'X Factor' hopeful Sam Bailey was the first of this year's singing hopefuls to really wow the judges and viewers alike with her rendition of Beyonce's 'Listen' - but it's emerged that might be because she's had plenty of practice - as a professional singer.


Despite the prison officer giving the impression that she'd never auditioned for anything before, the 35-year-old mum of two - nicknamed 'Screwbo' - has reportedly sung with the likes of Beverley Knight, Jane McDonald and Lulu.


x factor


Sam Bailey wowed the judges and viewers with her rendition of Beyonce's 'Listen'

As well as singing backing vocals for a host of established singers, Sam has also sung on cruise ships and at music festivals.


An ex colleague told The Sun: “She has misled the public. She tried out for the X Factor seven or eight years ago and auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent as well.


“She should be honest. She made it sound like she’s a shy beginner. She has untold experience.”


Do you think it matters that Sam has already had some professional singing experience? Let us know by voting below...





Quick Poll

Does Sam Bailey still deserve her spot at X Factor bootcamp?







LIKE US ON FACEBOOK | FOLLOW US ON TWITTER





  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Ant and Seb (series 5)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Zoe Alexander (series 9)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Onka Judge (series 3)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Ablisa (series 7)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Emma Chawner (series 4)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Chloe Mafia (series 7)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Penelope (series 2)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    'Evil' Rachel (series 4)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Shirlena Johnson (series 7)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Ariel Burdett (series 5)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Dawn (series 4)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Goldie Cheung (series 8)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Zoe Simpson (series 4)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Mad Donna (series 3)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Debbie Stevens (series 3)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Totoshko (series 4)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Robert Unwin (series 1)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Fouad Djaoublia (series 6)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Holly 'big mouth' Jervis (series 5)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Brenda Morris (series 7)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Guylene Rosange (series 5)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    George Gerasimou (series 8)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Steve - and his bulge (series 6)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Ceri Rees (series 8)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Lorna 'Britney Spears' Bliss (series 9)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Michael 'Jackson' Lewis (series 7)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Patti Eleode (series 7)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Lorraine and mother-in-law Edna (series 3)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Emily (series 4)




  • X Factor's worst auditions ever


    Lion Sleeps Tonight girls (series 3)





MORE 'X FACTOR'

Also on HuffPost: