X Factor 3 Preview - Robert Allen

Robert Allen
Manager – Sharon Osbourne
Odds – 33/1 (Outright), 16/1 (25 & Over Winner)

Robert Allen is 27 years old, from Essex and is a hospital worker. He has one brother and one sister and lives with girlfriend Samia who met at an open mic gig.

Robert was in a gospel group called The Continentals and another group called Citizen K and is something of a showbiz all rounder. He is trained in method acting, has had professional dance training and can play the clarinet to grade 4 level. He can also play the piano and the flute which he taught himself.

Robert doesn't come from a musical background although his aunt and uncle both sing in church. While music was one of his favourite subjects in school he was more interested in drama and attended a Performing Arts College where he completed a BTEC and HND in the discipline.

He cites his musical influences as Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin but describes his musical tastes as eclectic ranging from pop to soul to rock. He admires Mary J Blige and names her single "No More Drama" as one of his favourites. He said: "I'd love to perform with her one day".

He auditioned for the X Factor in London and sang "Angels" by Robbie William's and "Mustang Sally". Simon Cowell was not entirely impressed when he described Robert's performance as a "jack of all trades audition. Quite good at anything but not brilliant at much". However, he put him through to the next round. Louis Walsh was more convinced when he said: "rough diamond, liked the voice, but didn't like the song choice" while Sharon Osbourne completed the verdict with: "you didn't perform first song – but yes".

Robert performed The Beatles classic "Let It Be" on the first day of bootcamp and he impressed the judges. Mark Hudson commented that Robert "wants it so much" and that he didn't come across as cocky or arrogant.

The second day saw Robert sing "Purple Rain" by Prince but he had to begin the song three times and asked the judges to excuse him. Judge Adrian Williams said: "I loved him yesterday, and although he messed up I love his voice. It's a shame". Sharon was frustrated that he messed up but agreed he could hit the notes when he needed to. Mark Hudson was less forgiving and pointed out that "he can't make excuses as at some point he will have to sing and dance at the same time."

Robert's ultimate dream is to be married with a strong family and to own his own house. His dreams could come true should he win the X Factor, but he is up against it at the moment.