SINGER Carolynne Poole said she was gutted to have missed out on a place for the live finals of The X Factor.

And believes she might have stood a better chance with another judge as her mentor. But the Birkby singer is not bitter about missing out and says she’s looking forward to the opportunities it brings and possibly entering the show again next year.

Carolynne told the Examiner: “It’s strange for me because I knew before the show even started that I wasn’t going through.

“I’m obviously gutted but I’m happy for those who did go through and I mean that.

“People criticise the show and say it makes a mockery out of people, but it gives people like me a massive opportunity and platform.”

Carolynne sang the country song Need You Know by Lady Antebellum.

She was pipped to a place in the live shows with Louis Walsh picking Sami Brookes, Kitty Brucknell, Jonjo Kerr and Johnny Robinson in the over 25s category.

She added: “In that category there are some real characters and I feel I didn’t let the audience and judges see my character. If I decided to go back next year I’d have to think about whether I can let my guard down.

“Louis wasn’t particularly the best mentor for me, maybe I’d have got through with another.

“He always picks the characters, he creates the entertainment and in truth the show has got to create opinions and the big characters help that.

“It’s a shame for me because it makes it so much more difficult, but it’s great entertainment.”

Carolynne has picked Jonjo, a serving soldier, and Amelia Lily as her favourites for a place in the final.

Carolynne is now focusing on writing her own material and hopes she can make a niche for herself in the UK for new country music.