X Factor’s Saara Aalto admits she’s worried about “mentally exhausted” mentor Sharon Osbourne
Singer admits judge's blunders make her more determined
X FACTOR star Saara Aalto has voiced her concern for mentor Sharon Osbourne, fearing she’s struggling to cope with the “stress” of live shows.
The Sun revealed last week that show insiders are worried about the health of the “mentally exhausted” TV talent judge after a year of pressure, including hubby Ozzy Osbourne’s affairs, and constantly flying to and from America.
And now, the Finnish singer has admitted that she thinks the stress is the reason why her mentor forgot her name for a second time last Sunday.
In an exclusive interview, the hopeful, 29, said: “I love Sharon but I know the whole live show thing is a very stressful thing for her.
“I understand how someone might forget names, it’s OK. Sharon is a funny, funny person and I was like 'whatever, I need to sing now.'"
Sharon forgot Saara’s name while introducing her contestant for last week’s sing off.
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Despite this, Saara has admitted that Sharon’s blunders have driven her to put on powerful performances to try and ensure she remembers her name in the future.
Saara, who initially wowed the judges with her rendition of Sia’s Chandelier, added: “After I heard I was like 'I’m going to sing my heart out' and hopefully everyone will remember my name after that.
“It made me more of a fighter – I was like ‘OK, I’m going to show Sharon who this Saara is now.’
“So I’m going to be doing something very interesting and special this week – it’s not a typical diva song because I’ve been singing those ballads so much.
“This song is by Bjork called Oh So Quiet and it’s really different.
I’ll be screaming and just having fun on stage. It’s really, really different but I’m very excited to do that number.
“I think with this song I’m able to show my personality much better because I am a bubbly and happy person and when you sing ballads you are not able to show that.”
Nevertheless, Saara revealed that she has only seen Sharon once this week and that the music manager has been in touch over the phone to check in after hearing the singer was feeling unwell.
The songwriter, who finished second in Finland’s Got Talent in 2007, said: “I will only see Sharon today so she will be with us when we rehearse.
“But she heard that I was a little bit ill so she called me and we have been talking over the phone. So she’s really taking care of me, she’s so sweet.”
Saara also opened up about being in the bottom two for the past two weeks, blaming the “cultural barrier” of being from Finland as the reason why the public has not warmed to her.
She said: “I’m not from here so people cannot relate to me so easily.
“I think it’s mainly the language barrier and the cultural barrier but of course also my songs they have been very serious and melancholic and so maybe people need to see more of my bubbly side and my personality.
“I hope this week will change the whole voting thing.”