Teary Mary missing home
It had not been a good week for the 50-year-old singer from Dublin who admitted she was feeling homesick and was missing her daughter, Debbie.
But, despite her shaky start to the song that became famous after it was included on the soundtrack for the 2001 American war film, Pearl Harbour, Mary still got a huge round of applause from the audience and she survived being in the bottom two.
The Irish supermarket worker, one of the final 10 competitors, admitted that X Factor was leaving her homesick as she struggles to cope with the pressure.
Simon Cowell was the only judge besides Louis Walsh to give positive comments.
Danni Minogue said it seemed to her that Mary did not appear to be “inside” the song and that she wanted to see her getting her strength back for future performances..
“People love you and you give everyone strength, the only one that can win this for you is you and the only one that can get in your way is you,” she said.
Cheryl Cole said Mary seemed to be very emotional and not herself. She hoped she could be still in the competition next weekend.
And it was simple praise from Simon Cowell. “I thought you sang it pretty well, Mary,” he said.
Louis Walsh reminded Mary that she was the people’s champion. “You are a real person, with real talent and you’re living your dream.”
Close to tears, Mary told presenter Dermot O’Leary that she had an awful week.
“I don’t know. I haven’t been in the zone at all this week. I’m quite low and lonely for my daughter. I’m very nervous tonight and I don’t know why.”
Debbie has not seen her mother for a month since she entered the whirlwind of rehearsals and live shows in the X Factor. However, she is planning to travel to Britain next weekend.
“It will be great to see her again even though we talk on the phone every morning and night,” Debbie said at the weekend.
People who commented online on Mary’s performance were mixed in their views but most agreed that she had picked a tough song.
One person wrote the song choice was awful and that Louis Walsh, as her mentor, needed to start being more serious about Mary and help build her confidence.
“I think Mary could have a place in the final if she does better in the next few weeks. She should sing more upbeat songs. She has my vote,” he wrote.
Mary has also got a vote of confidence from Scottish singing sensation, Susan Boyle.
“Mary’s a wonderful lady. I struggled in the same way. It’s difficult. But Mary, you keep going,” said Susan.
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