BOOKIES favourite Matt Cardle is one step closer to his X Factor dream.
The painter and decorator from Little Maplestead, near Halstead, was last night officially announced as one of the show’s 12 finalists.
Next week he will sing live for the viewing public for the first time.
On Saturday night the 27-year-old was seen singing Beyonce’s If I Were a Boy.
Afterwards mentor Dannii Minogue wondered if she had given him the hardest song to sing. “That was really, really tough,” she admitted.
But Essex singer’s talent shone through and the Australian judge picked him for her final three.
Matt told the EADT he has spent years chasing the dream of becoming a recording artist and has travelled the world playing to packed venues.
He said: “The closer you get to it, the more you want it.”
Matt has so far followed in the footsteps of last years runner-up Olly Murs, of Witham.
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