – Louis Walsh, 65, and Sharon Osbourne, 64, – are yet to reveal who their celebrity guests will be.
Tonight’s episode of the talent show sees Simon gobsmacked by the return of one familiar face auditioning for a place in the final 12 acts.
Full-time mum Tracy Leanne Jefford from Middlesex instantly revealed her divorce struggles to the panel, and how she’d managed to regain her confidence by losing five stone in weight.
But when Simon, 56, discovered that the the 34-year-old singer had tried to win over the judges back in 2006 he seemed truly shocked, and following a stellar rendition of Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.
The X Factor continues tonight at 8pm on ITV.
Daily Express :: TV and Radio Feed
