Leona's friend hoping for 'X-Factor' success

A friend of Leona Lewis could be heading for 'X Factor' victory.

Duane Lamonte, 23, grew up with the star after they met at the same youth club.

The Londoner decided to audition when he saw his female friend win the ITV talent show and follow it up with huge chart success.

Lamonte performs the Stevie Wonder track 'Lately' in tomorrow night’s episode of the X Factor.

He tells the judges of his relationship with the 'Bleeding Love' singer: “My family and Leona Lewis’s family are very close.

“Leona and I went to a youth club together and my family and her family grew up together. So when I saw Leona win the show I thought I want a piece of that.”

Judge Louis Walsh told the aspiring singer: “I think you have really good potential,” while Simon Cowell called him a “good old fashioned Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder type of singer” adding: “I think the competition needs someone like you”.

This Saturday’s instalment also sees Cowell attracted to a 48-year-old grandmother.

He tells Louise Heatly, from Preston, who sings Duffy’s hit 'Mercy': “You have a beautiful, beautiful face”.

Heatly says she is hoping to live out her dream of becoming a singer despite being a mother-of-four and grandmother-of-two.

The programme also features Amy Connelly, 18, from Watford, who brings Cheryl Cole to tears after telling the judges that her mother died when she was seven.

A 66-year-old shocks the judges by singing 'Gang Bang' by Black Lace, and then telling older contestants: “Sex, drugs and rock and roll, just go for it.”

This Saturday’s 'X Factor' is broadcast on ITV1 at 7.30pm.