The 21-year-old supermarket worker struggled during all his early auditions to conquer self-doubt and anxiety and it almost cost him a spot in the Final 12.
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However, the singer said today that he was ready to tackle the Saturday night performances head-on and that his confidence had been boosted by mentor Nicole Scherzinger. The American judge warned him that he had to 'man up', and Douglas laughed that he had "grown some balls" for this weekend's show.
"It's just about believing in myself. Everyone was nervous about that performance at Boot Camp. I think if you put Stevie Wonder in that position, he would have cracked," said Douglas.
"To get through to the final stages now, I think the nerves have to go.
"We've been practising 24/7, singing, dancing. It's just constant, every day. We've been doing that for two or three weeks and now I'm ready."
The X Factor 2012: Finalists Carolynne Poole, Kye Sones and Melanie Masson arriving at their new home, The Corinthia Hotel
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Joking about his makeover from the style team, the singer said that he was open to ideas, but ruled out piercings and flashing flesh."You know they are making you look good for TV, so you have to trust them," he said.
"Even if your eyebrows look like Bert and Ernie's.
"What would be too far? Getting my belly button out. Or maybe a nipple ring. I need to be clothed. I don't like the vests where you get your nipple out, you know."
The X Factor Live Shows start on Saturday (October 6) at 8pm on ITV1.
Watch our interview with Tulisa and the X Factor Girls below:
