Sophie Habibis ‘X Factor’ exit interview

Sophie Habibis was branded a “singing secretary” by Louis Walsh on Saturday night’s X FactorHalloween special and the veteran judge’s sly digs appeared to chime with viewers at home as she found herself in the bottom two on Sunday night.

Sent packing by all the judges- including her own sickly mentor Kelly Rowland – Sophie went over where it all went wrong.

How are you feeling this morning?
“I’m okay, actually. Of course, I’m gutted, but it’s not the end. It’s a very weird feeling and it’s just sinking in.”

Are you not annoyed to be out of the competition when weaker singers like Frankie Cocozza are still in it?
“Well, you know. I really love Frankie. He has got a heart of gold and he does deserve to be in the competition. I’m glad for everyone that got through. I am glad that some people wanted to keep me in and I’m thankful for everyone that did vote for me. I just want to let all of those people know that I am still here and that I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing.”

How hard was it for all the girls this week without Kelly by your side?
“Yeah, it was tough. It was tougher than I thought it would be. My main concern was Kelly’s health and I want her to be well and better. I don’t want her flying over when she’s not well. The thing is that we all need to be able to do this on our own. I can’t always have Kelly there in my life. I need to support myself and do it myself as well.”

Do you think Kelly’s absence caused you and Misha B to be in the bottom two?
“I don’t. No, not at all. I think what’s meant to be is meant to be. It wasn’t her fault. It just happened. You’ve just got to deal with it.”

What was Kelly really like as a mentor?
“Kelly is such an inspiration to me. As much as everyone said that she didn’t talk to us and that she wasn’t there, she really was. She had time for all of us. I want to give her praise, because she’s such a good mentor. She really helped me a lot.”

How did you rate your performance on Saturday?
“I was a bit disappointed with myself. I know I could have done a lot better. But you can’t do anything about it – The X Factor is so nerve-wracking. My save-me song was the least nervous I’d ever been. But at the end of the day, overall my performance was good, but I’m my worst judge and worst critic.”

What is it that you want to do now?
“I want to write songs. I want to make albums. I want to keep singing and doing what I love.”