Olatunji Yearwood has created history for soca after he was selected to be one of the 16 finalists for X Factor UK finals live show on Saturday.
“Have you seen history Tadow! Just made History for Soca on de #xfactor Olatunji Yearwood,” Yearwood wrote on his specially created Facebook page “Ola for X Factor Win” moments after he was chosen by Judge Ayda Field-Williams during the Judges’ House “Overs” segment of the competition.
During Yearwood’s introduction, he assured that he was “going to bring Ola Vibes…Ola energy and sweet spirit to Ayda’s beautiful castle (located in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles).”
As he was walking out to perform before Field-Williams and her guests, X Factor winner Leona Lewis and Grammy Award nominee and American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert, Field-Williams was heard saying on the show yesterday: “This has got to be the best jacket for the day.”
Yearwood, before giving his best shot at this critical elimination stage, was asked by Fields-Williams, “So, Ola besides being fabulous…what else do you have to tell about yourself?”
He proudly replied saying he has been singing calypso, soca and Caribbean music since he was 15.
He then belted out one of his biggest hits “Ola” in a very energetic performance that had the judges and his competitors dancing in their seats.
Yearwood also posted: “I’ll make my family, my country and you Ayda proud! Ola is through give thanks for live shows baby!”
In yesterday’s metro.co.uk publication, they anticipated Yearwood bringing a fun and party atmosphere to the stage on Saturday.
“Ola is already a huge star in his native Trinidad and Tobago, but global fame now beckons after he made it all the way to the live shows. We’re expecting him to bring the fun and party atmosphere to that stage come Saturday night.”
One of Yearwood’s close friends, cricket star Dwayne Bravo described Yearwood moving on as a special moment.
“I’m very happy for him. He’s one of the most talented artistes and now the world can see his God-given talent.
“We as a people need to support each other more and don’t wait until it’s a special moment…having said that…All the best in the finals my friend,” Bravo told the T&T Guardian.
Soca artiste Ian “Bunji Garlin” Alvarez also took the time to congratulate Yearwood.
“He knows what he’s doing. We (himself along with his wife, Fay Ann) want to congratulate him on his journey. It’s his journey and he should do everything to make the most of it.”
Yearwood’s official designer, Ecliff Elie Limited, expressed pride in assisting Yearwood throughout the competition with the stunning, vibrant-coloured and unique suits. In passing the six-chair challenge, the designer, on his Facebook page, stated: “We are proud to be able to assist with the dream of one of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural ambassadors. We tip our hat to @olatunjimusic who made it through the 6 chair challenge in X-Factor (@thexfactor ). We anticipate what lies ahead. #ecliffelie”
The X Factor live shows start on Saturday at 8.35 pm.