Saara Aalto ‘doesn’t want to win’ The X Factor so she can have more ‘freedom’
Finalist told a Finnish news outlet that whoever places second isn’t bound by the ‘strict terms and conditions’ of the winner’s Syco contract
SAARA Aalto may have reached tonight’s X Factor final, but that doesn’t mean she has her heart set on winning as she feels she will have more “freedom” if she came second.
The 29-year-old who hails from Finland reportedly told respected Finnish news outlet Yle coming second would be much better for her career than winning the singing the competition.
She said: “Coming second would be better than the number one spot, as it would mean having the freedom that the winner does not.”
Saara added that the person who comes in second place has a more “useful career in screen time and more publicity than the winner.”
While winners are tied into a contract with Simon Cowell’s label Syco, the singer who is mentored by Sharon Osbourne said she feels like she “won’t be bound by the same terms and conditions and can begin to work anywhere and with anyone.”
Saara’s concerns about winning aren’t unfounded a number of those who shot to victory on the show were later dropped by Syco, including Ben Haenow, Sam Bailey, Joe McElderry, Matt Cardle and Shayne Ward; while runners up such as One Direction, Olly Murs, JLS and Fleur East have gone on to have successful pop careers.
The quirky singer isn’t the only one is worried about the winner’s curse, her fellow finalist Matt Terry – who is favourite to win, also admitted that he knows success following the show “might not happen.”
Speaking to the Daily Star Sunday, he said: “It’s nerve-racking to know you could do well on the show and it still might not happen for you.
“I feel like it depends on who you are.”
Matt added: “If you want it that much and you’re prepared to work hard then you can make it happen.”
On tonight’s show Matt will be singing Sam Smith’s Bond theme Writing’s On The Wall, which he sang on the Movies weekend, winning the praise of Smith for his performance.
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Matt revealed that Sam had been in contact with him after the show and said: “Sam messaged me afterwards saying it was unreal and how proud he was that I smashed it. To have his support is amazing.”
Saara revealed she would be singing Bjork’s Oh So Quiet, which she during the Divas weekend.
Last night, she became the first act to be confirmed in the final and jumped for joy as she told host Dermot O’Leary: “I’m just so grateful, I can’t believe people are voting for me.”
Matt also looked happy but stunned as he said: “I honestly did not expect to hear my name so thank you.”