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X Factor’s Finlay Robertson on her elimination and her passion for music

We chat to Finlay Robertson about her shock exit and why she's not giving up the dream
Finlay Robertson

Fans were shocked when 20-year-old Wellington singer Finlay Robertson was sent packing from The X Factor NZ last week after a pitch-perfect performance of Taylor Swift’s “Shake it Off”. She sat down with Woman’s Day to talk about her elimination, her travel plans and why she isn’t giving up her dream to be a singer.

How are you feeling?

I’m gutted to be leaving, but I’m totally at ease with it all. I put on my best performance, enjoyed every moment and I wouldn’t have it any other way. When Dom [Bowden] said my name, I had already prepared to be going home, so it was OK. Once the show was over, I just cuddled everybody, but I didn’t cry because once I start, I can’t stop!

What was the high point of your time on the show?

Definitely the bond I made with all the contestants. We became like such a big family and I’m going to miss them so much.  Being in a house with people who have the exact same passion for music as me was so amazing. We’re such a tight unit. Performing on the stage with everyone was also very exciting and getting all these fans is such a good feeling. It’s going to be hard going home and being separated from it all, and adjusting to my normal everyday life. I’m going to skype Nyssa [Collins] and Lili [Bayliss] every night.

Where do you want to take your music career?

I have a huge passion for music, but before this, I didn’t plan on having it as a career because I didn’t really think I could.  After being on the show, it’s really made me want to do it. I’m going to try to knuckle down and hopefully make an album in the future, and I’ll still keep up with posting things on my Facebook page.

You were on the first season of X Factor too. How have you changed since then?

I’m exactly the same. I haven’t changed. It was something really unknown and new back then, so I was really excited and didn’t know what to expect. And I was two years younger as well, but this year, I had done it before and knew how scared I was but how good it felt at the end.

What did you do in the two years in between?

I finished Year 13 and then I had a gap year working at the Department of Internal Affairs to try to save for travelling. I really want to go to Canada and work in a ski field, and now I can do that.

What did your family think when you were eliminated?

The first thing I said to them was, “Are you guys okay?” because I knew they would be more upset than I was! They were worried about me, but I made sure they knew I was fine. That’s the one thing about the show that has been a bit hard, being without my family and not seeing them every day. I still live with my mum and dad, and they’re my best friends. They’re super-cool.

Who do you think will win the competition?

I reckon it’s between Nyssa and Stevie [Tonks]. They both have such strong presences.

See this week’s issue of Woman’s Day for more.

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