'X Factor' Rikki: 'I almost gave up'

X Factor singer Rikki Loney has revealed that he nearly gave up on a music career after missing out in 2008.

The 21-year-old, who made it through to boot camp on Saturday's audition show, admitted that he was "devastated" at being dumped out of the competition by Simon Cowell last year.

"I am so happy to be back and to be in with a chance this time," he told the Daily Star. "I almost gave up on my dream after missing out last year. I was totally devastated to be so close and yet so far and it really knocked me back for a long time.

"I was depressed and shed quite a few tears. The hardest thing was having to pretend I was still in the show even though I'd been kicked out."

He added: "It was about four months before I started to get my life back on track and regained enough confidence to realise this is the only thing I want to do with my life. This time I only decided to audition a week or so before they were held."

Loney, who performed 'These Arms Of Mine' in his audition, also claimed that he wants Cheryl Cole to be his mentor if he makes it through to the Final 12.

> Click here to watch a clip of Rikki's performance on Saturday