'X Factor' Lucie tackles Whitney classic

Welsh singer Lucie Jones performs 'I Will Always Love You' on this week's X Factor.

The 18-year-old, from a small village outside of Cardiff, claims that she wants to win the show so that she can get a "ticket" to a new life. She is also reportedly Cheryl Cole's favourite performer from the Cardiff auditions.

"The X Factor is my ticket out of here," she says. "Out of the little village on top of a hill, with all the sheep. Today is the most important day of my life so far, without exception.

"My village has a couple of hundred people living there, we've got a village hall and a shop, and that's it. I've got the whole village behind me today, they're all rooting for me. I just want to get out, get up there on the big stage."

The judges are surprised by her brave song choice and Simon Cowell asks: "You're sure you want to do that song?"

Jones is an A-Level student, whose vocal coach Louise Ryan taught Charlotte Church.

"Lucie's a lovely kid and whatever kind of singing she puts her hand to she can just do it," Ryan told Wales On Sunday. "She came to me two years ago as a theatre singer but after a bit of extra training, she's proving to be a blooming good pop singer as well. She's very versatile and also sings classical."

The singing hopeful also just won a place at Itala Conti Stage School, where past pupils include Russell Brand, Martin McCutcheon and Emma Bunton.