Everything you need to know about X Factor 2018 contestant Olatunji Yearwood
The singer is a star in his native country of Trinidad
Originally from Trinidad, 33-year-old Olatunji Yearwood is no stranger to talent shows.
In fact, Olatunji (often shortened to Ola) started competing in his teens, starring in the likes of the Junior Calypso Monarch competition (that's a big deal in Trinidad).
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https://youtu.be/zKW5dYrH3LI
He became a household name in his home country after winning its famous Soca Groovy Monarch competition in 2015 with his hit single Ola.
Since then, Olatunji released album Awakening, packed with songs that combine Soca and Afrobeats genres.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAlW2FHgF5g
And his X Factor journey? His first audition started with a misfire with producers playing the wrong background music. However, Olatunji immediately won over the judges by pointing out the error with a tuneful “no!”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQBnOifBYRw
When the correct music played, he treated judges to original song Bodyline, an energetic performance that won him four yeses.
While Simon Cowell said Olatunji was "exactly the kind of act I like finding”, a smiling Louis Tomlinson said the singer had really “grabbed it”.
Instead of performing another original song at the Six Chair Challenge, Olatunji won a seat with a cover of Lou Bega's Mambo Number 5.
https://youtu.be/xCLh4XsUp1c
At the Judges’ Houses, Olatunji continued to impress judge Ayda Field and won over guest mentors Adam Lambert and Leona Lewis with his colourful jacket and original song Ola.
https://youtu.be/LUjm1W574PE
Olatunji Yearwood: key facts
Age: 33
From: Trinidad
Twitter: @OlatunjiMusic
Instagram: @olatunjimusic
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpHH-zjFAlS/?hl=en&taken-by=olatunjimusic