The ‘W’ Factor a number one hit

Over 40 students have competed in the first round of the ‘W’ Factor, Warwick’s answer to the X Factor.

The event, organised by the Chinese Society, is looking to mirror the success of The One, held last year.

Entries included singers, musicians and a beatboxer, all hoping to taste success and walk away with the £300 grand prize.

The acts were scored based upon their appearance, content, technique and originality by a panel of 5 judges. The panel included members of the Chamber Music, Piano, Tap and Latin and Ballroom Societies who whittled down the entries to 20 acts that will compete in the second round of the competition this Thursday.

Student Union Societies Officer, Lucy Reynolds praised the Chinese Society, saying that cultural societies are sometimes viewed as being a “bit insular,” the ‘W’ Factor was a “great way to open up [the society] to new members” and “celebrate the talent of students at Warwick”.

Michelle Ou, Chinese Society External Relations Officer admitted that while the majority of entrants were members of the Chinese Society, the event had “successfully” managed to attract students from all backgrounds. “I’m pleased that so many students from all backgrounds have taken part and showed their talents,” she said. “We have advertised heavily to try and encourage non-members to compete.”

The second round will allow students to vote for the act they want to win, with the judging panel and the audience having equal say, in a similar fashion to the X Factor.

Simon Assaud, a first year maths student, wowed the audience and judging panel with his beatbox medley. “I’ve been beatboxing for 3 years,” he said, “self-taught, all from the internet.” He responded to calls for an encore with his take on Rahzel’s “If Your Mother Only Knew” to loud applause. “That was awesome,” he told the Boar, “I think it went well.”

Alexey Sitnikov, a second Year Management student said that he was “delighted” to finish second in the first heat with his electric guitar performance of Johann Pachebel’s ‘Canon’. “I only found out about the event yesterday” he said, “so I’m pleased to have got this far, but now the hard work begins.”