VIDEO: Does PYT have the X Factor?
Oxford’s girl band PYT will find out their X Factor fate this Sunday.
The five-piece group watched the first wave of talent show contestants make it through to the judges’ houses stage of the competition last night.
They are still waiting to discover if they have made the cut themselves.
Three of PYT are from Oxfordshire and two are from London.
On Friday the Oxfordshire Guardian caught up with the local contingent of the band at King Alfred’s Academy in Wantage to find out about boot camp and their new-found fame.
Ebony Cantwell, 17, from Wantage, Amy Nash, 18, from Jericho, and Renetta Eagle, 20, from Headington, are in the mix to fight for the title of X Factor winner.
Amy, a student at City of Oxford College, said: “The first time we met was four months ago and we just gelled really quickly and we’re all just a weird bunch of girls.”
PYT – which stands for Pretty Young Thing – were put together by their managers in a bid to become a strong entry for the ITV talent show title.
Renetta said: “I think we can go all the way. The talent this year is just amazing.
“The group category is probably the strongest it’s ever been but at the same time it pushes us to work even harder.”
She added: “Our first audition for X Factor was a week after we actually came together. It was one of our band member’s first ever performances. It was her first time holding a mic.”
And PYT have already had to deal with some strange social media messages – including a Twitter follower asking who has the best feet.
But King Alfred’s Academy student Ebony explained being in a group feels far better than going it solo.
She said: “It’s pressure because you want to do well for yourself, the judges and everyone.
“It’s a lot easier than it would be if we were doing it on our own.
“At the audition all our families were there and they were really supportive.”
Amy added: “My mum still doesn’t think its real.
“I used to think I was Annie from the musical and I used to sing her songs.”
PYT will find out on The X Factor’s ITV show at 7pm if they have made it through.
The three Oxfordshire members of girl band PYT (from left) Renetta Eagle, Amy Nash and Ebony Cantwell
OXFORDSHIRE GUARDIAN NEWS: DOES PYT HAVE THE X FACTOR? from Mi-Turn Pictures on Vimeo.